The Valdevaqueros beach is a beach in the town  Tarifa, in the region of Campo de Gibraltar in Andalusia, Spain . With a length of 4050 meters between the Punta de Valdevaqueros and Punta de la Penaand an average width of 120 meters, it is a little urbanized beach away from large population centres. In the western part of the beach is the mouth of the River Valley which forms a broad estuary that runs along the beach just meters from the sea to lead several hundred meters to the east.

The westernmost part of the beach is occupied by an extensive dune formed during the 40′s of XX century by the action of the military authorities stationed in the vicinity. Attempts to prevent sand movement that threatened to bury military installations led to the formation of a large dune that would later be fixed by pine afforestation. The dune is still active in training and no colonizing plant species. The area however has determined whether a plant community similar to other dunes in the area with understory species such as junipers and mastic.

The best months for kite surfing are March, April, May, June, July, August, September and October. The wind is thermal, the best directions are ESE and W. The wind changes from Poniente (West) to Levante (East) generally every few days, guess the best rate can be up to 60-70% days with more than 4 Bft per month in summer. Best direction is definitely ESE. When wind is forecasted from East, it’s possible that the wind will come to the beach (ESE). During summer nice thermal wind, up to 20 knots, and start in the afternoon at around 2pm and lasts to almost sunset.

Wind with Levante very flat water and off shore, with Poniente waves, this is the ideal speed spot but not much good for anything else.

Rio Jara spot is long and rockless. There is wide beach which makes it perfect for lessons and practicing your kite skills before you hit the water with your board.

This area has no bars or windsurf centers, the only sign of civilisation is the Rio Jara Campsite. During the equinoxes and with high tides the sea invades the river, just enough to allow surfers te enter and reext it at top speed. With a correct timing increadibly high jumps can be acheived.

Rio Jara is a good spot for practicing waterstart as waves usually small and water shallow for quite a way out.

Wind: side, slightly Off Shore with Levante, slightly on shore with poniente.

Not only strenght, the wind direction is also very important. Expert surfers will tell how much easier it is to get out and come back with side sure winds, beginners will appreciate how it will eventually push you back to the beach even if much caution and following simple safety rules is vital. The beach has its importance as well. Sandy beaches make the experience mush more relaxing, and for those radicals who look for rock beds to lift those swells. Waves are best during the equinoxes and in Canos de Meca with strong levante.

Just as windsurfing was a combination between sailing and surfing, kite surfing is a combination between power kite flying and surfing, the sport has completely exploded in Tarifa over the past 3 or 4 years. In good wind conditions, it isn’t unusual to count over 250 kites in the sea and on the beach an amazing sight.

It is easy to understand why this sport is so popular – it looks deceptively easy, the jumps and tricks look spectacular and it requires much less wind than windsurfing. The sport is open to everyone of all ages; you need to be in good health and relatively fit.

Accommodation in Tarifa: http://www.tarifa.net/site/html/accomodation/

Hotels:

• PUNTA DEL SUR
• HURRICANE HOTEL
• DOS MARES
• LA CODORNIZ
• TRES MARES
• DULCE NOMBRE
• ARTE VIDA
• LA TORRE
• CORTIJO LAS PIÑAS

Campsites:

• CAMPING TARIFA
• CAMPING PALOMA
• TORRE DE LA PEÑA II
• RIO JARA
• TORRE DE LA PEÑA
• EL JARDIN DE LAS DUNAS

Apartments:

• AGUILA DE ORO
• DULCE NOMBRE
• BUNGALOWS TANGANA
• VILLA LEVANTE

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Head to the north for more lush, humid conditions, complete with rain forest type vegetation and temperate climate or climb up the 3800m to the impressive lunar landscapes of Mount Teide (incidentally the highest mountain peak in Spain).

In the south of the island up to half a million tourists at a time come to sample the year round warmth. No where in Europe there is such a diverse climate in an area less than 90 kms long.

It is incredibly easy to reach with a choice of two international airports supplying scheduled and charter flights to dozens of cities in Europe, Africa and beyond.

Tenerife is a paradise for kitesurfing, windsurfing and surf. With great conditions to practice extreme water sports, big waves and strong winds, the island held some important international competition making it even more important to visit.

Weather and wind forecast:

• www.windguru.cz (Forecast)
• www.windfinder.com (Forecast)
• www.windfinder.com (Current weather

Wind Conditions:

“The Island of Eternal Spring” boasts average year round temperatures between 20-22 degrees Celsius and with more than 250 days of force 4 (11 knots) winds or above a year.

The trade winds, providing upwards of 80% of the windy days in Tenerife are northeasterly and locally called Los Allisios. During these periods of wind, El Médano is pretty much the only sailable location on the island, although with the variety of
sailing on offer, there’s no need to go looking elsewhere. Being a true trade wind there is no morning calm or afternoon drop off – you can expect the wind to blow 24 hours a day 7 days a week

During the peak season of May till September you can curse your bad luck if you’re not out riding everyday on a kite between 7m and 10m, occasionally smaller. For the rest of the year, whilst your 9 – 12m kites will get the most use, there are plenty of
days when a 7m will get an airing and even light wind 15m days.

Occasionally the wind does come in from the south, more so in spring or autumn, and this can provide some starboard tack riding (wind from the right) in La Tejita, sometimes throwing the odd wave up for good measure. For every wind direction Tenerife features a sailing spot. So apart from the sun and the wind (as if that wasn’t enough) why exactly has El Médano become such a Mecca for wind sports? It might have something to do with the variety of sailing conditions it has to offer. Four world-class sailing areas (South Bay, Harbour Wall, Cabezo and La Tejita) cater for every ability and preference from flat water to waves to make even the most demanding sailor happy. To top it all off, all the spots are within walking distance of the village centre.
To check out the wind conditions and forecast see www.windfinder.com or www.windguru.com. However, be prepared to add at least two-thirds to the wind strength shown on windguru to factor in the local effect of El Médano. A 16 or 17-knot windguru
forecast will often turn in 30-knot winds here! If it says 20 knots or more be prepared to sit it out, unless you’ve a 5m handy!
To see what the current conditions are visit www.dlight.net, which can also give you the wind history for El Médano over the last few years.

Accommodation:

• Hotel Playa Sur Tenerife
  E – 38612 El Medano
  Tel: +34 922 176 120
  Fax: +34 922 176 337
• Paseo Picacho, 4. El Médano Granadilla de Abona
  Islas Canarias-España
  Tlf: 0034 922177000
  Fax: 0034 922176048

For a range of self catering apartments contact either:

Tom & Anita +34 922 176 393, E-mail 646517432@movistar.es or Pauline +34 922 179 058, E-mail paulinemartineztrickey@yahoo.es

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El Medano is situated on the southern side of the island about ten to fifteen minutes from the airport and approximately twenty minutes by car from the varied nightlife of Playa de Las Americas. Originally a small Spanish fishing village, renowned for its consistent annual wind record, has developed slowly and comes alive during high season with windsurfers from all over Europe. However, the town still manages to retain an uncommercialised and relaxed atmosphere with bars and restaurants to match together with one of the largest natural beaches on Tenerife.

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