📍 Santa Lucía de Tirajana, Gran Canaria
📍 Santa Lucía de Tirajana, Gran Canaria
The trade winds blow steadily from the north-east, in a side-onshore direction, with intensities frequently ranging between 25 and 40 knots. From 20-22 knots you can already sail.
See destinations arrow_forward
Pozo Izquierdo is the historic home of the PWA World Cup, the Gran Canaria Wind & Waves Festival, one of the most iconic events in world wave windsurfing.
See destinations arrow_forward
Strong wind, right-hand waves of 1 to 3 metres and a rocky bottom make Pozo a demanding spot. Wear boots, respect the flags and sail within your limits.
Safety arrow_forwardThe trade winds blow steadily, predominantly from the north-east and in a side-onshore direction, with intensity frequently ranging between 25 and 40 knots. From 20 to 22 knots you can already sail, and wind strength picks up noticeably in summer. The swell brings long-period waves that break right, with heights of 1 to 3 metres.
Water temperature sits around 22°C, ranging from 19.5°C to 24.1°C across the year. The standard in Gran Canaria is a 3/2 mm wetsuit; for cooler days or a stronger wind chill, a 4/3 mm can be a better choice. Boots are recommended for the rocky bottom in some areas. It's a demanding, advanced-level spot, especially on days of strong wind and swell.
This is the main beach and best-known zone, where the schools cluster and the PWA World Cup heats take place. It's the heart of Pozo Izquierdo and the reference point for almost any session, with the atmosphere and energy of competitive windsurfing.
View on Google Maps open_in_newThe shore and the area around the bunker are common reference points for orienting yourself in the water, as seen on the local webcams. They help you get your bearings in the bay and read the conditions before heading out to sail.
View on Google Maps open_in_newOffers windsurfing and wing foiling lessons and equipment hire, with the latest gear. It also has its own webcam and weather station, very handy for checking conditions before heading down to the water, plus accommodation options in the area.
Another school offering windsurfing and wing foiling courses, with hire options and a proshop. As with any spot, it's a good sign if the school has instructors certified and recognised by the sailing federations.
In an emergency, dial 112 (Spain's emergency number) or use VHF channel 16 to reach Salvamento Marítimo, Spain's official search and rescue service. The Spanish Red Cross helps with beach safety through lifeguards and rescue teams.
Spanish beaches use a flag system to indicate sea conditions: green (bathing permitted), yellow (caution), red (bathing prohibited) and purple (presence of jellyfish or pollution). Given how demanding Pozo can be, always check conditions before entering the water.
The Real Federación Española de Vela (RFEV) regulates sailing sports, including windsurfing and wing foiling, and provides information on safety regulations. The Federación Canaria de Vela manages and promotes these sports across the islands, including instructor certification and event organisation.
Pozo Izquierdo is a small, desert-like spot in south-east Gran Canaria, within Santa Lucía de Tirajana, devoted to wind sports. The schools offer accommodation and surfcamps, and much of local life revolves around the water. Don't expect a big tourist hub: here, the wind calls the shots.
A few minutes away is Vecindario, with more shops, services and accommodation, and the rest of southern Gran Canaria within reach for the calmer days. The island offers beaches, mountains and villages well worth exploring whenever the wind takes a break.
The nearest airport is Gran Canaria Airport (LPA), around 15 to 20 km from Pozo Izquierdo, with connections from mainland Spain and across Europe. It's a very convenient access point for travelling with your gear.
From the airport it's an easy drive via the GC-1 motorway, taking the Vecindario-Pozo Izquierdo exit. Hiring a car is the most recommended option for transporting your gear comfortably and getting around the island.
Public transport options run as far as Vecindario, from where you can reach Pozo Izquierdo by taxi or local bus. That said, for sailing with your own gear, having a car remains the most practical option.
Although you can sail all year round, the summer months, from May to September, offer the strongest and most consistent wind conditions, with trade winds frequently ranging between 25 and 40 knots. This is when Pozo shows its most demanding side, and when the PWA World Cup takes place. Get ready to reach for small sails, 3.4 to 4.2 m² in windsurfing.
Outside summer, wind and swell conditions remain very consistent, allowing you to sail at almost any time of year. Water temperature stays mild, around 22°C, so a 3/2 mm wetsuit (or a 4/3 mm on cooler days) will keep you comfortable. It remains a spot for experienced riders, all the same.
No. Pozo Izquierdo is an advanced-level spot due to its strong winds and swell. Prior windsurfing or wing foiling experience is recommended before sailing here.
You can sail all year round, but the summer months, from May to September, offer the strongest and most consistent wind conditions, with trade winds frequently ranging between 25 and 40 knots.
In strong winds, small sails of 3.4 to 4.2 m² are typically used for windsurfing. For wing foiling, the wing and board depend on your level and the day's conditions. A 3/2 mm wetsuit and boots are recommended due to the rocky bottom.
Yes, it's strongly recommended to wear boots to protect your feet from the rocky beach bottom, especially at high tide. Discover more spots in our destination directory.