Sotavento is world-famous for hosting the PWA World Cup. It features a unique geography where a massive tidal lagoon fills up on the beach at high tide, offering knee-to-waist deep flat water, while the open ocean offers strong offshore winds. It is a speed sailing paradise.
Detailed Wind & Conditions Chart
| Month | Wind Probability | Avg Wind Speed | Intensity | Wetsuit | Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jun - Aug | 95% | 25-35 kts | Very Strong | Shorty | Flat/Chop |
| Sep - May | 70% | 18-25 kts | Moderate | 3/2mm | Mixed |
| Dec - Feb | 60% | 15-25 kts | Variable | 3/2mm | Swell |
Data compiled from Windguru and René Egli statistics.
Primary Spots
The Lagoon (High Tide Only)
This is the magic spot.
- Tide Dependent: The lagoon only fills up on high tides (approx 2 weeks per month). Check the René Egli Tide Table before booking.
- Depth: Knee to waist deep. Perfect for learning waterstarts, but be careful with long foil masts (75cm max recommended).
- Water: Butter flat.
The Open Sea
Available all day, every day.
- Wind: Directly offshore (blowing away from land).
- Water: Choppy with small wind swell.
- Safety: Because the wind is offshore, you must have rescue cover. If you break a wing, you will drift to Africa.
Alternative Spots Nearby
Matas Bay
Located further north near Costa Calma.
- Conditions: Flat water bay.
- Wind: Often slightly less gusty than Sotavento.
- School: Matas Bay Watersports center is excellent.
La Pared
On the west coast (15 min drive).
- Conditions: Wave spot.
- Wind: Often lighter, but the swell is bigger.
- Note: Advanced wave riders only. Dangerous currents.
Rescue & Safety (CRITICAL)
The Rescue Pass: The centers (René Egli / ION Club) offer a "Rescue Pass" service.
- How it works: You pay a weekly fee. They keep a lookout tower manned. If you drift or crash, a jet ski comes to pick you up.
- Mandatory? Not legally, but highly recommended. Without it, a rescue can cost €100+ per incident.
- Safety Check: Rental centers will require a quick skills check to ensure you can ride upwind before letting you out.
Accommodation & Dining
Accommodation
- Hotel Meliá Fuerteventura: The iconic hotel right on the spot. You can walk from your room to the launch in your wetsuit. Visit Meliá
- INNSiDE by Meliá: The "adults only" neighbor. slightly more upscale.
Dining
- Hotel Buffet: Most guests stay on half-board. The food is excellent.
- Beach Bar: Great for lunch and beers between sessions.
- Costa Calma: A 5-minute taxi ride away for more restaurant options.
Schools & Rentals
Full-Service Centers
- René Egli: One of the biggest centers in the world. Located at the Meliá hotel. They have hundreds of wings and boards. Visit René Egli
- ION Club: Located slightly south at Risco del Paso. This spot often has a better wind angle and a larger shallow area. Visit ION Club
Travel Logistics
Getting There:
- Fly: Fuerteventura Airport (FUE) is 50 mins drive.
- Transfer: Shuttle buses are available, or rent a car.
Car Rental:
- Recommended if you want to visit other spots like La Pared (surfing) or Corralejo (north).
Resources
- René Egli Webcam - Live view of the lagoon
- Tide Table - Essential for planning lagoon sessions
- René Egli Webcam - Live view of the lagoon and sea
- Fuerteventura Tourism
- Windguru Sotavento - Forecast/sotavento)