El Arenal

El Arenal is an exposed sandbar beach break on Tenerife’s north coast with fairly consistent surf, typically producing both left- and right-hand waves. It’s described as a regional classic with good wave quality, and it tends to become more challenging and heavier as swell increases. The spot is best when swell starts working around 1.0 to 1.5 m, commonly holding up to roughly 2.5 m or more. Typical ride lengths are in the 50 to 150 m range, and exceptional days can extend to around 150 to 300 m. Wave shape is reported as mixed/peeling depending on conditions, with medium peel speed. Safety-wise, localism and rocks (including submerged rocks) are recurring hazards. Strong currents are also mentioned, and rips are flagged by one provider. Providers advise checking the tide because wave character can change noticeably between low and high water. Weekdays are often quiet, while weekends can be crowded. For timing, December is repeatedly identified as a peak month, with providers also indicating autumn to winter as the most favorable period for consistency and offshore wind tendencies from the south to south-southeast. Water temperatures are generally cool in winter (around 18–20°C) and warmer later in the year, so wetsuit choice should follow the season (thicker in winter).