Winter Longboarding in Northern Spain: Quiet Lines, Rolling Swells & Pure Atlantic Freedom
Why Northern Spain works so well for longboarders
Thanks to its position on the Bay of Biscay, Northern Spain receives consistent NW swells from autumn through spring. Unlike some parts of Portugal or France, the coastline here features:
- wide, forgiving beaches with long, predictable sandbanks
- plenty of space — even on good days
- clean offshore mornings, especially with easterly winds
- small-to-medium days that break perfectly for longboards
It’s the balance that matters: winter power when you want it, mellow longboard waves when you choose the right spot and timing.
What to expect in winter: conditions, vibe & water temperature
Wave size & Shape
From November to March, the region sees reliable swell. But because most beaches are open and gently sloping, they filter the power into smooth, rolling shoulders — especially:
- in the morning
- during mid-tide
- when winds switch offshore (E/SE)
Even on stronger days, beaches like Somo, Oyambre, Berria, and Laredo offer longboardable windows.
Wind
Winter favors offshore southeasterlies, especially in Cantabria. Mornings are almost always your best bet for clean shoulders.
Water Temperature
Expect:
- 12–15°C in winter
- a 5/4 mm wetsuit with booties
- 4/3 mm possible in early autumn and late spring
Wetsuit & Board Guide for longboarders
✔ 5/4 mm wetsuit
✔ Booties recommended
✔ Hood optional (helpful with strong north winds)
Best Boards for the Region
- Classic longboard 9’+
- Mid-length (7’–8’6”) for bigger days
- Funboard when you want a little more speed
Shops are open year-round in larger towns (Somo, Suances, Zarautz), but smaller rental shops may close in winter. Bbring your gear if possible.
The surf regions of Northern Spain. What longboarders should know
1. Cantabria — Best All-Round Longboard Coast
Somo, Loredo, Berria, Laredo, and Oyambre are all wide beaches with mellow profiles.
Ideal for winter longboarders.
2. Basque Country — Stylish & Surf-Culture Rich
Zarautz is the standout: long rides, consistent banks, and a classic surf town vibe.
3. Asturias — Scenic & Slightly Wilder
Salinas and Rodiles offer exceptional longboard waves, though Rodiles gets powerful in winter.
4. Galicia — Raw, Green & Beautiful
Pantín is the main longboard option: soft banks on smaller days, world-class scenery year-round.
The 10 Best Longboard Surf Spots in Northern Spain
Quick Navigation
Below you’ll find the strongest longboard locations — organised from east to west — with seasonal notes so you know exactly what to expect during winter.
1. Playa de Somo (Cantabria)
Quick Surf Guide – Somo
- Type: Wide beachbreak, soft banks
- Best in winter: Clean mornings with E wind
- Tide: Mid
- Winter vibe: Calm, big playing field
Somo is the most reliable longboard wave in Northern Spain. Clean shoulders, mellow take-offs and endless space make it a winter favourite.
2. Playa de Berria
Quick Surf Guide – Berria
- Type: Soft peaks between dunes
- Winter: Powerful but clean with offshore wind
A beautiful, quiet beach that filters winter swell surprisingly well, delivering long rides on smaller days.
3. Playa de Oyambre (San Vicente de la Barquera)
Quick Surf Guide – Oyambre
- Type: Mellow beachbreak
- Winter: Best on 1.5m+ swells + morning offshores
A dreamy longboard beach inside a national park. Quiet, peaceful, perfect for logging.
4. Playa de Liencres
Quick Surf Guide – Liencres
- Type: Broad sandy bay
- Winter: Longboard only on smaller days
On calm winter swells, Liencres delivers rolling peaks with enough space for stylish cruising.
5. Playa de Los Locos (Suances)
Quick Surf Guide – Los Locos
- Type: Beach/point hybrid
- Winter: Best on medium lines
A scenic setup that shines in winter when the swell drops — ideal for longboards.
6. Zarautz (Basque Country)
Quick Surf Guide – Zarautz
- Type: Long sandy beach
- Winter: Clean lines on offshore days
Zarautz is stylish and consistent — a longboarder’s classic with good vibes year-round.
7. Salinas (Asturias)
Quick Surf Guide – Salinas
- Type: Wide beachbreak
- Winter: Smooth, long walls
Known for its longboard festival, Salinas has mellow winter waves perfect for cruisy sessions.
8. Rodiles (Asturias)
Quick Surf Guide – Rodiles
- Type: Legendary rivermouth right
- Winter: Too powerful on big days. Choose small swells
On the right day, Rodiles offers 100-meter rides. With winter swell: choose wisely.
9. Pantín (Galicia)
Quick Surf Guide – Pantín
- Type: Wide bay
- Winter: Best on offshore mornings
Pantín is famous for competitions, but on small winter days it’s a longboard paradise.
10. Laredo (Cantabria)
Quick Surf Guide – Laredo
- Type: Long beach
- Winter: Great on low-energy days
Laredo’s long, mellow walls make it one of the most forgiving winter waves on the coast.
When Is Northern Spain Best for Longboarding?
December–February: Most consistent surf, colder water, clean mornings
March: Underrated longboard month — quiet and playful
Frequently Asked Winter Questions
Is it suitable for families?
Yes. Somo, Berria and Laredo have easy access, surf schools and safe zones.
What if a storm hits?
Move to sheltered corners (Suances, Zarautz) or simply wait for offshore mornings.
Is it beginner-friendly?
On small swells: absolutely. On bigger winter days: choose mellow beaches like Somo or Oyambre.
Explore more guides on Surf-Escape:
Surfing in Spain |
Wetsuit Guide |
How to Read a Surf Forecast
