Vargas
Gran Canaria's east coast is a wind tunnel in summer, and Vargas is where kiters actually ride it. It's powerful, wavy and not for the faint-hearted.
Working wind (blowing from)
Season
Typical wind
20–35 knWater
Waves, chopLevel
AdvancedDirections
27.8960, -15.3880Wind
The NE trades accelerate along the east coast from spring to early autumn and peak in July and August. On a typical summer day it's 22–30 kn, sometimes more. Small kites rule: bring your 6–8 m. Winter is mostly light.
Water & level
There are waves and chop over a mixed sand and rock bottom. It's great for wave riding and boosting, and a hard place to learn. Neighbouring Salinas de Tenefé is usually a few knots stronger still.
Launch & rules
The launch is on rounded stones and is slippery and windy. Get an assisted launch and wear booties. Kitesurfing is banned in the bay of Pozo Izquierdo, next door, which is reserved for windsurfing, so kiters ride Vargas and Salinas instead.
Watch out
Launching and landing in 25+ kn on rocks is the main danger. Add strong gusts, wave impacts and almost no shelter to land in if things go wrong.
Forecast
Open on Windguru ↗Wind map
Conditions, rules and access change. Always check on the beach, ask local schools and ride within your level.
