[Adam Lincoln]

Planning a trip to Tenerife in January for a bit of mid-winter surfing and sport climbing action (probably a just have couple of surf days, the rest climbing) - pretty much know what's going on re. climbing out there but have no real idea what the surfing is like - from the limited bit I've read there's a lot of reefs, rocks and angry locals - sounds err... Mint.

Thought I'd see if anyone here's been and has any recomendations for a surf punter? CBA to lug a board for just a couple of days but happy to sling a suit and boots in the bag - staying Arico way but will have a car.

Cheers...

I spent two winters in Tenerife on long trips.

Surfing wise, we mainly surfed PDLA . Unless you are half decent, avoid Spanish left, as it's very localised. Instead surf in front on the hotel where all the surf schools are. It's reef but not sharp and doesn't hurt if you hit it. It will be rammed when the schools are in. You can spread out a little bit but depends on your ability.

Saw a few other spots when we explored but lots of graffiti about localism so didn't risk it

[BrutusTheBear]

Heard similar stories about localism in Lanzarote before going there and saw graffiti saying locals only etc... here and there. 
My experience in the water was pleasant enough though.
Probably helps to be on your own and not turn up to the line up with a crowd.
On point breaks/ reefs sit wide and respectfully wait in line/ tolerate being snaked by the locals.
Be polite, smile, say 'ola', give a 'whoop' when someone catches a good one etc..
Had some great surfs at well known breaks and got called into waves at some spots. 
Caveat being - it was 15ish years ago and things may have changed but surely if it's just you, you are being respectful and you don't drop in or snake anyone, there's nothing for the locals to get agitated about. If you get the vibe that you're not welcome paddle in and go elsewhere.

[spidermonkey09]

What's the deal with surfing localism? It sounds like people are complete arseholes. Can anyone point to an article explaining the phenomenon?

[Duncan Disorderly]

Thanks guys - sounds like it should be fun. El Medano could be a good shout - I'll need to hire a Minimal or similar. I'll do some Googling and it'll probably be a good idea to get a copy of the Stormrider Europe guide and have a peruse when I next get paid... It'll just be me and tbh I'm such a punter I'll probably just avoid anywhere too tricky so doubt I'll be taking waves off snarky locals...

[A Jooser]

What's the deal with surfing localism? It sounds like people are complete arseholes. Can anyone point to an article explaining the phenomenon?

Sometimes the 'locals only', 'surf wars' stories...
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/this-britain/local-beaches-for-local-folk-surf-guerrillas-fight-the-outoftowners-5350836.html

One gang member said yesterday: "I think there are too many floaters in the water. They have got no respect..."

...are just a bit of p!$$ taking...
https://www.theguardian.com/media/2004/nov/23/pressandpublishing.students

demands including one that no pasties be sold throughout the world with carrots in them

[SA Chris]

Don't know origins, guess it stems back to native Hawaiians getting pissed off with hoards of "haoles" descending on their breaks when surfing took off, and suddenly everyone wanted to try and be like them and claim some "turf".

TBF you can see why tempers can get a bit frayed sometimes. A bit like turning up to a crag with one route on it that is just right for you, and there are a queue of people waiting to do it. And a lot of them who are not up to it are going to dog it and then toprope it. The let their pals...

[SA Chris]

it'll probably be a good idea to get a copy of the Stormrider Europe

Annoyingly they split it into 2 editions now, and all the info is on surfline (RIP MSW ) or better online.

[rossydoodle61]

We stayed in Costa Adeje in the summer, so I think vibe very different. I was getting up early and running the 5km to the beach (electric scooters available) hiring a board from Surf Point (only shop open all daylight hours) and getting in at Playa de Americas and surfing for a few hours until i was knackered and surf schools descended about 9:15, when I got out and had a sweaty tired jog back. It was usually locals in the water at that time, but very chilled out waves and very chilled out vibe, and I was obviously not local, being the only one in rash vest and shorts when they are all in wetsuits. I expect in winter it's very different, with PdA being a hotly contested spot on a good day, but I expect with a bit more swell there are more options available up and down the coast, I think El Medano is closer to Arico and is a well known surf / windsurf / kite surf spot, with surf school etc. Lots of info on google, and if you send me a number i can send you the info in Stormrider's Europe if you don't have a copy.

We’re heading on a family holiday with the 2 kids this Tuesday. Will be staying Costa Adeje and I’m looking to get a couple of early surfs in.

I won’t bother with a wetsuit as it sounds like you were comfortable for a couple of hours or so. What’s the board hire situation like? Did you just hire one as you went down or grab one for the week?

I’m only going to get 2 sessions in max through the week so would just hope to pay for a few hours/morning hire.

Any other tips on things to do there would be great!

[SA Chris]

Hire one when you need it. Surf Point hire is the only shop that stays open for all daylight hours and has a range of half decent boards plus changing room, shower, lockers and coffee. It's right outside Spanish Left, which is probably the most reliable spot, but you can easily walk up and down the coast as there are several breaks around that corner and have a look at what looks best / least crowded before deciding to grab a board. It's a bit of a jog to get there, but you can easily grab a hire electric scooter anywhere around if you don't have transport. The bottom is rocky so boots are a good idea, but it's not super sharp, just go canny if you are surfing into the shallower water.

[Duncan Disorderly]

What Chris Said...

I took my 5/4 in January and was sweating 

Spanish Left is pretty localised AFAIK, shop guy was super cool and I got a pretty perfect board for my level (i.e. pretty shit - so a bit of a log )

I spent most of my session there on Conquistador avoiding the surf schools and moved a bit further left when I felt more confident....

Enjoy..

[SA Chris]

I am sure it's localised when it's on full on, but there were only half a dozen locals in the water midsummer first thing. Plus when it is on and busy, loads of other minor breaks in the area will show something. Waves were pretty mellow so I was mostly on their epoxy logs (probably the same boards as DD!).