Surf lessons at La Isla beach, Colunga

What it involves

It is a two-hour beginner’s surf lesson at La Isla beach, in Colunga. The first part is done on the sand: how to lie on the board, paddle, read the foam and stand up. Then you go into the water with the instructor, in the whitewater, where the wave has already broken and pushes gently. If you only have one day, you leave knowing how to stand up once or twice; with three or four lessons in a row you start catching waves on your own.

La Isla is named after an islet at its left end, joined to the sand by a tombolo when the tide goes out. It is the busiest beach in the municipality, with strong waves and frequent wind, which makes it good for learning when the sea is calm and demanding when a ground swell comes in.

Who teaches it

The lessons are given by Escuela Marejada, which has worked in surfing since 2003 and is based on La Espasa beach, next to La Isla. Its instructors are qualified surfing professionals. As well as lessons, the school organises surf camps with hostel accommodation, hires out boards and wetsuits, and offers paddle surf, yoga and paddle yoga.

Price and times

• One lesson (2 h): €30.
• Courses: €58 for two days, €80 for three, €100 for four, €120 for five, €140 for six and €160 for seven days, with a two-hour lesson each day.
• Includes: board, wetsuit and public liability and accident insurance.
• Sessions: 10:00 to 12:00, 12:00 to 14:00 and 16:00 to 18:00.

If you want to mix things up, paddle surf costs €25 for a session of an hour and a half, and a yoga class, €15.

Who it is for

The school gives lessons to children and adults of any level, although the beginner format is the most requested. It does not publish a minimum age: if you are going with young children, ask when you book. To get in the water it helps to know how to swim and be comfortable with small waves. Teenagers tend to get hooked quickly, and a multi-day course gives them independence.

When to go

The water in the Cantabrian Sea is cold all year round, so a wetsuit is not optional. In summer the sea is usually calmer and it is the best time to start; in autumn and winter bigger waves come in and lessons depend more on the forecast. The school keeps courses and hire going in winter too. The beach has lifeguards during the bathing season and fills up in summer, so the morning lesson is the most comfortable.

Getting there and parking

La Isla is about 4 km from Colunga, next to the N-632 and a few minutes from the A-8 exit. The beach has signposted access, parking, showers, toilets, beach bars and a promenade. In July and August the car park fills up early: arrive half an hour before your session.

How to book

Book on the booking page of the school’s website, by phone or by email. Say how many of you there are, the children’s ages and the session you prefer. If you are looking for several days, they ask you to tell them what you want so they can put a package together for you, with accommodation included if you are interested.

What to bring

Swimwear to wear under the wetsuit, a towel, flip-flops, waterproof sun cream and something warm for afterwards, because after two hours in the water your body cools down. Eat something beforehand, but don’t overdo it. You don’t need to bring a board or suit.

Round out the day

From Colunga, Lastres is close by and, to the east, Ribadesella, from where the boat trip along the Acantilados del Infierno leaves and where the Sella descent arrives. In the same municipality, in Colunga, is the Jurassic Museum of Asturias.