Windsurfing — Melilla coast

Windsurfing off Melilla's northern coast takes advantage of the thermal and geographic winds that funnel between the Rif Mountains of Morocco and the Spanish enclave's exposed shoreline. The primary practice area extends along the beach known locally as Playa de las Teresitas de Melilla, where relatively flat, sandy-bottomed shallows provide a suitable launch zone for beginner boards and wide freestyle shapes favoured by intermediate riders.

The dominant wind is the Poniente (westerly), which blows regularly from April through June and again in September and October at forces 2–4 on the Beaufort scale, producing manageable conditions for beginner and intermediate windsurfers. During July and August the Levante (easterly) supplements and occasionally replaces the Poniente, reaching force 4–5 on peak summer afternoons; these conditions suit more experienced riders but require caution from novices. Flat-water conditions early in the morning are common in spring and autumn before the thermal wind builds, making those hours ideal for technique work and instructional sessions.

Board and wetsuit hire is available through the Real Club Náutico de Melilla, which can also arrange referrals to certified windsurfing instructors holding RYA or FEV (Federación Española de Vela) qualifications. A typical introductory lesson of 2 hours covers beach theory, rig assembly, sail orientation, and water starts in waist-deep water under the instructor's supervision. No prior sailing or windsurfing experience is required; basic swim competence is the only prerequisite.

Participants should arrive wearing a swimsuit or board shorts, as a wetsuit will be provided by the hire operator when required by conditions. Sun protection is essential on the exposed northern shoreline, where wind chill can mask the intensity of the Alboran sun. Session fees of €25–€50 typically include board hire, life jacket, and boom-and-mast set; wetsuit hire may attract a small additional charge. The windsurf area overlaps with the recreational swimming zone in peak summer, so riders are reminded to yield to swimmers when returning to shore and to stay outside the marked bathing area during beach hours.