Punta Hildago, Tenerife
Photos by WindsurfingTenerife.com.
 February 5th 2008 saw monster swell hit the Canarian islands. Check out this break on the north shore of Tenerife courtesy of local pro sailor, Dany Bruch.
Where exactly is this break on Tenerife?
Dany: Punta del Hidalgo has a few awesome breaks, this one is called "La derecha del Altagai". It is a well known surfing spot but unfortunately known just as well for the worst localism on the island.
Does it often happen but with very little wind or was it just light that day?
Dany: This day the forecast was for just 9 knots and there was not really more than that. (I was on my 5.8m Gaastra Poison and 83 litre F2 Rebel). But a friend of mine has sailed it with 4.7 full power. There are even some jumping spots if the swell is not too big.
Can it be surfed and if so HAS it been surfed?
Dany: Yes. The same day I went out, two friends from the local tow-in surfing scene were out. You can see in the photos us on the same wave.
When you sail these big waves on your own, what do you fear the most?
Dany: Well, first of all I always go out there with lots of respect. The waves in the north are quite heavy even if they are not too big. There is a lot of water moving around so you always have to pay attention. But I think the worst that could happen is that you get knocked out somehow (hitting the reef or with the gear) because it would be quite difficult for someone to help you out. But that’s the worst case; if you can still swim you will always get back to land!
Why do you always seem to sail gnarly waves on your own? Have you no friends or is no one 'up for it'?!
Dany: Well actually this day I was out with Ivan, a friend of mine who has lived for a few years in La Punta but he is the only one that is up for those sessions and he often can't come because he has to work. The rest of the guys...I get tired of letting them know. I only spend money in useless phone calls. They always want to be informed when it is happening, but when the day comes no one joins me.
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