pozo izquierdo windsurf world cup 2026

Pozo Izquierdo: Gran Canaria hosts world windsurfing elite

All roads lead to Rome, all winds lead to Pozo Izquierdo

Every road leads to Rome, and every wind leads to Pozo Izquierdo. This small coastal settlement in the south of Gran Canaria, within the municipality of Santa Lucía de Tirajana, is far more than just a natural biodiversity laboratory. Its trade winds, the sea, and a long sporting tradition have turned it into the world capital of windsurfing and the home of the Gran Canaria Gloria Windsurf World Cup – one of the most prestigious events on the international circuit, held on the island since 1989.

38th edition brings together over 120 competitors from three continents

The 38th edition of the Pozo Izquierdo Windsurf World Championship, part of the PWA (Professional Windsurfers Association) circuit, brings together more than 120 competitors from three continents until 12 July. Although a calima forced the suspension of the heats scheduled for the afternoon of 7 July, the competition continues with the aim of crowning the best specialists in the Wave discipline on one of the finest stages in the world for windsurfing.

The opening day kicked off on 4 July with the traditional group photograph of the participants. Although wind conditions prevented the start of the races, the atmosphere at El Arenal beach was already buzzing with the anticipation of an event widely regarded as a benchmark on the international calendar.

Wave discipline takes centre stage with new format

This edition also introduces a sporting novelty, with the Wave discipline enjoying absolute prominence. Over the nine days of competition, professional category athletes will share the water with young talents from the Under-13, Under-15, Under-18 and Under-21 divisions – both male and female – as well as participants in the Masters +45 category.

The competition forms part of the PWA Wave Circuit and the World Wave Tour, and is officially endorsed by the Royal Spanish Sailing Federation. It also enjoys the backing of the Government of the Canary Islands, the Cabildo of Gran Canaria, Santa Lucía de Tirajana Town Council, and various public and private bodies collaborating in the organisation of the event.

Why Pozo Izquierdo is the world’s best windsurfing spot

It is clear that Pozo Izquierdo is considered one of the best places on Earth for windsurfing. Its exceptional natural conditions have made it the regular venue for the Windsurf World Championship. One of the main reasons it was chosen as the capital of this sport is the intensity and consistency of its winds. During the summer months, the north-easterly trade winds accelerate due to the well-known Venturi effect, caused by the island’s topography. This phenomenon generates winds that frequently exceed 40 and 50 knots, offering the perfect conditions for spectacular jumps and high-level manoeuvres.

El Arenal beach provides waves between one and three metres high that break to the right. Combined with a side-onshore wind, this creates natural ramps ideal for the world’s best windsurfers to execute aerial moves and techniques typical of the Wave discipline. Unlike other international destinations where the wind can be unreliable, Pozo Izquierdo stands out for the dependability of its weather conditions. During July, the trade winds blow consistently, guaranteeing that the championship can take place year after year and cementing Gran Canaria’s status as a global reference point.

A breeding ground for windsurfing legends

Pozo Izquierdo is also known as the training ground for some of the greatest windsurfers in history. Icons such as Bjørn Dunkerbeck and the sisters Daida and Iballa Ruano have spent much of their sporting careers at this spot. Their legacy, combined with the area’s extraordinary natural conditions, has established Pozo Izquierdo as one of the most emblematic and prestigious venues on the global windsurfing circuit.

That is why the president of the Cabildo of Gran Canaria, Antonio Morales, underlined the international significance of a competition which, in his view, is already part of the island’s sporting and social history. ‘This event is undoubtedly one of the most important in the world. The Pozo Izquierdo championship has built an international reputation that has helped shape the history of windsurfing in the Canary Islands and project the image of Gran Canaria across the entire planet, transmitting values such as sustainability, respect for the sea, for the land, and for responsible sporting practice,’ he explained.

An event that boosts the local economy and inspires the next generation

The Pozo Izquierdo Windsurf World Championship goes far beyond sporting competition. Every summer, it turns the municipality of Santa Lucía de Tirajana into an international showcase, attracting athletes, technical teams, media and fans from numerous countries. The event is considered one of the most prestigious on the world wave circuit. Its impact is also felt in the local economy. During the days of the championship, activity increases in accommodation, restaurants and shops in the area, while also strengthening the island’s sports tourism offering.

Furthermore, Pozo Izquierdo receives numerous athletes each year who choose this spot for training thanks to the regularity of its trade winds, making the championship the best calling card for a destination that lives and breathes sport all year round. The institutions also highlight the value of the event as a tool for promoting grassroots sport and generational renewal. The participation of youth categories alongside the world elite allows young prospects to share the stage with international champions, reinforcing Pozo Izquierdo’s role as a genuine nursery for world windsurfing.

How to watch the action live and for free

The 38th edition of the Gran Canaria Gloria Windsurf World Cup 2026 can be followed free of charge, either in person or online. The competition takes place at El Arenal beach in Pozo Izquierdo (Santa Lucía de Tirajana), with free public access throughout all days of the championship. For those unable to travel to Gran Canaria, the heats can also be watched live via streaming on the World Wave Tour YouTube channel, which offers full live coverage of the competition.

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