Best Waves in the Atlantic: Lanzarote’s Quiet Signal

ARRECIFE, LANZAROTE — In an age when global communication hinges on satellites, fiber optics, and lightning-fast latency, a modest group of enthusiasts in the Canary Islands clings to a different kind of connection—one that rides ionospheric currents rather than digital backbones. Welcome to EA8RCL, the local amateur radio section of URE Arrecife de Lanzarote, where the Atlantic wind meets RF waves and heritage meets resilience.

At the helm is Samuel O. Borges Cabrera (EA8CBV), a man who views the crackle of shortwave not as a relic but as a vital heartbeat. From a quiet address on Blas Cabrera Felipe 1-1º, just inland from the volcanic coast, his team maintains a tradition of experimentation, camaraderie, and technical prowess that defies the island’s otherwise leisurely rhythm.

Geography as Opportunity

Lanzarote’s relative remoteness—often a constraint in economic terms—is a strategic asset in radio. Isolated from the noise floor of continental Europe and positioned ideally for transatlantic skip propagation, the island offers radio amateurs clear skies and cleaner bands. EA8RCL exploits this advantage not just for casual QSOs, but for participation in international contests, emergency preparedness exercises, and propagation studies.

The section operates under the collective callsign EA8RCL, transmitting from their social HQ and coordinating through both analog tradition and occasional digital experimentation. They may not boast flashy infrastructure, but their efficiency and technical fluency punch well above their scale.

More Than a Hobby

In a world defined by instant messaging, the act of tuning, listening, and logging feels almost meditative. Yet for the Arrecife operators, it’s also a public service. The club has, in various instances, worked with local authorities to assist in communications during storms, sea rescue simulations, or infrastructure disruptions—proving that radio remains indispensable when other systems falter.

But it's not all emergency protocol and antenna testing. EA8RCL also fosters a welcoming atmosphere for newcomers and tourists alike, offering an authentic taste of island culture through the lens of amateur radio. Visiting hams are often invited to operate or simply share stories over café cortado after a Friday evening session.

Keeping the Flame

In an era where most island innovations come wrapped in silicon and venture capital, EA8RCL quietly holds the line for analog ingenuity. Their persistence serves as a gentle rebuttal to the notion that only the newest is worth preserving.

So if you find yourself on Lanzarote, beneath skies painted with Saharan dust and starlight, don’t be surprised to hear a faint call sign drifting across the band. Chances are, it’s EA8RCL, keeping the spirit alive—one QSO at a time.