About Spain Surf Travel
How many surfers haven’t heard of Mundaka? One of the best waves on the planet, the real jewel of Spain’s northern coastline, and a wave that would be in the world’s top ten no matter where it resided. Yet how many surfers could then go on and name other top Spanish waves. A top five? Even a top three? The chances are that unless you’ve been there, you won’t quite realise the amazing potential this country has.
Surf Crowds
The Spanish have taken surfing to their hearts and many breaks will have crowds – some are seriously busy and with a high standard of surfing. But get off the beaten track and the crowds thin out, especially early and during the week – but this might also be linked to the fact that protective locals have removed many of the road signs that lead to the spots. There are some localism issues at spots like Rodiles but if you follow etiquette and don’t travel in huge groups you should have no problem
Surf Hazards
Again, although huge areas of the coastline look like prime white pointer territory, shark attacks are pretty much unheard of. The biggest dangers are from the physical environment and fellow surfers. The coastline can be very isolated, rips can be strong, and entry and exits at many breaks can be a bit tricky, so never surf alone. Watching the melee of drop-ins at some breaks will make you wince.
Best Surf Seasons in Spain
1) Fall
This is the season when Northern Spain really turns on. Swell after swell lights up the coast and Mundaka wakes from here summer slumber. The warm weather and warm water makes this the perfect time to visit. The air temperature begins to cool off to around 64?F with water temperatures following to the 60s – 3/2 suits season.
2) Spring
A season of change and one that, as the saying goes, “has a lot of weather.” Swells are pretty consistent but winds can be unpredictable and rain can accompany many passing weather fronts. If you’re more interested in surf than sun, a good time to score. Air temperatures begin to rise into the 60s, and water temperatures allow for a return to the 3/2.
3) Winter
Huge swells can bombard the coastline during the winter months, and rain can be a regular companion, but this coastline always has sheltered spots that fire when the surf gets big. The snow-capped mountains can make a stunning backdrop. Sea temperatures drop into the mid 50s – time to break out the 4/3’s, and boots while air temps flat line around 50?F.
4) Summer
If there is going to be surf anywhere in Europe in the summer it is here. The huge swell window vacuums up any passing pulse of energy, and the flexible geology will serve up something to ride. When a clean groundswell arrives the warm clear waters will be transformed into a whole smorgasbord of surfing opportunities. Air temperatures average 71F with the water, a little warmer allowing for shortie wetsuits.
Directions to Spain
A new motorway is being completed to link the Basque region with Galicia, allowing easy access along the coastline. Ferries run from the UK into Santander and Bilbao and low coast airlines between the UK and Spain’s major cities. Another natural route in is via France – from Biarritz airport, the run on the E5 into Spain takes around 45 minutes.
Surf Reading
Surfing Europe (Footprint)
Northern Spain (Footprint)