For many surfers, Lanzarote is Europe’s answer to Hawaii. During the winter months, from October to March, when big powerful swells start firing off the reefs that surround the island, board packing beginners and professionals alike descend upon Lanzarote like birds migrating south. Just like other visitors, they are partly drawn by the weather, as Lanzarote’s North African location often delivers sunshine and both air and water temperatures that simply can’t be matched in Europe proper. This alone obviously makes the whole process of surfing a far more pleasurable experience. But Lanzarote’s magnetic pull and formidable reputation as one of the most surf rich environments on the planet is attributable to factors other than just sunshine alone.