La Izquierda
La Izquierda is the Canary Islands' high-performance showcase—a fast, hollow left breaking over volcanic reef right in the heart of Playa de las Américas' tourist zone. The wave is an improbable gift, offering world-class barrels within walking distance of package-holiday hotels and beach bars. When a winter swell lights up this coast, La Izquierda transforms from dormant reef to machine-like perfection, though the shallow volcanic bottom punishes mistakes severely. The contrast between holiday resort normalcy and serious reef break intensity makes this one of Europe's most surreal surf experiences.
La Izquierda surf forecast
Model forecast for swell, wind and tide.
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- SW (225°)
- Direction range
- 180° - 270°
- Size range
- 0.8m - 2.5m
- Ideal size
- 1.6m - 2.1m
- Height multiplier
- 1.00×
- Ideal period
- 14s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- NW (315°)
- Offshore range
- 270° - 360°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- mid
- Optimal range
- 0.4m - 1.4m
- Danger below
- 0.2m
Water temp
21°C
Wetsuit
Springsuit / 2mm
Difficulty
7/10
Crowd level
7/10
Access: 15min from Tenerife South airport. Center of tourist town.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of wave is La Izquierda?
La Izquierda is a reef break in Playa de las Americas, Spain, that mostly breaks left.
What swell works best at La Izquierda?
La Izquierda picks up swell from the S round to the W, and it's best when it's coming straight out of the SW. It starts working at around 0.8m and handles up to about 2.5m, with the sweet spot around 1.6 to 2.1m. Period matters too: aim for 14s or longer, as anything under 10s tends to be weak. These are the numbers our scoring uses, so treat them as a guide rather than a promise.
What wind is offshore at La Izquierda?
A NW wind is dead offshore at La Izquierda, and anything from the W round to the N keeps it clean. The morning is typically the best window, roughly 7am to 11am. Light winds from other directions can still be fine; strong offshores can make it hard to get into waves.
What tide is best at La Izquierda?
La Izquierda is at its best around mid tide, roughly 0.4m to 1.4m on the local chart. Below 0.2m it gets dangerously shallow.
When is the best time of year to surf La Izquierda?
The most reliable run of swell at La Izquierda comes Oct to Feb. There's a second window in Mar to May and Sep too. Best October-February. Needs SW-W swell.
How cold is the water at La Izquierda?
The water at La Izquierda averages around 21°C, so you'll want a springsuit or 2mm. It shifts a few degrees through the year, so check the season before you pack.
Is La Izquierda good for beginners?
Not really. It's rated 7/10 for difficulty and suits experienced surfers. It gets busy (crowd 7/10), so mind the pecking order. Sharp volcanic rocks. Very shallow. Know your exit. Crowded.
How do I get to La Izquierda?
The nearest airport on our list is TFS, then it's roughly a 15-minute drive. 15min from Tenerife South airport. Center of tourist town.
What other surf spots are near La Izquierda?
Fun fact: it's the most southerly break we track in Spain.
Best Season
Peak: Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb
Secondary: Mar, Apr, May, Sep
Best October-February. Needs SW-W swell.