Things You'll Need:
- Surfboard
- Wetsuit
- Car
- Map
- Spanish Phrasebook
-
Step 1
Go huge at La Galea. This righthanded wave breaks into the mouth of El Rio Bilbao, the Bilbao River. It doesn’t work often, as it needs a certain amount of north wind, but it is gorgeous when it’s on. Rarely any crowd, since it is so uncertain. Pollution, exposed rocks at lowtide and a tricky entrance could dampen your session.
-
Step 2
Cut to the right at La Triangular. Derecha reaches over 4 meters and this long righthanded ("derecha" means right in Spanish) wave begins to work at chest level. A strong riptide and crowds can be a bit of a problem, but localism isn’t severe and the slow, rolling waves you can get make everything worth it.
-
Step 3
Or cut to the left at La Triangular. Like a mirror image of Derecha, Izquierda reaches over 4 meters. Unlike Derecha, however, Izquierda (which means "left" in Spanish) is a short, fast wave. Some rocks become exposed during low tide, and it can get crowded, but just as at Derecha, it’s all worth it for the rides you’ll find.
-
Step 4
Surf, or just watch, at Meñakoz. This is one of the most powerful and regularly surfed big wave spots in Europe. Do not surf here unless you are very good and have surfed big waves! Not just storm swell, but 9 meter or higher freight trains chasing after you. The good news is that, even if you don’t have a death wish, the cliffs have formed a natural arena to sit and watch nature’s apex roll in, set by set.
