Jinamar (Gran Canaria)

KitesurfingWindsurfingWingfoilingSurfing
Freeride, Bodyboard
Best for
Advanced to Expert
Skill Level
Chop, Small waves, Medium waves
Spot Type
Quiet
Crowd Level

This spot information is AI-assisted and has not been human verified. It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect. Verify safety, access, local rules, and current conditions with official or local sources before riding.

About this spot

About

Jinamar is a rugged, technical coastal launch on Gran Canaria’s east side, known primarily for kitesurfing in strong NE trade winds. The wind pattern favors the NE (and nearby Nord/NNE) sector, with the most consistent season running from May through September and typical speeds in the mid-to-high teens up to around 30 knots. Wind reliability is described as high in summer, with steady gust behavior. The shoreline and entry are the main challenges. Multiple sources describe a rocky launch zone with rocks/stones in the water and reefs nearby, plus limited usable beach space. This combination makes the spot unsuitable for casual attempts and puts emphasis on timing between sets and careful launch execution. Local reports also highlight that kitesurfing may be subject to permissions, so it’s important to verify rules before launching. Water conditions are another major factor. Water quality is repeatedly described as dirty, and one provided warning specifically notes the spot’s proximity to industrial and sewage outflow—encouraging riders to check local water conditions before entering. Currents are described as moderate side-shore with occasional rip current risk near rocky points, adding to the need for strong self-sufficiency. For surfing, Jinamar is characterized as exposed and more of a beach-break option with some rocky peaks. Conditions are rated average overall, with mixed wave shape and medium ride length, but the wind can become cross-onshore for NE, so better surfing tends to occur when winds are light or from the West. Large swells can turn the waves heavy and disorganized, so it’s generally a more intermediate-leaning option only when conditions line up.

  • Consistent NE trade winds in May–September
  • Expert-focused kitesurfing due to rocky launch and rocks/reefs
  • Dirty/pollution-risk water—check before entering
  • No on-beach lifeguards; emergency number 112
Great for
Kitesurfing freerideKitesurfing waveKitesurfing big airKitesurfing straplessWindsurfing waveSurfing bodyboardAdvanced riders
What's great
  • Strong, consistent NE trade winds in summer
  • Good conditions for wave/strapless sessions when swell picks up
  • Practical access from Las Palmas via the Jinamar exit
Heads up
  • Rocky, narrow/difficult launch area
  • Rocks/reefs in the water and limited beach space
  • Water quality issues (dirty/possible pollution)
  • No rescue availability at the spot
  • Mainly suited to advanced riders
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Practical spot guide

Wind, water and seasons

Wind

Direction
NE
Wind Range
15–30 kts
Wind Type
Trade — Alisios (North-East trade winds)
Reliability
high
Gust Factor
Steady
Best Months
May, June, July, August, September
Thermal Window
Other · Afternoon · Regional pattern suggests afternoon thermal reinforcement along the east coast (most pronounced roughly 12:00–18:00). Spot-specific thermal boost magnitude isn’t quantified in the provided data.

Water & beach

Water Type
Chop, Small waves, Medium waves
Beach
Mixed — Sand/mixed composition; rocky/stone entry.
Beach Size
Medium
Waves
Medium — Surf and overall wave context described as medium; kitesurfing often pairs with small-to-medium wave conditions.
Chop Level
Heavy chop — Chop is described as the dominant water condition.
Launch
Small — Narrow launch area with rocks and stones; can become quite small during high water.

Through the year

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best seasonOff-season
17–25 °C
Water Temperature
18–29 °C
Air Temperature
Wetsuit Guide
Jan–Dec: 3/2mmMay–Oct: 2mm
Crowds by Season

Generally uncrowded; mostly local riders.

Storm/Rain Season

Most precipitation occurs between November and February; rain is described as infrequent.

By sport

What to expect for each.

KitesurfingBest for this spotSkill Level

Works best with NE/Nord winds and strong summer trade winds (about 15–30 knots). Rocky launch and rocks in the water make it a challenging spot; intended for experienced riders.

FreerideWaveBig airStrapless
Kite Sizes
7–11 m²
WindsurfingSkill Level

Possible but less common than at more forgiving locations; rocky entry and waves make it demanding for handling.

WaveFreeride
Sail Sizes
4.2–5.7 m²
WingfoilingSkill Level

Limited suitability due to difficult rocky entry and the presence of waves/shore break.

Foil Friendly
Limited
Min Depth
2.0 meters
Wing Sizes
4–5 m²
SurfingSkill Level

Workable beach-break waves with some rocky peaks, but water quality is a significant deterrent.

Beach break
Wave Direction
Both
Optimal Swell
NE, N, NW
Swell Height
1–2.5 m
Optimal Tide
Mid
Shelter
Exposed
Wind Effect
NE winds are cross-onshore; best for surfing when winds are light or from the West.
Bigger Swell
Can become heavy and disorganized with large swells.
Wave Quality
Average
Wave Power
Moderate
Wave Shape
Mixed
Peel Speed
Medium
Ride Length
Medium
Forecast

Check the forecast before you go

See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Jinamar (Gran Canaria) in the full forecast view.

Jinamar (Gran Canaria) wind and wave forecast summary

Wind
3–12 ktsGusts 19 kts
Direction
NE44°
Strongest day
Sat, Oct 2412 kts
Windy days
1/712 kts or more
Waves
0.6–1.8 m8s period
Temperature
22–28 °C

Over the next 7 days, Jinamar (Gran Canaria) is forecast for daytime winds of 3–12 kts, peaking around 12 kts on Saturday, October 24 with gusts to 19 kts. The prevailing direction is NE. Waves run 0.6–1.8 m with a period of about 8s. Based on the Wavind model, in the spot’s local time.

Nearby

Other spots in the area

Safety

What to know before you launch

Safety, access, restrictions, rescue, and local rules can change. Treat these details as informational and confirm them locally before launching.

Hazards

  • Rocks in water
  • Rocks/stones in the launch area
  • Reefs
  • Water pollution / dirty water
  • Strong currents / occasional rip currents near rocky points
  • Limited beach space
Ability Level: Advanced to Expert
Recommended Safety Gear
HelmetImpact vestBootsWetsuit

Rescue & support

Rescue & Self-Rescue
No — Spot-level information indicates no rescue availability.
Emergency Info
Emergency services can be reached via 112.
Localism / Vibe
Moderate

Rules of the spot

General maritime rules apply; respect local surfers and kiters in the lineup.

Restrictions
  • No designated kite zone
  • May require special permit for kitesurfing
Local Tips
  • Check if kitesurfing is allowed and whether any special permit is required.
  • Check water quality locally before entering due to proximity to industrial and sewage outflow; consider entering only when conditions look suitable.
  • Use careful timing between sets because of the rocky entry.
  • Expect a rocky launch area—this spot is primarily for experienced riders.

Getting there & access

Nearest City
Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
Nearest Town
Las Palmas
Nearest Airport
Gran Canaria Airport (LPA)
Parking
Parking available at the spot; unpaved parking at the end of the sand road near the beach.
Public Transport
Served by inter-city buses and Las Palmas municipal buses (Guaguas Municipales).
Access
From airport north to Las Palmas (~3 km). Take the Jinamar exit right before Las Palmas; look for the bus stop area, cross the car entrance, and follow a sand road to the beach.
Cost Level
Moderate
Local Language
Spanish
Amenities

What's on the beach

Parking
Accommodation
Nearby town — Accommodation options are available in Las Palmas or Telde.
Food & Drink
No food/drink at the beach; restaurants and supermarkets nearby in Jinamar/Las Palmas.
Equipment Rental:
One dataset indicates rentals are available via schools/shops in the area, but spot-level on-site rentals are not indicated.
Gear Storage
Some schools and shops in Las Palmas are described as offering long-term/short-term storage.
Gear Repair
Professional repair services are described as available in the wider Las Palmas/Telde industrial areas.
Learn, rent & more

Schools & services

No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.

The area

Off the water

Best time to visit: Summer months are best for wind sports enthusiasts.
Las Terrazas & El Mirador2km

Large open-air shopping centers on the coastline between Jinamar and the airport.

Parque de los Volcanes de Jinámarregional

A local volcanic park referenced as part of the Jinámar area.

Mirador del Valle de Jinámarregional

A viewpoint over the valley and the Atlantic coast.

Sima de Jinámarregional

A notable local geological feature in the Jinámar area.

Bandama Caldera12km

A massive volcanic crater offering hiking trails and panoramic views of the island.

Hiking and viewpoint visitsregional

Valley and volcanic landscapes support short outdoor excursions.

Casa Carmelo10km

Traditional Canarian steakhouse located near Las Canteras (Las Palmas).

Parque Urbano de Jinámarregional

An urban park with recreation areas, children’s play zones, walking paths and sports courts.

Poema del Mar Aquarium12km

State-of-the-art aquarium located in the Las Palmas port area.

Reviews

From riders who've been here

Community observations

Latest reported conditions

Spot questions

Frequently asked questions

When is the best season at Jinamar (Gran Canaria)?

The best overall months at Jinamar (Gran Canaria) are May, June, July, August. The best wind months are May, June, July, August, September.

Which wind directions work at Jinamar (Gran Canaria)?

Jinamar (Gran Canaria) works with NE winds.

What equipment sizes are recommended at Jinamar (Gran Canaria)?

Recommended equipment sizes at Jinamar (Gran Canaria): Kitesurfing: 7–11 m² · Windsurfing: 4.2–5.7 m² · Wingfoiling: 4–5 m². The typical wind range is 15–30 kts.

What skill level is Jinamar (Gran Canaria) suitable for?

Jinamar (Gran Canaria) suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Advanced to Expert · Windsurfing: Advanced · Wingfoiling: Advanced · Surfing: Intermediate.