Tarajalillo, (Bahia Feliz) Windsurfing

Bahia Feliz is a relatively quiet self-contained resort that has excellent windsurfing conditions that are suited to different levels depending on the time of year.

It has a choice of hotel, self-catering apartments or villa accommodation which are set within attractive sub-tropical gardens. These are about 100 to 200m from the windsurfing launch centre at the beach, making this a great choice for windsurfers with families or groups of friends.

Within the garden of the hotel complex is a big pool area, several playgrounds, and a miniature golf course. Close by there is a square with about 6 restaurants, the usual tourist shops and a supermarket.. Also around the area there snack bars and a disco pub.

The beach at the windsurfing launch area is dark volcanic sand with some shingle, approximately 50m to 100m long, and shallow for about 50m depending on the tide level.  To the right is Playa de Aquilegia where the beach is more sandy in colour and texture. There is also a boardwalk that follows the beach from Bahía Feliz all the way to San Augustin.

The wind

Bahia Feliz Bay has quite different wind conditions between winter and summer:

During the winter period from October to April, the wind is strong enough for regular planing conditions over 15 knots (from force 4-7 bft) 60% of the time. This trade wind  comes cross shore from  the east to north east and blows from the left. At this time higher waves can also reach Bahia Feliz Bay which can create a tricky shorebreak. A low pressure system can also come from the south west bringing waves of 1-2 metres, with the wind coming cross shore from the right. This is sometimes accompanied by clouds & rain.

In the summer between May and September, the north to north easterly trade winds often do not reach round to Bahia Feliz due to the wind shadow of the mountains. Instead the wind turns from Castillo de Romeral to the Atlantic Ocean. Then a moderate onshore wind blows from the south at Bahia Feliz with about 5 to 10 knots (force 2-3 Bft) which is ideal for beginners to take their first windsurfing lessons.

If however the north easterly trade wind reaches Bahia Feliz with some strength then there are good conditions for the more advanced sailors. If not, a 12km excursion to Bahia de Formosa in Arinaga or Pozo will provide plenty of wind and fantastic conditions.

With a north easterly wind coming side shore from the left,  there is a slight wind shadow due to the protruding headland at the left of the beach. The wind shadow occurs for the first 100 to 200 metres away from the beach, before the wind becomes cleaner further out to sea.

When the trade winds are blowing, the wind is generally lighter in the mornings and sailing conditions are easier for beginners, before the wind picks up at about noon for the more advanced.

The waves

During low tide the water in front of the launch spots is flat. At high tide there can be choppy water when it’s windy resulting in a small shore break.  The shore  break can however be larger and challenging to get through if there is a bigger swell running.

The bay provides perfect conditions on the inside to learn and practise beach starting and waterstarting as well as first time jibing. Around 800m further out you will find the bigger swell typically ranging  from 0.5 to 1.5m high suitable for wave riding and jumping. On the left side of the bay there is a  headland (cape) which forms a clean breaking wave on some days of the year, and is perfect for frontside wave riding.

Summary

Launch: Sandy beach, shingle/pebbles, shallow water for 50m.
Wind Direction: Sideshore  from the left (NE) and the right (SW.)
Wind Type: Thermals & Trades, light in summer, moderate to strong in winter.
Shorebreak: Slight shorebreak, strong if  windy or a Sirocco blows.
Water Conditions: Wind chop with whitecaps in strong winds. Sometimes swell, Possible beach break.
Suitability: All levels.

Wetsuit: A Convertible wetsuit with long legs and short arms is recommended in winter, and a  shortie in summer. Booties optional.

Best Suited To

• Beginners and improvers in the mornings
• Intermediate and advanced freeriders and bump and jump sailors in the afternoons

Hazards

• Shore-break when windy or wavy

Best gear to use

• Most popular board size: 90L-135L
• Most popular sail size: 5.3m -7.3m