Pozo & Arinaga Overview

Pozo Izquerido and Arinaga are located  about 10km south of the Las Palmas airport and 17km north west of Maspalomas and its resorts.

Pozo and Arinaga are separated by about 3kms, and between them provide a variety of conditions for a windsurfing holiday, Pozo being famous for its high wind and waves, and Arinaga for its flat water. Both locations are best suited to those whose primary objective is to focus on windsurfing, because the amenities are much less than those of the resorts close to Bahia Feliz further to the south west.

The temperatures are also very pleasant during the winter months. In the south, the thermometer hardly drops below 22-24 ° C during the day. At night  it can be a bit cooler (16-19 ° C), but still pleasant. The water temperatures are around 20-23 ° C in winter, sometimes dropping to 18.

The coolest months are February and March. Thereafter, the water temperatures quickly climb back to over 20 ° C. In summer, the air temperature  can peak at  30 ° C,  and at night it cools down to 19-21 ° C. The water temperatures are around 22-26 ° C.

A long leg short arm wetsuit in winter, and a shorty wetsuit in summer is adequate for most.

The Sailing

Pozo

Pozo Izquierdo is located only 12kms north of the resorts around Bahia Feliz, and is the best known spot on the whole island, famous for its regular and high winds. It works with swinging wind directions all year round, with the strongest wind between May and September. Due to the tricky launch spot with rocks and a shorebreak, it is an area best suited to advanced sailors. However, it’s not always wavy, and when it isn’t, the bump & jump conditions are still excellent. Pozo village offers a good infrastructure for windsurfers, a few gear shops with rental options, apartments for rent, gear storage, restaurants and bars, and two little super markets. However, there isn’t a great deal to do for non-windsurfers!

Arinaga

3kms north of Pozo is Bahia de Formas at Salinas de Arinaga. Protected by a windward tongue of land, it offers flat water on the inside, wind chop in the medium section  and some long swells outside. The Wind is usually similar to Pozo, but because of the flat inside area it is perfect for intermediates to learn waterstarting and other manoeuvres.  It is a great spot for less experienced sailors, and for those who are based at the windsurfing resorts in the Bahia Feliz area that are looking for more wind, particularly in Summer. The beach is a bit stony, but gets sandier towards the water.

The windspeed statistics below show the percentage of days with wind above 15 knots (force 4 bft)  and the average air and water temperatures at Pozo and Arinaga:

Best Suited To (Pozo and Arinaga)

• Intermediates and advanced freeride year round at Arinaga
• Beginners and improvers year round at Aranaga
• Advanced and very advanced wave sailing year round  at Pozo

Hazards

• The Pozo launch area  can be very hazardous in high wind conditions.

Pros

• Flat water at  Arinaga for all levels
• World class conditions for expert high wind sailors at Pozo
• Blue water
• Wind throughout the year
• More reliable wind in summer compared to Bahia Feliz Bay in the south
• Mild winter temperatures
• Nearby accommodation
• Quieter than other areas for those that want it
• Easy gear hire
• Lessons

Cons

• Winds can get very strong in the afternoons in summer for those unprepared
• Not a great deal to do locally for non-windsurfers.
• Could be too quiet for some
• Tricky launching at Pozo
• Not much else at the sailing spot at Bahia de Formosa, which is 1km from the infrastructure of Arinaga

For Non-Sailors

• SUPping
• Surfing
• Watching world class sailors at Pozo from a bar overlooking the sea