Guide to Surfing Playa del Hombre: A Gran Canaria Surf Scene

Introduction to Surfing Playa del Hombre

Puerto del Carmen is not Lanzarote’s most obvious surf destination, but it deserves more credit than it typically receives. Sitting on the island’s southeast coast, sheltered from the full force of the North Atlantic, the surf here is gentler, more accessible and far more forgiving than the exposed breaks of Famara and the northwest. Surf schools, like Waya Surf, are well established, the water is warm year-round, and the conditions on the right day offer genuinely enjoyable waves for those early in their surfing journey.

A shredder from Waya Surf having the time of their life and enjoying their surf lesson in Playa del Hombre.

Best Season to Surf Playa del Hombre

• Winter Season – November to March: Beginner-Intermediate Recommendation. Playa del Hombre’s most compelling surf season and the period that puts this quiet village on the radar of travelling surfers. Sitting on Gran Canaria’s northeast coast, the beach faces directly into the North Atlantic swell window and picks up winter groundswells with impressive consistency. The waves wrap around the coastline making the waves not to large. Alongside glassy conditions make it perfect.
• Summer Season – June to August: Swell energy drops during the summer months as the North Atlantic quietens, but Playa del Hombre does not go flat. The trade winds that define the Canarian summer generate regular wind swell from the northeast, keeping the beach break active and fun. Conditions are more modest in size, making these months well suited to improvers and intermediate surfers looking to improve. Although wind choppy conditions do consistently occur.
• Shoulder Season – March to May / September to November: The most balanced and rewarding time to surf Playa del Hombre. Autumn stands out in particular, as the North Atlantic swell season begins to build in earnest from September and the summer crowds are nowhere to be found. Spring follows a similar pattern with reliable surf, warm water and a coastline that feels genuinely off the beaten track despite being a short drive from Las Palmas.

Some surfers preparing to enter the water with Waya Surf.

Surf Spots and Beaches in Playa del Hombre

Playa del Hombre Beachbreak

Main beachbreak offers quality sections while easy paddle-outs suit all-day sessions. Local favorite hosting junior comps ensures consistent quality with moderate crowds. The formation of the beach, and rock walls, form good sandbars for the waves to break.

Just a good little cam of some of the waves that you can expect to find in Playa del Hombre during the summer season.

Recommended Surf Schools and Camp

Waya Surf

Waya Surf is a boutique surf school based at Playa del Hombre in Telde, Gran Canaria, founded and led by certified instructor Víctor Bueno Ureña. The name says it all, waya means “path” in Swahili, and the school is built around the idea that surfing is not just a lesson but a lifelong journey.

With over 15 years of international experience, Víctor brings a level of knowledge and genuine passion for teaching that sets Waya apart from larger, more anonymous surf operations on the island. With great reviews, were more than happy to recommend Waya Surf for your sessions and experiences while in Playa del Hombre.

Waya Surf founder and owner, Víctor Bueno Ureña, posing for a lovely session on the beach.

Other Things to Do in Playa del Hombre

• Salinetas pools: Natural seawater pools connected by coastal path.
• Melenara beach: Nearby resort beach with chiringuitos 10min walk.
• Las Palmas: Capital city nightlife and markets 20min drive.
• East coast hikes: Cliff paths with ocean viewpoints.
• Canarian cuisine: Fresh papas arrugadas + mojo beachfront.

Conclusion on Surfing Playa del Hombre

Playa del Hombre is one of those surf spots that feels like a find even when you already know it is there. Tucked on Gran Canaria’s northeast coast just beyond the outskirts of Las Palmas, it sits at the opposite end of the island’s identity from the resort towns of Maspalomas and Playa del Inglés, which is quieter and oriented around the ocean rather than the tourist trade. The beach itself is dark and volcanic, the village small and unpretentious, and the waves, on their day, are among the best that the Canary Islands have to offer.

Playa del Hombre acts as a complete surf base in the archipelago. For surfers who want quality waves without the crowds, an authentic local atmosphere and the full warmth of the Canarian climate, Playa del Hombre is very difficult to look past as the session awaits you.

Someone walking out to the beautiful Playa del Hombre ocean..into the deep abyss. Photo provided by Waya Surf.

FAQ: Surf Travel to Playa del Hombre

Skill level suitable?

Strong beginner to intermediate beachbreak; confident on 4ft faces.

Best conditions?

N/NE 3-6ft, SE offshore, mid tide optimal peak formation.

Wetsuit requirements?

3/2mm springsuit year-round; water 19-24°C.

Crowd factor?

Local crews + junior comps; respect rotation.

Airport access?

Gran Canaria Airport (LPA) 20min; excellent east coast hub.

Are there other locations to do a Surf Camp or take a lesson in the Canary Islands?

Check out our Surfing in the Canary Islands Travel Guide if you’re interested in checking out other surfing locations.