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El Quemao is a fast, powerful surf spot located in front of the village of La Santa on the north shore of Lanzarote. It's known for its high-quality waves and is often referred to as the Pipeline of the Canaries for good reason. The spot breaks over a jagged lava reef, offering both lefts and rights that sometimes reach up to 10 feet (about 3 meters). The water has a nice tropical feel, making it a visually appealing place, but be prepared for strong localism.
The waves here are not for the faint of heart. When conditions are right, the lefts can be hollow and thick-lipped, while the rights can close out really quickly on the sharp reef. It handles swell sizes from around 3 feet (1 meter) to 10 feet (3 meters), with the best results generally coming from a solid westerly swell. Mid to high tide is preferred, and you'll want a southeast wind for optimal conditions. Just keep in mind that the crowd factor can get pretty intense, especially on good days.
For anyone looking to surf here, it's important to be at an expert level. Paddling out isn't too bad, but a good set of paddling skills is definitely needed. This spot tends to attract a large local crew, so be ready to respect the vibe. El Quemao is best surfed from fall through spring, and it's ideal for shortboards and guns when the waves pick up. If you're up for the challenge, this spot has the potential to be epic.