Thinking of surfing in San Sebastian and the Basque country? We'll tell you the best time of the year to come, where and why.
One guarantee is you'll get waves whatever time of the year you come! The Basque coastline feels the full front of the Atlantic, with it's deep trench not far off the shore it picks up a lot of swell and makes it one of the most consistent places for surf.
There's a huge variety of waves to suit whatever surfer you maybe, from the pumping beachies of South West France to long pointbreaks and slabby reefs.
Lets take a deep dive into the real deal of surfing in this vibrant coastal region.
SPRING SWEETNESS
As the Basque countryside bursts into bloom, so do the surf possibilities. No frills, just consistent swells and relatively quiet beaches with a relaxed local crew. The water's still cold, as in a 13 degrees chill so the 4'3 wetsuit is on and there's that core crowd who don't mind the odd ice cream head. It's the season for the surfer who appreciates a quiet line up, chunky swells, cosy bars and a step into cider season with a post-surf sidreria.
SUMMER HAZE
Warm water, head high pealers, glassy mornings, hot, silky sunsets, surfing in boardies, surf schools and more surf schools. It's Summer and everyone's in the sea and it's blinking delightful. There's still swell but if you really want to get good waves this is the time to escape the hot mess of the city's and towns and head out to the countryside. Up to the lesser known beachies of South West France or West into craggy coast of Spain. There's plenty of spaces and places off the Euro surf hotline where you can get a quiet surf with easy vibes, nice peaks and pealers.
It's the smallest time of the year which makes it perfect for beginners, kids and it's a longboarding heaven.
Hazy days, festivals, beach chiringitos, alfresco everything, Summer is always a good plan in the Basque Country.
AUTUMN MAGIC
Hands down Autumn for us is the golden ticket. September comes and the general scene quietens down, kids go back to school, the world seems more relaxed and those ground swells start to appear on the long range.
In recent years Autumn has felt more like Summer; hot, dry and the water stays warm enough for boardies rolling into October. All those memories of surfing the good spots start to come back as the coast lights up and surfing becomes exciting once more. There's a mellow mood in the line ups as the forecast says offshore and waves for days.
There really is no where else we'd rather be surfing from September through to November in the Basque Country.
WINTER WONDER LAND
I mean is Winter really that cold in the Basque Country anymore?
Recently there's been no wetsuits hoods and only a few ice cream heads. More importantly empty beaches and quiet line ups with consistent swells. Winter surfing is not for the faint hearted, the swells are bigger, the currents are stronger and there's a chill but there's a rawness about surfing in winter with a camaraderie that goes with it. Post festivities the waves can get huge and the wind can howl onshore but there's always the in-between slices of dream, wintery scenes.
And you know if it doesn't all work out you can hotfoot it to the Pyrenees for some snow & vin chaud.
We have a fantastic team of surf guides and instructors, please see the full lowdown on all our surf experiences here
Sometimes it just all comes together!
We headed East to France on our latest surfing tour, there was a light offshore breeze, perfect small waves and then the storm hit out back and then this rainbow happened. Be sure to have a memorable time what ever adventure you come on with us!
We provide San Sebastian day tours all year round. If you would like more details please get in touch https://www.experiencesansebastian.com/contact-us/
Taking it all in.
Waiting for the set with a good view
The city’s heating up and one things for sure, water sports is on top of menu on this months San Sebastian Tours.
We have been cruising down the river with the stand up paddle boards for lots of family fun. Kayaking action in the beautiful La Concha Bay. La Zurriola is clear as can be with sweet surfing conditions, especially now the waters feeling warmer. We also have a new San Sebastian sailing trip as part of our Bespoke offer so all aboard the incredible ninety seven year old, sixty foot yacht.
We provide San Sebastian day tours all year round. If you would like more details please get in touch https://www.experiencesansebastian.com/contact-us/
Stand up Paddle tour
Kayak or Sup in beautiful La Concha bay
Sailing tour
Kayak in La Concha bay
Surf check
The view from the sea
If you would like more information our our unique adventure tours please get in touch and lets go on an adventure. [email protected]
What a weekend, we rode mountain bike along the coastal route of St James Way off the beaten track from the usual hikers. We stand up paddled down the super glassy calm river Oria stopping for swims along the way. We had a great gang who stood up for the first time in the surf. We enjoyed the sunshine and then got drench in the best lightening storm of the Summer so far. If these adventures are up your street please get in touch for all the details [email protected]
