Wind and Kite surfing in Tenerife

 

Let the wind rush and the adrenaline flow…

 

The history of windsurfing began in 1948 on the Susquehanna River, Pennsylvania, USA when Newman Darby invented the sailboard.

 

Kitesurfing or Kiteboarding is an adventure surface water sport that has been described as combining wakeboarding, windsurfing, surfing, paragliding, and gymnastics into one extreme sport. Kitesurfing harnesses the power of the wind to propel a rider across the water on a small surfboard or a kiteboard (similar to a wakeboard).

Ask any Wind and Kite Surfer here in Tenerife and they will tell you, El Medano is the favourite place to be… 

 

Located on Tenerife’s south east coast, just a few kilometres from the south airport, El Médano is the island’s ‘coolest’ resort and Tenerife's kite boarding and wind surfing capital. With approximately 290 days of wind a year, your accessibility and enjoyment of this sport is guaranteed!

 

If you want to learn how to Kite Surf, The Kite Center in El Medano offer lessons and equipment:

Wetsuit, helmet with headphones, lifejacket kite equipment included!

3 Hour lessons - 145€ (reduced for groups) and single lesson - 60€

Covers: kite control theory, exercises on the beach, launching and landing of the Kite, practical training in the water etc…

For more details visit www.kitecenter-medano.com

 

Any type of extreme sport can be dangerous, therefore taking formal lessons is of utmost importance.

 

WIND SURFING

 

Windsurfing or sailboarding is a surface water sport that combines elements of surfing and sailing. It consists of a board usually two to four metres long, powered by the orthogonal effect of the wind on a sail. The rig is connected to the board by a free-rotating universal joint and comprises a mast, wishbone boom and sail.

 

 

Here are a few words of Wind Surfing Jargon and basic manoeuvres etc:

Piloting the Kite

Kite Surfing entails piloting the kite and manoeuvring the board. 

 

Launching the Kite

Know the different techniques in successfully launching a power kite and releasing a power kite into the air.

 

Launching the Kite Alone

Every kite surfer should have assistance when launching. However, if you dare to try launching alone, observe the necessary measures in order to have a safe launch.

 

Landing the Kite

After you have successfully launched your kite and surfed among the waves, it's now time to return to the beach. Learn some safety guidelines when landing.

 

Water Re-launch

There is always the possibility of crashing into the water even if you have exerted energy not to.

 

Depowering

Depowering can be done either by linking the lines to form different knots or by using a strap which affects the tension on the center lines. 

 

Body Dragging

Kite Surfing without a board underneath your feet is not only possible but immensely popular as well. This technique is called Body Dragging. 

 

Waterstarting

Waterstarting is all about stabilizing the kite while being attached to a board. A kite surfer should also know the power of the kite and the amount of traction needed to pull him onto the board.

 

Jumping

Jumping is easy to learn and it is one of the techniques that will make the sport more exciting. 

 

Toeside

Surfing toeside enables you to do transitions. It is also similar to riding on the toe edge in Snowboarding 

(all photos from www.windsurfingtenerife.com)

Finals of the 2011 Tenerife Kite Masters

 

The finals took place in El Medano in August where there were five days of action in which to pick the best male and best female riders who got into the finals.

 

Official Results of the 2011 Tenerife Kite Masters:

 

Results Men Freestyle:

 

1. Youri Zoon (NED, Slingshot)

 

2. Tom Hebert (FRA, North)

 

3. Ariel Corniel (DOM, Ozone)

 

Results Women Freestyle:

 

1. Kari Schibevaag (NOR, Ozone)

 

2. Angela Peral (ESP, North)

 

3. Cristina Resinas (ESP, North)

 

Interesting facts:

Kitesurfing - French kitesurfer Sebastien Cattelan became the first sailor to break the 50 knots barrier by reaching 50.26 knots on 3 October 2008 at the Lüderitz Speed Challenge in Namibia. On 4 October, Alex Caizergues (also of France) broke this record with a 50.57 knots run.

 

Kirsty Jones set a distance record for a kiteboard when she travelled 225 km (140 mi), crossing solo from Lanzarote in the Canary Islands to Tarfaya, Morocco, in about nine hours on 13 May 2006.

Golf in Tenerife

Initially the game of golf was deemed only for the rich and famous as the hand crafted equipment was extremely expensive. It wasn’t until the cheap methods of mass production came into being, that the sport became easily accessible to the ordinary people.

 

Enjoy golf all year round – Tenerife offers fantastic weather and a large choice of golf courses: Whether you are a beginner or professional, the Golfing options offered on the island are amazing…here are details on each course available to you.

 

Amarilla Golf - 6684 yds Par 72

 

Located in the south of Tenerife, this 18 hole course is marked by the incredible views of the Atlantic Ocean and the exclusive San Miguel Marina. Also offers Pitch and Putt, 9 holes, driving range, putting green and other services like golf academy, clubs rental, buggy bar… etc..

 

Costa Adeje - 6909 yds Par 72

 

Situated just five kilometres from Playa de las Americas, Golf Costa Adeje has been built on the site of an old banana plantation.

 The venue for the Canaries Spanish Open in 2003, course designer Pepe Gancedo has made very good use of the existing terrain as well as adding over 50,000 square metres of dry stone walls on which the main fairways have been laid. The club has great practice facilities and a superb clubhouse.

 

Golf del Sur - North/South 6422 yds Par 72, North/Links 5920 yds Par 72, Links/South 6050 yds Par 71

 

Venue of the European tour in its early days, the course has 27 holes offering three individual 9-hole courses, and three testing combinations. The North and South loops run close to the sea and the links course parallel to it. None of the 3 layouts are particularly long however avoiding the rocky ravines and lava waste areas is more difficult than it looks at this usually well kept club.

 

Golf Las Americas - 6640 yds Par 72

 

Opened in 1997 and designed by John Jacobs the Las Americas course is an interesting layout yet relatively flat compared to most of the islands other courses. The impressive clubhouse is worth a visit.

 

Los Palos  - Par 27, 9 hole course

 

Located near Guaza in Costa del Silencio…perfect for beginners or experienced players alike, providing an excellent opportunity to work on the short game. There are also plenty of challenges to be encountered over its 914 metres: five holes are affected by water and others require very accurate hitting

 

Abama - 6818 yds Par 72

 

Opened in 2005, The Abama course includes twenty-two lakes and over 200 different species of trees. Waterfalls, streams and the constant presence of spectacular views over the Atlantic Ocean add to the enjoyment of this high end set up.

 

Buenavista - 6765 yds Par 72

Situated in the North West tip of the island a good hours drive from the resorts in the south Buenavista is a stunning Severiano Ballesteros design using the spectacular wild natural terrain to produce a course of shear beauty. Well worth a trip to the North for this course.

 

Real Club De Golf – Tacoronte – 6325 yds Par 72

 

The Real Club de Golf de Tenerife was founded on the 18th December 1932, which makes it the second oldest in Spain. The course is located in the greenest and coolest part of the island of Tenerife, at 600-753 meters above sea.

Hosting the International Open Championship of Spain in 1964 as well as the Professional Doubles Championship of Spain in 1984: Over the years, players such as Severiano Ballesteros, Manuel Piñero, J.M. Cañizares, Antonio Garrido y Miguel Angel Jimenez, won the Proam Tito Abreu, now called Gran Premio Casino Taoro, at this course.

 

Here is an approximation of what you are likely to pay at the Courses here in Tenerife. Discounts are always available for large groups and there are offers during low season.

Greenfee Rates 2011 - 2012
	Nov 2011 – Mar 2012
Amarilla Golf	80€
Costa Adeje	89€
Las Americas	90€
Golf Del Sur	85€
Los Palos	29€
Abama	200€
Buenavista North West	90€
Real Golf North	75€

 

Currently, the most expensive set of golf clubs in production are the Five Stars made by Honma, a Japanese club manufacturer that constructs its custom clubs out of platinum and gold. A full, custom 14-piece set of these expensive clubs from Honma costs $32,000, owned by well known celebrities such as Jack Nicholson and Danny DeVito.

November Activities in Tenerife

We are in autumn and although its difficult to spot the seasonal changes here in Tenerife, the budding poinsettias are a total giveaway…you will see parks and roadside displays all over the island displaying this 

wonderful bright crimson plant. 

Now that the weather has become less unpredictable than of late, there could be quite a few dull days…So here are a few activity suggestions on days when the sky is grey and the sunshine takes a well earned break:

1st  November  - Festividad de Todos los Santos

All Saints festival - National Holiday – Each main town or village celebrate this day in their own way. Traditionally, All Saints Day is when Catholics celebrate and honour the saints, a day when families visit the resting places of loved ones and place flowers on their graves. All Saints Day was originally celebrated in May but the festival was moved to November by the Catholic Church in an attempt to stamp out the pagan festival of Halloween.

 

19th November - Great feast of Tenerife wines

 Calle La Noria – Santa Cruz -  All the Regulatory Boards that are responsible for determining the denominación de origin of every kind of Tenerife wine are gathering in Calle La Noria to celebrate the Great Feast of Wines. Delicious tapas will be served with the wines that are going to be tasted. 

 

You can find out more information at the following website:  www.santacruzmas.com

 

27^th November -  Marlango. ‘Life in the Treehouse’ live music  - Auditorio de Tenerife, Santa Cruz.

Leonor Watling, Óscar Ybarra and Alejandro Pelayo are Marlango are coming to Tenerife to introduce their fourth and most recent album. 'Life in the Treehouse' is a work that features many artists such as Ben and Leo Sidran, Suso Saiz, Jorge Drexler and Rufus Wainwright, a collection of songs made with rich arrangements but of easy listening, with soft melodies and lyrics full of feeling -  For more information on this show and many others, visit   www.auditoriodetenerife.com

 

Musical Show -  The art of Carmen Mota -  Piramide de Arona

Based on the Broadway hit and the Blake Edwards film Victor/Victoria, this show is a fantastic evening's entertainment and highly recommended for all the family.

Based in 1940s Andalucía, it features a young flamenco dancer in a plot filled with love triangles, intrigue and passion, and punctuated with humour. The production is slick, with stunning lighting and breathtaking dancing - both modern and traditional flamenco styles. 

 

The costumes - and costume changes - are fabulous. The 30-strong cast of talented dancers transports the audience to another time and place, through a swish of silk, a stamp of the foot and a superb musical score.

An excellent introduction to Spanish dance for ex-pat residents and visitors alike, Airam has popularised Flamenco in Tenerife in the same way that Riverdance did for traditional Irish dancing.

Show Aire Adult: 45 € From 13 to 17 years: 22,50 € Children up to 12 years: free

Dinner + Show Aire Adult: 71 € From 13 to 17 years: 48.50 € Children from 7 to 12 years: 15 €

Find out more and book tickets online: www.airammusical.com

 

Siam Park

The Siam Park is still a great favourite for all the family 3 years on… The Park opened to the public in late 2008 amid much fanfare. It had hit several construction problems. Residents and visitors to Tenerife alike were pleased to finally see the doors open.

Located just off the TF1 (the main motorway in Tenerife), in Costa Adeje and close to the popular tourist resort of Playa de Las Americas.

 

 

There is plenty of choice within the park itself, including the Tower of Power, a vertical slide which has transparent sections, sending you through sharks and stingrays. Definitely not one for the faint hearted! The Wave Palace is a man made wave machine, with waves reaching up to 3 metres high, the largest recorded height in the world.

Prices are for an entire days entertainment, standing at 30€ for adults and 19.50€ for children under the age of 12. You can get free buses to and from around Playa de Las Americas and Los Cristianos are available - ask at your Hotel reception/Excursion office for more information.

 

There is a huge selection of activities in Tenerife, visit Sunway Tenerife´s activities webpage here for more information and prices!

Property of the week, for sale in Tenerife / Piso en venta en Tenerife abierto a offerta!

 Studio in the heart of Las Americas situated on the 5th floor of El Dorado. This studio has a kitchen, lounge/bedroom with 2 single beds and a terrace which enjoys sun all day and with partial sea views. The complex has a reception, a new swimming pool,  2 tennis courts, private parking spaces and the studio is being sold completely furnished. Contact us today to arrange an appointment to view on (0034) 922 790 021 or UK: 0871 711 5079 admin@sunway-tenerife.com

Estudio en el corazón de Playa de Las Américas, situado en la planta quinta del ApartHotel El Dorado. Este estudio tiene una cocina, salón / dormitorio con 2 camas individuales y una terraza que goza de sol todo el día y con vistas parciales al mar. El complejo dispone de recepción, una nueva piscina, 2 canchas de tenis, aparcamiento privado y el estudio se vende completamente amueblado. Contáctenos hoy mismo para concertar una cita para ver en (0034) 922 790 021 o el Reino Unido: 0871 711 5079 admin@sunway-tenerife.com

Tax, Tax & More Tax in Tenerife

Sunway Tenerife The Estate Agents

When buying a property, one of the main and most expensive extra charges is sales tax or as it is also known, stamp duty.

In the Canary Islands, as elsewhere in Spain, in order to determine the rate of sales tax depends whether property is new or second-hand. If it is new it will typically be sold by the construction company responsible for its development, or as a result of the economic crisis, it may be a bank which has foreclosed on the construction company that is selling the property.

In either situation it is still regarded as new and therefore attracts a standard sales tax or VAT. In Spain this is known as IVA and in the Canary Islands which has a different sales tax than mainland Spain, this is known as IGIC.

The rate of IGIC is typically 5% although this is due to be modified and reduced to 2.75% where a new property is purchased with the intention that the property shall be the principal personal residence of the purchaser. There is a limit of €150,000 on the value of the property.

The Wealth Tax has again reared its ugly head; this was originally abolished in Spain on 1st January 2009. 16 September 2011, showed its reintroduction, following the new published law. They tell us that it will only be for a two-year period, 2012 and 2013, which corresponds to tax periods 2011 and 2012, respectively. This will ensure that the Government re-coup funds of over 1 Billion Euros. (Watch this space, as there have been temporary laws passed that remain in place for almost a decade)

The reason for this reintroduction is to “weather the financial storm which afflicts Spain at a time where those who own more have the moral obligation to contribute more to society following the legal principle enshrined by art 31 of Spain’s Constitution”.

Wealth tax legislation is down to the autonomous governments, who can either use the national law, or pass their own laws on the following:

1. Tax-free allowances

2. Deductions and tax rebates

3. Levied tax rate


Some regions, like Catalonia, Valencia, The Balearics, and Andalucía, pass their own laws. Others just use the national law. Now that the wealth tax has been re-introduced, some regions are expected to review their laws and the Canaries are no different...

Residents are subject to the laws of the autonomous regions where they live. Non-residents are always subject to the national law, regardless of which region they live in.

For residents, some regions apply a tax rebate of 100%, which means no wealth tax to be paid, whilst other regions apply no rebate, meaning the wealth tax must be paid in full. This inconsistency in laws leaves the door wide open for unforeseen changes.

Most Britons moving to Spain or buying property understand that they will have to pay Spanish taxes like income tax, capital gains tax and inheritance tax. Not everyone, however, is aware that Spain imposes an extra tax which is payable on top of the other Spanish taxes i.e. .The Wealth Tax in Spain.

Spanish Wealth Tax is payable by both residents and non-residents (if they own property in Spain), although the rules are different. Residents pay wealth tax on their worldwide assets but have quite generous tax-free allowances, whereas non-residents are only liable on net assets within Spain but miss out on some of the allowances.

Whether you are buying property as a holiday home or investment, don’t get caught out by rules you are not aware of. Always seek professional advice.

Sunway Tenerife has over 25 year’s experience, please call for more information about buying Tenerife Property as a Rental Investment. Sunway staff are able to offer you a wide and varied selection of property across the south of Tenerife as well as one of the most professional services on the island!

Canary Island Tapas and Typical dishes

Firstly, most of you may be asking…what is a Tapa?

 

The answer is quite simple, Tapas were traditionally small individual dishes on sale to provide a light snack during the day or as a starter before the evening meal. The word Tapas literally means lid or top. It is believed that this comes from an old custom where people placed a piece of bread or meat over a glass in the form of a top to keep the flies and insects away! The edible top was known as a Tapa.

 

So if you’re a first time visitor to Tenerife, or even a returning one, the range of restaurants here as well as with many of the other Canary Islands can be daunting. There seems to be a tapas bar each corner you turn. One thing you can be sure of is if you wander into any bar and the locals are eating Tapas…it will be a good tasty meal and at a reasonable price.

 

Dishes vary in each bar…here are a few traditional dishes you may find being served:

Alitas de pollo - chicken wings

Atun en salsa Rojo  - Tuna in Red Sauce

Carne con Papas  -  Meat and potato

Chipirones - Small squids brushed with oil and griddled on a hot plate

Chicharrones - chunks of cooked pork and crackling

Chorizo Iberico - Iberian pork, spicy cured sausage

Garbanzos - A chickpea stew flavoured with garlic and ham

Jamon Serrano - cured ham thinly sliced

Lapas - Limpets in a half shell drizzled with oil, fresh coriander and garlic.

Olivia - Olives

Paella - always includes rice and saffron and either fish or meat

Papas arrugadas - Salty potatoes un-skinned.

Pulpo (Octopus)

Queso curado - strong mature sheep's cheese in olive oil

Salchichon Iberico - Iberian pork salami type sausage

Tortilla Espanol – Chunky omlette made from potato, onion, egg and normally served with alioli.

 

Here are two recipes you may like to try at home and you will find these served in most local bars:

 

Chorizo in Red Wine 

 

 

INGREDIENTS:

• 450g/1lb Chorizo Sausage, cut into slices 6mm/¼ inch thick
• 60ml/2fl.oz. Dry Red Wine
• 2 tbsp freshly chopped mixed Herbs (thyme, parsley, oregano)
• 2 Garlic Cloves, crushed
• French bread cubes to serve

 

PREPARATION:

• 1.Preheat the oven to 220C, 425F, Gas Mark 7.
• 2.Place the sausage slices in a very shallow ovenproof dish.
• 3.Pour the wine, herbs and garlic over the sausage and bake for 10 minutes.
• 4.Serve hot with cubes of bread to soak up the sauce.

 

Mojo Verde

 

 

This dish comes from the Canary Islands. It is a staple there, and goes with just about everything! Try it with "papas arrugadas" (small boiled potatoes with salt and lemon) for a Canary Island specialty! Delicious! It keeps well in the refrigerator, and is even better after a day or two. Serve at room temperature.

 

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 garlic bulb
• 200ml Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• 150ml White Wine Vinegar
• 1 handful of fresh coriander
• ½ teaspoon of cumin
• 1 teaspoon sea salt

 

PREPARATION:

• 1.Firstly, peel the garlic cloves.
• 2.Place the garlic, cumin, vinegar and salt in a blender and puree until finely chopped.
• 3.Chop the coriander leaves.
• 4.Finally slowly mix in the coriander leaves and olive oil.

You will also see Gofio on many a menu…it has been a staple part of the Canarian diet for years and it is very much like flour made from toasted cereals. It was believed to be the main food of the Guanches, the native people of Tenerife and remains a popular dish to this day. Locals have this as a starter or mixed with hot milk and Honey as part of their breakfast.

 

A huge variety of food is available on the Canary Islands, so get ready for a taste sensation to remember – Canarian style!

Reduced Properties for sale under market value in Tenerife South....Investment opportunities!

This is a unique opportunity to purchase a property in Tenerife under market value. The following 3 properties will not be for sale for long.

Previously priced at €210,000 each and now open to ANY reasonable OFFER!!! The bank valued these properties only last month (August 2011) at over €230,000 each! This is the perfect opportunity to invest in Tenerife, but do not delay as we do not expect them to be available for long.

Sunway are pleased to be able to offer 2 apartments in Los Castaños for sale for a bargain! There is a ground floor apartment with 20m garden and a first floor apartment with a 12m terrace. These apartments in Los Castanos are in the new upmarket area of El Madronal and only a 5 minute drive to the beautiful beach of el Duque. They enjoy the sun all day and have lovely sea views. The properties have a fully fitted American Style kitchen with also a separate laundry room area. Two double bedrooms with fully fitted wardrobes and a very large bathroom. The spacious living room also comes fully furnished and boasts fantastic views from the terrace to the ocean and the garden areas. The properties come with secure parking and a storeroom and also a beautiful community pool with lush tropical gardens.

Contact us for viewings on admin@sunway-tenerife.com or (0034)922790021

This second property is very spacious and has recently been hugely reduced for a quick sale.

NOW REDUCED TO ONLY €179,000!! Beautiful townhouse for sale in Roque del Conde. This property has 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms (1 ensuite), an American kitchen, lounge/dining room, terrace with garden, a storeroom, balcony and a big garage of 40m2 with automatic doors. The townhouse has also been recently redecorated. There is a swimming pool on the complex. Property reference LAH 07-370

For more information or to arrange a viewing please contact us on (0034) 922790021 or admin@sunway-tenerife.com