Bahia Feliz, Gran Canaria » spot info

The Spot on Gran Canaria
Gran Canaria is in the happy position to be pampered by wind all year long and is definitely the Canary island with the highest wind guarantee. During winter the bay of Bahia Feliz offers great wind conditions. Inside the bay, with its flat water, conditions are suitable for practising beach- and waterstart or gybing. The centre and the water are only separated by a narrow sandy/shingle beach. During low tide the water in front of the centre is relatively shallow, during high tide you may find choppy waves and a slightly higher shorebreak. A tide table is shown in the centre. Further out, wave novices will find a swell with waves that are just right for jumping. But not only experienced surfers will enjoy this spot; beginners, too, will generally find somewhat calmer conditions in the morning in which to make their first attempts at windsurfing

Wind and waves
In Bahia Feliz the wind blows mainly sideshore from the left (north-east), creating perfect flat water conditions within the bay. From October to April the wind is strong enough for planing conditions 60-70% of the days (4-7 Beaufort). In summer, the trade winds are stronger and steadier – but they come more from the north so that Bahia Feliz is sometimes in the wind shadow. The centre therefore organises surfing excursions to the high-wind spots of the island on 6 days a week during mid-summer. The waves depend on the force and direction of the wind. Further out the swell can reach 1-1.25 metres. The cape on the left side of the bay creates nice breaking waves on some days. In case Gran Canaria is influenced by a depression, the wind blows from south-west and is accompanied by waves between 1 and 3 metres and occasionally clouds and rain. This creates shorebreak from time to time, which makes launching much more difficult.

The centre
Gran Canaria was opened in 1985 and is the first Club Mistral centre. Claus Oepp has been managing the centre for many years and lives together with his family on the island. The centre is located amidst palm trees on the beach premises of the Orquidea Hotel. For experts, Club Mistral organises surfing excursions with the centre’s own bus 6 days per week. Those surfing excursions mainly head for the high-wind spots Salinas dè Arinaga and Burreo. During winter the excursions take place depending upon requests and wind.

Kids
They are really welcome in Bahia Feliz!
We offer kids lessons mostly with 2 - 4 students only. Even though Gran Canaria is not the perfect spot for teaching kids, we still have lots of kids who enjoy learning windsurfing in our center. Because we have experienced and motivated instructors and we take only small groups it is good fun for them also if the spot is a bit challenging. Also we encourage the kids to play in the ocean with boogie boards or kayaks to learn more about waves etc.