Gran Canaria is a worldwide privileged place to practice watersports, with plenty of wind and waves. The southeast coastline allows the practice of windsurfing and kitesurfing all year round, with World renowned spots like Pozo Izquierdo (where the PWA World Cup takes place since more than 25 years ago) and Vargas (home of several PWA World Cups too).
Vargas beach has been pretty much abandoned and forgotten about by the governments for decades, but has been used by windsurfers for over 40 years. It is one of the most important spots on the Island due to its conditions: it is an ample beach with a wide variety of conditions of wind and waves for beginners, advanced or even professional sailors, both in windsurfing and kitesurfing. During all these years, only the Ag?imes city council has been interested and in favor of collaborating and improving the area.
Only two small areas on the coastline are used to practice these sports. This allows the users to park at a certain distance from the water, making it accessible for everyone to carry their gear down to the beach, and for the kitesurfers and windsurfers to have their own areas, which is essential for safety reasons.
Kitesurfers and windsurfers access these areas by already existing dirt tracks, being absolutely respectful to the rest of the surrounding areas. Their presence has actually helped in great measure to keep the are well protected from other illicit activities as there are beach users almost everyday of the year.
People from all over the island, watersports schools, and plenty of tourists from all over Europe use this beach to practice both windsurfing and kitesurfing. This has also a significant, positive, economical impact on the area.
We are aware that preserving this special natural environment and restricting its uses is a necessary precaution, and we are totally in favor and willing to co-operate. Right before the closure of the access we were working on a proposal for the use of the area, that would be compatible with the legislation as well as being environmentally friendly with the area. We believe that the location has potential to be enjoyed by all users, whilst remaining respectful to the natural environment and the public areas. For this we are in favor of working together to find a solution.
The "Demarcacion de Costas de Las Palmas" (coastline office), according the new Coastal Law, has proceeded to the closure of the beach without prior notice and without offering any alternative option to the users until the final resolution is made. This means the prevention of activity for businesses and private users of the beach.
Vargas Beach is absolutely vital for these sports on the island, making it absolutely necessary to find an imminent, legitimate, solution that allows the use of our wonderful coastline.
To help save access to Gran Canarias finest beaches, please sign the petition now, which can be found here.
Maatsuyker Island, TAS
Windsurfing - Sails
