Kitesurfers can go out in winds as low as 14 knots and make it out over large waves. Huge jumps of over ten metres in the air are possible plus many other maneouvres. There is also a surf style of kite surfing where the board is a shrunk down surf board with (or without) foot straps. Usually people take a smaller sized kite and do amazing surf moves on the wave. Once the wave is over there is no need to paddle back out, you just let the kite do the work and wait for the next set of waves to surf back in again. When going back out if the wave is too big you just make an easy jump over it.

Kitesurf equipment

To kitesurf you will need a special kite surf kite, kite lines, a board and a harness. Along with this you will need a pump and maybe a wet suit. Modern kitesurf kites have the leading edge and the struts reinforced to give the kite extra rigidity in the air. This also allows the kite to float if it lands in the sea. To set up you need to first pump up the kite, then connect the lines. That is about it. Normally it will take around ten minutes to set up your equipment and be ready to go kite surfing.

How kitesurfing works

The basic principles are simple. A big kite catches the power of the wind. This kite is attached to you via your harness. You stand on the kiteboard and kite pulls you over the surface of the sea. Those are the basics but if you want to go up wind a pull some big jumps or other tricks then it gets a little more complicated.

The kite size is around 10 metres squared for a person of average weight in a 20 km/h wind. Now if you fly a kite this big through the most powerful part of the wind there will be too much power. This is because the kite is designed to pull you when it is over to the left and right hand sides of its travel. Normally about a 70 degree angle to the left of right of the wind if the wind is coming straight at your back. So now if you are just pulled in a straight line in the direction of your kite you will be going do wind but only a little. To actually go up wind you will need to use your kite board like a dagger board on a yacht. To do this you just lean back on the board in the way it was designed to be used. By moving your weight further towards the rear you will go further upwind. If you over do this you will stop though. So there is a balance to be achieved for speed and how far upwind you want to tack.

To make life easier kite surf kites have a few clever functions. The inflatable struts and leading edge allow the kite to fly faster and more into wind. Another major design issue is that the kites are controlled by four lines. Two lines come from the front and are connected to your harness. The rear two lines are connected to the control bar. The bar allows the kite to be steered, pulling on the left side of the bar turns the kite left and vice versa. The really clever bit is achieved by pulling the bar towards you or away from you, towards you slows the kite down and gives it more power, away can decrease the power in the kite almost to zero. This kite power reduction system has made the entire sport much safer, if you are losing control or being overpowered just let go and all will be well.

Kite surf destinations in Europe

The basic conditions for kite surfing are a beach with a cross onshore wind. If the weather is warm, the surroundings beautiful and the wind dependable so much the better. If you like kitesurfing with waves then a beach facing a large ocean with a steep continental shelf will bring in more waves. If you live in Europe then the Canary Islands are one of the best bets. For kite surfers that like waves then one beach stands head and shoulders above the rest, this place is called Famara beach in Lanzarote. In summer the trade winds start to blow, these bring a reliable cross onshore wind to kitesurf in Famara. The wind tied in with a warm climate and waves makes this a great destinations for both experienced and new kite surf enthusiasts. The beach is over five kilometers long. Behind the beach as some very impressive cliffs rising up over 600 metres above the cliffs. In winter time many hang glider and paraglider pilots make the journey to Lanzarote to fly along these amazing cliffs all the way from Teguise to the northern tip of the island.

Rental accommodation in Famara

When you get to Famara for your kite surf holiday you will need to find somewhere to stay. In the area you have to main options. The cheaper option of an apartment for rent in Famara, this is in the actual town where all the shops and restaurants are. The other option is to rent a Famara bungalow to rent. The Famara bungalows are about one kilometer outside of the town and are set on the side of a shallow hill in front of the cliffs. They all have amazing views of the beach and face west so sunsets can be an impressive time of day. The bungalows are all a semi circular shape with full glass fronts and large terraces. If you can afford it they are definitely the option to go for.

Kite surf courses in Famara

If you are new to kite surfing or want to improve your technique then there is always the option of going on a kitesurf course in Famara. There are a good selection of kitesurf shops in Famara town that have all the equipment and know how to teach you all you need. Most of the shops have lessons designed to suit everybody’s ability level. The very best way to get into kite surfing is by being taught. The sport is very safe when all the safety aspects are explained but conversely could be very dangerous. The kites can pull with a lot of power so correct handling and understanding is important. On the whole kitesurfing is known to be a lot easier to learn than windsurfing with a much faster learning curve.

Famara beach is perhaps best known for its great kitesurfing and surfing conditions.

Kitesurfing in Famara

During the summer months the trade winds start. These winds blow across Lanzarote in a Northerly direction. On Famara beach the trade winds blow in a cross on shore direction which is perfect for kitesurfer. The average wind speed is around 25 kilometers per hour, this is normally good for a 10 meter sized kite.

The five kilometer long beach has plenty of room for both experienced kiters and those learning the sport.

Many people come on holiday in Famara and see kitesurfing for the first time. A sport where large kites pull people across the sea on boards very similar to wake boards. The power of these kites can also pull the kiter high into the air or allow them to change directions quickly and surf the waves. To newcomers kitesurfing can be a very impressive sport and attract them to get involved.

The advanced kites used in kitesurfing are controlled via four lines. The four line assembly allows the kites to not only be turned left and right but also by pushing the control bar out the power in the kite is reduced, pulling increases the power. This extra level of control makes the sport far safer especially in gusty conditions. If the bar is allowed to go all the way out almost all the wind power is lost from the kite and its pulling power is reduced to nothing.

Visitors to Famara looking to learn how to kitesurf can do so by visiting the surf and kitesurf school in Lanzarote.

The kitesurf lessons are designed for all levels of kitesurfer. Zoo Park surf and kitesurf shop in Famara will supply all of the equipment and instruction you need to get you going. Modern instruction techniques make the sport very easy and safe to learn. Your instructor can stay in continuous contact with the student via waterproof walkie talkies, giving tips all the while.

Surfing in Famara

Famara is a Westerly facing sand bottomed beach picking up waves from storms originating far out to sea almost anywhere in the Atlantic Ocean. Waves break on the beach almost every day of the year. Winter has bigger storms out to sea and therefore larger waves hit the Lanzarote coast and Famara beach. Winter also has lighter winds which makes for a better shaped wave and the wave will peel more evenly allowing for longer rides.

If you would like some surf lessons in Famara then Zoo Park can offer you this service. They also have a surf board hire service from as little as 9 euros per day.

Famara beach and sports

Famara beach is probably best suited to the sports of kitesurfing and surfing due to the prevailing summer winds for kitesurfing and the winter swells for surfing. Newcomers to either of these sports can find lessons and courses to suit all levels. All the equipment comes with these courses with full and expert instruction.

Other sports that are popular in and around Famara are body boarding, hang gliding, paragliding, mountain biking, cycling, running, walking, and more.

If you are looking for a relaxed atmosphere and great year around dependably warm climate then Famara is a destination well worth considering. If still keeps its own identity as tourism is not overpowering. There is plenty of well priced accommodation in Famara plus a good selection of bars and restaurants.

Zoo Park Famara is the name of the shop. You will find it easily as it is the first surf shop on the left as you enter Famara village.

Zoo Park are fully stocked with all the surf and kitesurf equipment you will need. There is a good selection of kites, kiteboards, surfboards, clothes and associated accessories.

If you are visiting for a surfing or kitesurfing holiday then there is also a full range of equipment to rent including a Famara surf board rental facility. Now there is no need to lug all of that potential excess baggage through airports and customs checks. Just pack a normal case of clothes and let us take care of the rest.

Anybody visiting Famara for the first time stands a good chance of being impressed by all the waterspouts carried out in the area. Surfing and kitesurfing are two very enjoyable sports both to watch and participate in. If your imagination becomes captured then Zoo Park can offer you surf lessons in Famara and kitesurfing courses.

Want to learn how to Kitesurf?

No problem, Zoo Park have an experienced team of instructors to get you up and riding in no time at all.

Famara beach is a very good place for you to learn to kitesurf. The five kilometers of beach offer ample space for all. Most days have a steady Northerly wind which is a perfectly orientated cross onshore wind in which to learn. There are very few better places for beginners to the sport to embark upon kitesurf courses in Famara. Unlike other parts of the world Famara is not overrun by the sport. The local atmosphere is an amicable one and there is plenty of space to relax and concentrate on your new passion.

Famara is thought of by many as a magical place with a strong and positive energy. Set at the foot of the giant ‘El Risco’ cliff the huge beach of Famara curves into the distance. All along the beach you will see the amazing gyrations of learning and skilled practitioners of sports that only need to harness the natural energy of nature for participation. Surfers balance fluidly on and in moving crystal sculptures. Waves whose energy was transferred from stormy winds thousands of miles away into moving walls of water. Kitesurfers who harness the local winds by controlling huge inflatable kites which act as tow boats pulling across the surface of the water and sometimes high into the air.

A casual walk along the golden sand of Famara’s beach leave many a passer by open mouthed and in awe of what these amazing athletes make possible in, under and above this constantly changing seascape.

Few places in the world have so many amazing facets of nature colliding into such a beautiful myriad of movement and harmony. The rugged beauty that Famara has to offer really is a special thing that visitors cannot help but to cherish and be drawn to.

Famara’s popularity is hardly surprising once you get to know the place. It has everything a surfer, budding surfer or tourist on the hunt for wild nature, could ever want.

Visiting surfer and surf enthusiasts really are spoilt by the quality and selection of great surf spots. From rank beginners to world class wave warrior Lanzarote has more than enough to keep everyone happy. The main places to find Famara surf are the sand bottomed beach of Famara and the reef bottomed San Juan. The beach is the perfect place to learn to surf. In town you have at least four surf schools to chose from. All the schools are happy to hire equipment and give lessons to suit your level and needs. San Juan is for advanced experienced surfers only.

The town of Famara

The town is relatively unaffected by the ravages of tourism and still very much has all the qualities of a small and rambling fishing village. There are a few local shops, bars, restaurants and shops to cater for all your surf and kite surfing needs. Only a few roads are even tarmaced, many are still just dirt.

Accommodation in Famara

There are plenty of apartments to rent in Famara. The main areas to stay in are the town or set 500 metres away on the west facing lower slopes of the main cliffs are the Famara Bungalows. The luxury accommodation option is considered a Famara rental bungalow. Although slightly more expensive, but not always, the bungalows have so much more to offer than the apartments to rent in the town or Caleta de Famara. Have a look around and see what option you prefer.

Surf breaks in Famara in detail:

Famara beach:-

The best known and most popular place to surf in Famara is the beach. Seven kilometres of golden sand with the awesome back drop of the huge vertical cliffs of El Risco. The waves on Famara beach and sand bottomed and therefore break more gently than reefs but cannot hold as much size. The beach is a great place to learn to surf. There is a good selection of quality surf schools in the town of Famara for you to chose from. You can surf anywhere along the full length of the beach. Most of the surf schools take their students to the nearest spot to the town possible to surf, however once you become a little more advanced and can go off surfing on your own you will find a higher quality of wave further along the beach. Because the beach is sand bottomed the exact place the best surfable waves can be found changes, but normally they are found where the track that starts up behind the bungalows goes down and meets the beach. There is a flag pole to mark the spot. This is where the locals normally congregate and surf. Best waves are found either side of high tide.

San Juan: This is a hard breaking, reef bottomed wave for surfers that have a lot of experience. The wave itself breaks left. The take off is steep and fast, about half way along there is a section which often forms into a very nice and deep tube section. You paddle out from the beach to the peak in deep water and arrive at the take off spot with dry hair. The wave breaks best before and after low tide. On low tide the wave can be a little too steep on the take off. At high tide there is too much water and wave become mushy and weak. On a good day with a solid ground swell and off shore winds San Juan is one of the best waves anywhere. The level and skill of the local surfers is testament to this. Before taking to the water take a few minutes to watch from the beach what is going on in the water. At certain times of day it can get very competitive in the water with the best surfers fighting for the best waves. If you are new to the area it might be advisable to take your time and wait for the crowds to calm down a bit.

Surf Famara summary

Famara is a beautiful, natural and relaxing place for anyone to have a holiday. The surf is very consistent all year round for beginners wanting lessons. The best and most consistent waves are to be found in winter time. This is the time of year when storms form out to sea to the North West of Lanzarote and send over large clean surf. Local conditions on the west side of Lanzarote are of much lighter winds with clearer and sunnier weather, perfect for the surf.

Many holiday makers visiting the island of Lanzarote have only one magical place they head straight for, that place is Famara. Even on a world wide scale a holiday in Famara can rival most any other location. Beautiful, wild and dramatic are the words that probably sum up Famara the best. A 700 metre vertical cliff back drop round out into a 4 kilometre long golden sand beach which in turn leads onto the sea with its year round surf and kitesurf conditions.

Staying in Famara

A self catering holiday in Famara is the one and only most popular choice for visitors to the area. There are two areas to find your accommodation, that of the town of Famara (Caleta de Famara) or the Famara bungalows.

Famara town is a small and sleepy relaxed fishing village with a fine sprinkling of restaurants, shops, bars, surf and kitesurf shops with rental and training courses.

Famara bungalows

The Famara bungalows are located a few hundred metres from the Famara town on the slopes leading to the beach. Each bungalow is on its own 1000 metre plot, each bungalow has a full glass frontage, large terrace and amazing sea and sunset views. If not your first then certainly your second visit to the area will be in a Famara bungalow.

Famara Surf

The surf along the beach is varied as is the access to the beach. At the very beginning of the beach nearest to the local town of Caleta de Famara are several surf shops where you can buy or hire all the equipment necessary for a great time surfing the waves on the beach or other nearby reefs. From the beginning called ‘El Codo’ (the elbow) you will find differing quality of waves right to the very end called Papalios which is accessible via a track. Normally the Famara surf is smaller at either end of the beach and bigger and more powerful towards the middle. The most popular area for experienced surfers is at the bottom of the track that starts up behind the Famara Bungalows.

Learning to Surf at Famara beach

There are several surf schools that will be more than happy to teach you how to surf. You will see them on the beach or easily find their offices in the town of Famara. The surf schools will supply all equipment and instruction necessary to get you up and running on your own.

Famara beach is a great family destination and a favourite for many people that find themselves returning year after year to enjoy all that the beach and surrounding areas have to offer.