El Frontón
One of the heaviest waves in the Canaries, a world bodyboarding mecca.
El Frontón, in Gáldar, breaks over a lava shelf with brutal force. It's one of the most famous bodyboarding waves in the world and has hosted world tour events in that discipline.
Many surfers have broken their boards here. Don't surf it if there are no locals in the water: it can be very dangerous.
Spot facts
| Wave type | Reef |
|---|---|
| Direction | Lefts and rights |
| Level | Expert |
| Best swell | N, NE, NW |
| Best wind (offshore) | S, SW, SE |
| Tide | Mid to high |
| Size | 1.5–4 m |
| Best season | October to March |
| Crowd | Medium |
| Localism | High |
Surf forecast
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Hour-by-hour forecast for 14 days, with stars for your board and level, and the whole site without ads.
Model forecast for open water a few kilometres offshore: it can't see sandbanks or the shelter of headlands and jetties. The rating (0–5) is worked out from this spot's ideal swell and wind. Use it as a guide and check the sea before paddling out. Data: Open-Meteo (DWD, ECMWF; CC BY 4.0)
Which board to bring
A sturdy shortboard; the wave suits bodyboarding better. How many litres? Work out your volume with the volume calculator.
What to bring to surf El Frontón
The water is around 18 °C in winter and 22 °C in late summer. This is what we'd bring for this spot's water, level and boards.
For water from 17 °C.
View on AmazonFor summer days without a wetsuit, and against the sun.
View on AmazonKeeps your board from drifting off or hitting someone.
View on AmazonThe three-fin set for a shortboard.
View on AmazonRock or urchins on the bottom: protect your feet going in and out.
View on AmazonHarder, so it doesn't melt in the heat.
View on AmazonAmazon affiliate links: if you buy through them, Shapers Europe earns a small commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Localism and vibe
It's a peak for highly skilled local bodyboarders. Show respect through your attitude and stay out if you have no heavy-wave experience.
Surfing style
Heavy slab waves.
Hazards
Lava shelf, shallow water, buoys and a tricky exit.
Map
Shapers near El Frontón
Order a board designed for these waves from a local shaper.
Other spots nearby
Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
The southern end of Las Canteras beach: soft waves and surf schools in the city.
Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
For many, the best barrelling right in Europe, right in the city of Las Palmas.
San Bartolomé de Tirajana (Gran Canaria)
Southern Gran Canaria's big tourist beach, with soft waves in summer.
Santa Cruz de Tenerife (Anaga)
A black-sand beach in the Anaga massif, with waves over rock and sand.
All spots in the Canary Islands →
Indicative information gathered from surf guides and surfers' experience. Conditions change with the sandbanks: check the forecast and ask at the beach.