LOBOS DOWNWINDER
The north-east wind was blowing stronger and stronger on the island over the last few days and despite a huge amount of kilometres driven on the dusty tracks in search of different spots, the surfing conditions are not as favourable. Seeing wind forecasts that do not seem to change, Belar suggested a downwinder around Corralejo and stirs Eric up for the next day. ‘Trust me, I’m sure by early afternoon the fan will be blowing and we’ll find some big bumps around Lobos!’
We decided to meet at Corralejo harbour at 1pm and the two riders install their 12’6 boards in their friend’s boat and throttle the engine out to the famous island of Lobos.
The wind is blows strong, as expected, and as soon as we passed the jetty, the ocean gets really rough and the bumps are getting bigger and bigger as we approach the Island. This magnificent wildlife reserve offers a breathtaking landscape with a huge volcano overlooking the rocky paths, desert valleys and small coves with crystal clear waters. It’s hard to describe the beauty of the scenery.
The captain stops the engine approximately 200m from Lobos point. Eric and Belar jump in the water and start paddling with determination for an unforgettable downwinder. The bumps are a little messy but the two friends manage some perfect connections between them and get some good glides. In the middle of the confused ocean, the rivalry between these two friends is y palpable and each tries to give his best to distance the other, seeking the optimal path back to the port of Corralejo, battling with the side current of the rising tide. The runs are long but not easy, each man is focused on not falling and letting his rival win. After an hour of intense gliding and paddling, the two riders reach the marina, breathless but so stoked with this shared moment. ‘What could be better than doing a downwinder on a day like this’ says Belar, grabbing his board under his arm.
