El Palmar surf guide
Surf: Top class peaks over epic sandbars anchored by underlying rock strata and sculpted by rip currents. Plenty of space for all abilities but it suffers in strong E winds and high tides.
A beach in a class of its own. Ideally facing to pick up lots of groundswell and with really good sandbars. The beach suffers from strong East winds as it is very exposed. When the winds are blowing from the East head up towards Roche.
Access: For information on swell, tides and surf reports check out Oceano Surf. You will find them directly infront of the Hostal Alferez. They will also give you advice on the surrounding spots.
Directions: Heading from Conil take a right turn by Venta Pinero. The best peaks are normally infront of Oceano Surf.
Environment: Highly consistent and the crowds get spread out. Free parking near local surf shop which gives advice on local conditions. Surfschool and camping nearby.
El palmar is a small rural village with an amazing surfing beach. It is not uncommon to see drug traffickers landing their boats in the early mornings. A far more pleasant sight are the numerous pods of Dolphins that are passing through into the Straights.
Surf: General: Part of a huge, exposed stretch of beach that runs from Conil to Trafalgar, El Palmar is a once sleepy village, now famed as a consistent swell catcher and home to some high quality peaks. When its on, the waves will be powerful and hollow, throwing out some excellent rights and lefts. Most popular peaks usually near La Torre tower. Exposed to the wind so benefits from a light easterly blowing.
Tides: All tides
Size: Waist high to double overhead.
Wind: E/NE
Swell: NW/W
Bottom: Sandbanks
Paddling: Can be a heavy paddle out.
Spot Rating: Good, sometimes excellent beachbreak with potential for feathering walls and reeling barrels.
Access: There are a number of beachfront parking options just behind the dunes.
Crowds: Crowd Factor: Popular spot, draws a crowd when good.
Local Vibe: Competitive on main peaks, more chilled on quieter sections.
Environment: Good
Hazards: Rips and longshore drift when swell picks up.
Season: Best October to March.