Surfing El Confital: The Complete Guide

El Confital is a reef break located in Gran Canaria, Spain, offering a right-hander along the continent's diverse coastline. El Confital is one of the best waves in the Canary Islands and has hosted numerous WSL events. Rated as expert-level difficulty with crowded conditions, this reef break is a worthy destination for surfers looking beyond the usual suspects.

Best Conditions

Swell Direction: The ideal swell direction is NNW (330°), with workable conditions from WNW to N (300°–360°). Swells outside this window will either miss the break or produce disorganized waves.

Swell Size: El Confital needs a minimum of 1.2m / 4ft to start working and handles swells up to 4m / 13ft before conditions deteriorate. When it maxes out, expect powerful, heavy-water conditions.

Swell Period: Look for a swell period of at least 12 seconds, with 16 seconds being the sweet spot. Longer periods deliver more organized, powerful waves with better shape.

Wind: True offshore here blows from the S (180°). The full offshore range spans SE to SW (135°–225°). Glassy conditions under 4km/h from any direction also produce excellent surf. Plan for early morning dawn patrol sessions.

Tide: This spot works best at mid to high tide. Optimal tide range is 0.5m–2m.

When to Go

Primary Season: The prime window at El Confital runs October, November, December, January, February, March (Oct–Mar). This is when swell consistency and direction align most reliably with the break.

Season Notes: Heavy reef break. Pro-level when big. WSL event venue.

Water Temperature: Expect water temperatures around 20°C / 68°F. A shorty or spring suit is recommended for longer sessions.

Getting There

The nearest airport is LPA, just a quick 15-minute drive from the break.

Access: Near Las Palmas. Protected bay near La Isleta.

Hazards & Tips

Known Hazards:

🪸 Sharp reef — Shallow reef, booties recommended
👥 Crowded — Gets very crowded
👊 Localism — Heavy local enforcement

Heavy reef. Strong local crew.

Safety Tips:

Wear reef booties to protect your feet from sharp coral and rock
Respect the lineup, wait your turn, and be friendly. A little humility goes a long way
Surf early mornings or off-peak days to avoid the worst of the crowds

Skill Level: This spot is rated expert-level (9/10). Crowd Level: Typically crowded (7/10).

Check the Live Forecast

Planning a session at El Confital? Check the live forecast on Strike Mission to see today's conditions and the 10-day outlook. Our Strike Score algorithm rates this spot from 0 to 100 every day, factoring in swell direction, size, period, wind, and tide — so you know exactly when to paddle out.

Don't leave your next surf trip to chance. Let the data tell you when El Confital is firing.

*Conditions data sourced from Strike Mission's verified spot database.*