Isla de Lanzarote Sports & Outdoors Tips by lomi Top 5 Page for this destination

Canarian Wrestling

Canary Island Wrestling is known as Lucha Canaria on the island.

Imagine 12 giant men in t.shirts and rolled-up shorts jostling each other in a huge sand pit until they fall to the ground.

Players begin the game by leaning towards their opponent, heads almost on shoulders, left hand making a grab for the others shorts. They jostle each other in pairs until one or the other touches the ground with any part of the body other than the feet. Punching and strangleholds are not permitted. Solid body mass, together with speed is a crucial asset.

Three rounds take place altogether with a referee keeping score. Bets are placed amongst the audience and tensions raise to boiling point as everyone gets confused with who is fighting who.

These traditional contests date back to before the Spanish conquest of the Canaries in the 1400’s.

Equipment: Look out for the white marquee in Teguise where the sport takes place most Sundays at 12.00.

Or look for signs on the road around the village of Tao. And occasionally you might see practice sessions on the beaches.

Address: Teguise most Sundays

Directions: If you speak good Spanish telephone Franciso 928845376 for further details.

Theme: Sports Watching

Website: http://www.luchacanarialanzarote.com

Three Island Challenge, June.

Las Tres Islas (3 Island Challenge) is a series of endurance sports for young people, that take place betwen La Graciosa, Lanzarote and Fuertuventura.

Individuals or teams of 3 in relay style can partipate.

Swim 1.5 kms
Cycle 65 kms
Sail & Windsurf

One event was a 'dash' from Lanzarote to The Sahara!

Xavier Braddock or 'Tila' created the events to encourage young people by either participating, donating or volunteering. The event also raises funds for young people.

Equipment: The one day event starts with a swim from La Graciosa to Lanzarote's Mirador Beach, then participants cycle across the island to Playa Blanca.

www.youthsunited.com

This event may have to be cancelled due to lack of sponsorships. See website

Directions: Watch the swim from Mirador del Rey, Lanzarote

Other Contact: www.lastresislas.com

Phone: (34) 928 826 720

Theme: Other

Website: http://www.youthsunited.com

Ironman Competition, May

Every year in May Lanzarote hosts the Ironman semi-finals. Next is 23 rd May 2009.

This is one of the world's toughest tests of endurance.

3.8 km swim
180 km cycle ride
42.2km run

Nearly a 1000 competitors took part in the last contest.

Entry deadline: 1st May 2009 or sooner if the limit of 1200 participants is reached
Until the 20st of March 2009 every participant has the right to withdrawal.

A huge standing ovation for athlete Marc Heerreman from Belgium who completed the Ironman in an adapted wheelchair.

The oldest entrant was Kurt Einsiedel from Germany aged 70 who claimed he wasnt even tired after a finish time of 14 hours 26 minutes.

The finalists compete in Hawaii.

Equipment: Hosted by Club La Santa

Address: Starts and finishes in Puerto del Carmen

Directions: Watch from Avenida de las playas and surrrounding beaches

Other Contact: www.clublasanta.com

Theme: Extreme Sports

Website: http://www.ironmanlanzarote.com

sporting holidays

If you are more interested in activity sports than sun and sand, this maybe the holiday for you. The centre have up to 50 choices of activities daily.

e.g choose from 26 daily activities, from golf, tai chi, cycling, race track events, daily hikes, sailing, scuba, diving, windsurfing, aerobics etc etc

also their are a full list of daily childrens events,

olympic size swimming pool - but accommodation and catering secondary to the activities

Theme: Extreme Sports

Website: http://www.clublasanta.com

Volcano Triathalon

Club La Santa host this well established annual event in April.

Theme: Extreme Sports

Website: http://www.clublasanta.com

Horse Riding

Ride around Lanzarote on horseback from Rancho Texas riding stables in Puerto del Carmen 928173247 or Lanzarote a Caballo near Yaiza 928830314. Special packages for adults and children.

Theme: Other

Swim the Islands

Every year residents of Lanzarote enter the race to swim between the tiny island of La Graciosa and Ozola in Lanzarote in the north of the island. All levels age groups and gender can be entered - from children to adults. This year(2003) it takes place on 27 September.

Another one takes place between tiny Los Lobos and Fuertuventura on 19 October.

Equipment: Watch the start of the race from La Graciosa or finishing point in Ozola.

Los Lobos is very difficult to get to, but there are day trips on offer. Best to view from Correlejo in Fuertuventura.

Directions: For info contact the Ayuntamiento (town hall) in Haria.

Phone: (0034) 928835300

Theme: Extreme Sports