Surfing as we know it today spread in the Canary Islands at the end of the 60s of the 20th century. Due to the geographical peculiarities of the islands, there has always been an important connection with the sea, not only for subsistence, but also for leisure. Already, in some places on the islands, people ‘played in the waves’ with the use of old pieces of wood (called Panas) from the hulls of old or disused fishing boats.
Documented surfing practices, even in its initial phase, are, among others, that of the famous British writer Agatha Christie, who spent long periods of time in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria from 1927 onwards, and which is mentioned in her biography.
The first record of the continuous practice of surfing as such in the Canary Islands dates back to 1963 by the legendary Australian surfer Peter Troy, during his tour of the islands, on the beach of Las Canteras, his rides at La Cícer had an impact on a whole generation.
Amongst the locals, Ulises Betancor is the first boogie boarder in Confital. He started in the 70s with his first chest boards (panas), the precursors of bodyboards. His workshop became a meeting point for the pioneers.
Today, there are practically more than 20,000 surfers and bodyboarders, including residents and visitors, who ride the waves of Las Canteras beach and the famous left wave tube of El Confital beach, both within the Confital Bay, a special marine conservation area since 2013, integrated in the European nature network.
Open to the sea on both sides, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria is an ideal platform for surfing. Local surfers and surfers from all over the world who come to the island highlight the strength and quality of the waves that can be caught both in the bay of El Confital and in La Cícer, with heights of up to four and five metres.
The main surfing areas in the municipality are concentrated around Las Canteras and El Confital, although the waves at Lloret, very close to the Auditorium, are also very popular.
The beginners' area for surfers is located in La Cicer, the only area of Las Canteras that is not sheltered by La Barra. The open sea beats this shore and the surfers appreciate it by riding some of the most spectacular waves. Although some surfers like to catch the waves behind La Barra, the more experienced
prefer those of the bay of El Confital and, above all, those of the Punta de Las Monjas, whose waves are internationally renowned.
A whole infrastructure of shops and schools has developed around the world of surfing, the epicentre of which is the neighbourhood of Guanarteme, the closest to La Cícer on the beach of Las Canteras, where you can breathe the surfing air at every corner.
Along the beach of Las Canteras you can practise all the activities related to water sliding, such as surfing, bodyboarding, paddle surfing, etc. As for paddle surfing, it can be done both inside the beach and outside La Barra, depending on the sea conditions.
In the south of the city you can also catch waves. And if not, just ask those who dare to take on the waves at San Cristóbal or La Laja beaches, where the Atlantic Ocean beats its waves with all its fury. In these areas, the local surfers are the ones who usually glide along, making magical movements that delight those who, from the shore, are entertained by watching their pirouettes on the water.