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WINDSURFING, SPOT REVIEW: FUERTEVENTURA (CANARY), NORTH SHORE For those who are going to choose Fuerteventura as a destination for the upcoming windsurfing holiday, and would like to go to the North in search of waves, there are some things that it is better to know, in order not to be disappointed and to take advantage of the incredible conditions that the island may offer. At North of Fuerteventura, infact, there is not a unique spot where to go windsurfing, but many ones, which, depending on the wind direction, work better than the others ... I have come here since many years (twice a year, at least), and, despite knowing very well the place, and having a lot of local friends, often I do not know exactly where to go, I may exchange dozens of messages, phone calls, and I may grind kms, before I find the perfect conditions ... Another consideration to make: here the level in the water is very high, there is little "localism", but because of crowding in recent years, you have to know the "rules of right" in the waves. Clothing In summer, a shorty suit is fine, for those who don't suffer from cold, a bathsuit and a Lycra shirt. In winter time, I would say at least a 3/2 long sleeve/long leg wetsuit, but sometimes something more "warm" might be more proper. Shoes? Remember that the most beautiful waves mainly rise on rocky reef, and Fuerte is no exception. I did not use shoes, but it is a choice of my own ... Sea urchins are not a problem, there are very few; but sometimes, you have to walk on the rocks, especially at certain spots, at low tide ... So, the choice is up to you ... As far as tide concerns, the excursion is remarkable; get a "tablas de mareas". There is a small "book" in homage, at any surf shop: in some spots, it could prove providential. Wind In summer, mainly Trade Winds (Aliseo) from N or N/E blow on the spot, with waves ranging from 1 meter to 3.30. In winter, the wind is more uncertain, while waves often are much greater. In addition to N and N/E wind, West or East wind can blow too (if this occurs, in some spot it is a show!!!). Further piece of information, wind is seldom strong (15-20 knots), and is generally side/off ... I (72kg) almost exclusively use a 82 liter, and a 4.7, rarely 4.2, and occasionally a 5.3 sail. You practically go out offshore, without planing. You go upwind a bit, you choose a wave, and begin to surf. Few jumps (excluding aerials), because when the purpose is to surf, all energies are focused in earning as much water as possible to be in the right section of the wave, then, and start making bottom turns :-). If in addition to windsurfing, you also do surfing or sup, you go out almost every day. Pay attention that, in the surf, localism exists, although not extreme, but in some spots you might have unpleasant surprises. But let's start gradually, and, to give an order to the spots, let's consider to have just got off the plane, and to get going from the airport to the north shore towards Corallejo, where we'll probably have found accommodation. I'll let you know what I think is the best wind to enjoy these spots in top condition, although some may also work with other wind directions ... Did you get the car? At the end, I will also give you some tip even about logistics, but now let's start with the spot. Follow signs for Puerto del Rosario, and just past the "capital" and its port (without meeting interesting beaches), you will find on the right a petrol station "Repsol". Well, go straight on a little, until you reach a roundabout, with signs for Puerto Lajas (see map at end of article). “Puerto Lajas” Look to your right in the bay ... this is one of the most beautiful spots I've ever been to ... It works at its maximum predominantly with North wind; so you go off on port tack and Side/off wind direction. Long, beatiful and perfect waves, breaking on the headland to the left of the bay. To get there, you have to drive up to the roundabout on the FV1, before Puerto, turn right, and then turn left at next one. However, it won't be difficult to see the other surfers' cars parked near the sea (it is not unusual to see the Moreno twins, training here ...). If you want, you can also go on to the next roundabout, and enter into an opening in the guardrail, taking a short dirt road, arriving directly by the sea… Instructions for use: to go out to sea, you can stay downwind, on the left of the bay, walking a bit in the midst of the rocks, well sheltered from the shore break, anyway. I suggest you to look at what others surfers are doing, and not to get on the board too soon, if you want to take care of your fins. You start in flat waters (the waves, as we said, break on the reef on your left); go a bit off, choose a wave, tacking upwind, and start to surf it in the section of your choice ... The conditions are generally quite safe and easy, I went out with about 3 mt waves, and I also took a couple of important wipes out, but there is always a way out, a point of flat water next to the reef, and at worst you go back into the bay, where, at most, you have some foams ... A true playground, and when you decide to return to the shore, attention to the sea bottom, do not arrive at full speed, especially when the tide is expected to decline ... look at the other (I always stress about this), if you have any doubt ... My personal tip: come back to the center of the bay, where there is a (tiny) sandy strectch of beac; this will prevent you from walking on a irregular rocky bottom for 20/30 meters ... Puerto Lajas is a paradise for wave riding, maybe a little difficult for newbies, but in my opinion the best spot for Fuerte wave length and quality (4/5 bottoms) ... Bad for families and girlfriends, who will not follow you willingly. That's why I have only one photo, taken by a friend, with a mobile phone, at the end of wonderful session ... But, let's continue our journey to the north. We overcome other roundabouts, we leave behind the one of "Parque Holandes", with crumbling building on the right, and we begin to see the real desert, with volcanoes in sight to our left ... We'll come to a first beach, with many cars angular parked on the right, (and some "chicken" blocked in the sand, on the left), but is "dedicated" to beginner windsurfers, and we won't care particularly, if not to take a bath with our family, while waiting the wind to enter... We continue, and after a couple of curves and a long straight, we will find another spot that I love. To be continued in the second part.