USEFUL INFORMATION
Getting there
Tenerife has 2 airports; El Medano is closest to the South airport, but the airport in Tenerife North is actually only 1 hour away so both are viable options. Most low cost airlines fly to Tenerife from almost anywhere in Europe. For bringing windsurfing equipment I have had positive experiences with Vueling, Norwegian airlines and Iberia who all allow you to book on windsurfing gear when you buy your tickets. Normally there is a 32kg limit, but whether or not that is actually checked will ultimately depend on the person sitting at the check in desk!
TWS contact
The slalom training is run by Tenerife Windsurf Solutions
www.tws-windsurf.com
Phone: +34 922 17 94 01;
Email: [email protected].
Equipment
What is special in Tenerife is that you can race on brand new tuned up slalom equipment without the hassle of having to fly with windsurfing kit as TWS have added a brand new range of 2016 racing equipment (Fanatic, North) to their fleet! You even have the choice between either Select or all Z-fins models, so you can experiment with what fins you like. Alongside this you also have access to the GPS devices in the centre so you can be aware of any progression straight away. To participate in the training camps you can get all the info. you need about pricing, availability and other logistics by contacting the TWS. If you bring your own equipment then there are plenty of windsurf clubs where you can store your equipment for around 100 Euros a month, and if you stay in El Medano you can easily get by without having to rent a car.
Days off
With 4 days of hardcore racing a week we do indeed also have some days off. These coincide either with super strong or no wind so this usually means either wave sailing or surfing for me. But depending on how many days of racing we have had in a row it definitely also will involve doing absolutely nothing except for nursing sore muscles and wounds! But if you do have motivation to do and see more there is some great volcanic mountains to hike and bike and the famous Siam water park or other towns to explore!
Places to stay
To be right next to the windsurfing centres where you store your equipment and if you are not staying too long there is a convenient hotel called Playa del Sur – the location is perhaps as close as you can possibly be. If you prefer to stay in an apartment and/or are perhaps staying longer I recommend contacting TWS who can put you in contact with rental apartments.
Places to Eat
For lunchtimes between sailing sessions, the location and menu of the Flashpoint cafe right in El Medano beach front is probably the favourite hangout for windsurfers. They are also famous for their Apple strudel with vanilla ice-cream and have a separate menu for evening meals also.
Places to drink
My favourite hangout bar/cafe is definitely Manfreds. It’s on the corner of plaza Rioja and has a nice sea-view! They have a menu which changes daily, comfy seating, free wireless, play awesome music and give you free popcorn with your drinks! I also highly recommend trying their tea selection and hot chocolate; additionally they have tapas, cakes, breakfasts and a great hamburger! (Yes, I have been there a lot!)
Typical Wind Speeds
The wind ranges from days of 11 knots to days of full power 40 knots! So unfortunately if you are trying to choose equipment to bring it can be tricky. But if you are only coming short term and can decide depending on a forecast I recommend checking www.muchoviento.net .
No wind Alternatives
Mountain or Road Biking – there’s good tracks for both and many bike shops in El Medano where you can rent good quality bikes. The TWS have also just added rental bikes to their fleet so it might be worth talking to them first.
Mountain and trail running or walking – there are some great little mountains/craters to explore right in El Medano that offer an amazing view over the bay and are fun to hike without being too technical. Surfing or Sup’ing – for beginners even El Medano is great and all the windsurf stations there also rent surf and SUP Boards. If there are no waves in El Medano or you would like to go somewhere else I can also recommend Las Americas, where there are surf schools to take surfing lessons or rent boards and on days with nice swell forecasts you can find some really decent waves there; but it’s better if you are more experienced for most breaks there on bigger surf days! You can get to Las Americas by bus but I do not recommend it unless you are on an extremely tight budget and have a lot of time to waste as the trip that should take 20 minutes by car will take you 2 hours (not joking) by bus and you will have to walk a bit to find the surf spots.