Sports    Surfing

SURFING THE BASQUE COUNTRY

The corner where Spain and France meet along the Atlantic coast houses the perfect conditions for surfing since the very deep Bay of Biscay becomes shallow in a wedge shape and directs the waves straight towards this region. Spots like Hossegor and Mundaka are world famous among surfers.

PLAYA ZURRIOLA - SAN SEBASTIÁN. In San Sebastián the most famous spot for surfers is Playa Zurriola, also known as Playa Gros. This is a great beach break, suited for both beginners and more experienced surfers, and sits just five minutes' walk from the school.

PLAYA ONDARRETA - SAN SEBASTIÁN. On days when Zurriola is closing out you may try the left-handers at Ondarreta beach on the other side of the city. This beach is protected by the Santa Clara Island and the waves are smaller here.

ZARAUTZ. Here you have a nice long beach with breaks that are perfect for beginners since there are less surfers in the water and sand bottom. This was a stop on the ASP world cup tour for years. It is a half hour drive west from San Sebastian to Zarautz. There are direct buses and you can also catch the train, which runs at least once every hour.

MUNDAKA. This spot is considered the best left-hand wave in Europe. It is a very powerful wave that can hold big swells so it's mostly surfed by experienced surfers. The Billabong Pro surf competition is held here every year in October. You find the river mouth break about 100 kilometres west of San Sebastián.

BIARRITZ/ANGLET. Just across the French border you find the spectacular tourist town Biarritz. Côte des Basques beach in the town's southern part is said to be one of the birthplaces of the European surfing scene. Anglet, which is situated just north of the town, has a number of outstanding beach breaks.

HOSSEGOR. This French town, about one hour north of San Sebastián, is where legendary surfer Tom Curren, three times world champion, settled down for a couple of years. This long stretch of golden sand has earned a reputation as the best beach break in Europe and one of the best in the world!