Surfing in Cantabria

This region’s beaches are considered to be some of the best in Spain for surfing enthusiasts.

After all, Cantabria is the birthplace of surfing in Spain and the country’s pioneering region for surf.

Surf Nature Reserve

At the beginning of the 60s, the Cantabrian people were already surfing the waves with their “plankis” in El Sardinero and, in 1963, Jesús Fiochi brought from France the first surfboard recorded in Spain. This Santander native became the first surfer to ride a wave with his Barland board just arrived from Biarritz.

This pioneer spirit goes on to the present day, given that, in 2012, Ribamontán al Mar declared its beaches and breakers a ‘Surf Nature Reserve’, therefore becoming the first municipality in Spain to have this official protection mechanism. Its example has been followed by three other municipalities in the region: Suances, Noja and San Vicente de la Barquera. This four surf nature reserves are the spearhead of a considerable number of stretches of sand that spread along the coastline to be enjoyed by surfers from the entire world.

Spring tides and soft winds have favoured the development of this sport that attracts a growing number of visitors and enthusiasts every year. This region, which only a few months ago held the record for the highest wave in Spanish history (26.13 metres), has therefore positioned itself as one of the most renowned surfing destinations of the peninsula.

So many reasons to visit Cantabria

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Cantabrian Sanctuaries

«Although it can be practiced all along the coast, the beaches most visited by surfers are the following:

Somo (Ribamontán al Mar): Located east of the Bay of Santander. A very popular spot among surf enthusiasts, with several schools for beginners and specialized surf shops. It boasts almost two kilometers of fine golden sand and a sea with strong waves, where you can catch waves in all seasons. Next to Somo are the beaches of Loredo and Galizano, also very popular with surfers.
Berria (Santoña): More than two kilometers long with white sand between Mount Brusco and Mount Buciero. An ideal location situated on the isthmus that connects the peninsula forming the incomparable landscape of Mount Buciero with the municipality of Argoños. Sea currents arrive from the north, and to the south of the beach is the Natural Park of the Marshes of Santoña, Victoria and Joyel.
La Primera de El Sardinero (Santander): El Sardinero has a great historical tradition of illustrious summer visitors, such as King Alfonso XIII and his court. An attractive sandy area located in a strategic spot of the Cantabrian capital. La Primera has a stretch of 330 meters of fine and soft sand with hardly any noticeable slope. La Segunda beach is also very popular with surfers.
Canallave and Valdearenas (Liencres): Located in the heart of the Natural Park of the Dunes of Liencres and Costa Quebrada is Canallave. This beach, along with Valdearenas, are two of the beaches considered the most consistent along the entire coastline and ideal for surfing at any time of the year. Valdearenas stands out for the uniqueness of its landscape, sheltered by a forest that jealously guards its almost three kilometers of sandy shore.
El Merón (San Vicente de la Barquera): This white sandy beach is four kilometers long. The beach is divided into several parts: El Puntal, El Rosal, Merón, Vedreña, and Peñas Negras. It is located on the open sea, so strong waves are constant.
Los Locos (Suances): On the central coast of Cantabria. Its intense waves crash against the cliffs surrounding the 750 meters of golden sand. In Suances, surfing is also practiced at La Concha or La Tablía.
Ris, Pombera y El Brusco (Noja): All three with a great surfing tradition within the region. Mount El Brusco lends a special magic to the beach of the same name. These sandy areas, together with the Noja and Joyel marshes, are a true delight.

If you're looking to start surfing...

Surf schools are the best way to get into surfing because..

You will learn the technique in the fastest and most accurate way, as well as safety and etiquette rules in the water.
You will start with professionals and with the technical equipment that best suits your skill, physical ability, and level.
You will avoid putting yourself and others in danger.

A total of 50 surf schools are located on the main sandy beaches of Cantabria and offer a wide range of activities and courses for all ages and levels. Furthermore, surf schools often rent out their own equipment, so if what we want is to try this experience, this is a good way to do it. The schools offer courses in different languages.

If you're a 'surflover', you'll be interested to know..

The Somo Surf Center is one of the must-see places for surfing enthusiasts. There, you can experience the authentic culture of the waves. The promotion and infrastructure developed through the Surf Product Dynamization Plan have made Ribamontán al Mar a benchmark. Schools, courses, activities, specialized establishments, and a constant coming and going of surfers from all countries create a unique atmosphere in this municipality. The center’s management is shared with the Cantabrian Surfing Federation, hosting exhibitions, courses, meetings, and a varied calendar of activities.

Links of interest:

Calendar of surf championships in Cantabria published by the Cantabrian federation.
Wave conditions on SurfCantabria
WebCam El Sardinero Beach: Sardicam
WebCam Somo Beach: Somocam