Windsurfing on Fuerteventura, Canary Islands

Fuerteventura has dozens of beaches that really are a windsurfers' dream.

Windsurfing is the main sport on Fuerteventura and thousands of windsurfing enthusiasts come to the island every year - some not returning home!

With warm clear waters and strong Atlantic winds, the conditions are ideal for windsurfing.

Windsurfing can be mastered in a day and there are plenty of excellent windsurfing centres around the islands offering professional tuition and a full range of equipment.

The constant trade winds in the summer and the large Atlantic swells in the winter offer a range of conditions to suit all - from flat out slalom to extreme wave sailing in the north.

Windsurfing, kite surfing, jet-ski ... with more than 150 beaches on the island, many are ideal for water sports. Here are a few sites:

Windsurfing in Corralejo, Fuerteventura

Windsurfing centres can be found in Corralejo and at the popular Flag Beach about 4-5 kms out.

Windsurfing in Caleta de Fuste, Fuerteventura

If you have never tried windsurfing and would like to, pop down to the

windsurfing school on the beach at Caleta de Fuste towards the harbour. They run special "taster" classes where you can find out whether you have caught the bug.

With a long shallow bay and hardly a wave to be seen, it is ideal for windsurfing beginners or windsurfers a little out of practice.

Windsurfing in El Cotillo, Fuerteventura

Big crashing waves, reefs and large shore dumps make this a place for the experienced windsurfer.

A little local knowledge helps and there are several windsurfing bars where you can have a drink and pick up a few tips.

Windsurfing at Sotavento, Fuerteventura

These beaches are always popular with windsurfers, kite borders and surfers.

The beaches at Sotavento were the venue for the 2005 PKRS Kiteboarding Grand Prix in July 2005 which attracted the best kite borders in the world.

Extreme windsurfing, Fuerteventura

On the wild and rugged west side of the island, there are plenty of rugged bays. It pays to take along another windsurfer for safety though because many of these are deserted. Look around Ajuy and Playa Amanay.

Other sports

Kiteboarding

Cycling

Mountain biking

Diving