Tarifa has become known as 'the Wind Capital' for many different reasons.
Its wind reliability probably tops them all.
It is very difficult to have two consecutive non windy days, as the detailed comparative chart shows.
However conditions are not always constant. It is advisable to bring your full range of sails (It is also possible to rent locally).
Here it is as common to sail with your 3.5 m² as with your 6.5 m² even if we consider the 4.5 m² as the ideal sail.



As for boards, that really depends on your level and your preferences.
Slalom (mainly 265-290) is the most practised because of flat waters but, depending on where you go, wave riding is also possible.
Caños de Meca is the ideal wave spot and is only 50 km away.




Tarifa has two prevailing winds, the south easterly known as the
Levante and the westerly known as the Poniente.
Because of the mountainous landscape it's normal that only two winds blow through the straits, accelerating due to the funnel effect.
Here strong winds are caused by various elements such as the temperature difference between the Atlantic and Mediterranean and the high and low pressure zones that place themselves on either side of it's coast.
The wind, and the weather in general, can change very quickly here and even the most accurate weather forecasts are not always reliable.

In areas such as Casa de Porro it is further accelerated due to thermal differences between the sea and land.
This also explains why the winds are strongest between 14:00 and 18:00hr.





Great for windsurfers who want to both sail and stay out late at night. (yeah!!!) Harder for the beginners who normally have to start their courses at 10:00. (sigh)
As a rule the Levante is stronger, blows night and day and can last for weeks.
Because it blows from land, it is warmer and does not form waves.



The Poniente blows from the Atlantic.
It's colder and brings in waves, mostly in winter.
Nevertheless the best wave seasons are spring and autumn, specially when the winds coincide with full moon.
Tides are negligible for the average surfer, but if it's waves you are looking for, it's always best whilst the tide grows.




Playa Chica (with weak Levante)
The Playa Chica is a pretty little beach aside the harbour of Tarifa. It's the most frequented by the locals and so you find many families and children. Careful!!! It is forbidden but may be tolerated in winter.

Balneario (with weak Levante, Poniente)
Campo de Futbol (with weak Levante; strong Levante: speed)
Also called the 'speed beach'. This is the spot where you get the hardest winds and where most of the windsurf speed contests are held. It's right in front of Tarifa.

Rio Jara (with Levante)
During the equinoxes and with high tides long perfect waves are formed. These have a special appeal right at the rivers mouth.
Millon (with Poniente)
Large waves with Poniente but mostly in winter storms.
Hurricane (with Poniente, Sur)
Same as Milion but waves get even higher because of the rocky bed. Due to the rocks recommended only for high level surfers in radical conditions. Avoid surfing in low tides.
Val de Vacueros (with all conditions)
Same as Casa de Porro but (normally) quieter.
Casa de Porro (with all conditions)
Also known as 'Las Dunas', is one the busiest spots around Tarifa. Very good if you don't like lone surfing..
Spot Secteto (with all conditions)
Location not disclosed. What secret would it be?

Bolonia (strong Levante)
In Bolonia the wind is not as strong as in Tarifa, but the waves are higher and the natural environment and the beach are poetically the nicest of Andalusia.

Caños de Meca (strong Levante, Poniente)
Bet wave riding in the area although it is 50km from Tarifa. The waves and wind are not very reliable but well worth the journey. Gets very (too) busy during weekends and August.




BE CAREFUL WITH OFFSHORE CONDITIONS AND CURRENTS !!!
Check the 'SURF SAFE' Page