Surf lesson in Mundaka

Mundaka is famous for its left-hand wave on the estuary bar, which is for experts. To get started, a school in the village gives 2-hour beginners' lessons in groups of about five students per instructor, with board, wetsuit and insurance.

What the lesson is like

Mundaka Barra Surf has its premises at Plaza Santa Kataliña 4, next to the harbour. There you pick up the equipment and change in the changing rooms before and after the lesson. Each session lasts two hours and is taught by one instructor for a group of about five students, with approved board and wetsuit, which the school hands to each student washed and dry, and insurance included. You only have to bring a towel, flip-flops and swimwear.

The beach depends on your level. Beginners' lessons are given at Laida, on the other side of the estuary mouth, far from the bar. Those who can already manage move to El Txorro beach, in Mundaka, and the bar is kept for high-level lessons. If you do not know your level, the school helps you choose.

Prices and packs

The published prices, including VAT, are the same for adults and children:

• 1 lesson of 2 hours: €40
• 2 lessons (4 hours): €75
• 3 lessons (6 hours): €105
• 4 lessons (8 hours): €125
• 5 lessons (10 hours): €140
• 8-lesson pass: €190

Adult courses are from age 18, with no upper age limit. Children have their own groups from age 6, with children's boards; the school gives different figures for the size of those groups, so confirm when you book. For groups of six or more, companies or schools there are tailor-made lessons with advance booking, and for those who already surf there are technique sessions with video recording and correction.

Times and booking

The lessons depend on low tide, which is why there is no fixed timetable: there are two slots a day and they alternate each week between morning and afternoon. The exact time is asked for by WhatsApp on 688 77 26 22, and booking is done online from the school's website or by email at [email protected]. On the first and second day it is best to arrive half an hour early to change calmly. The school does not publish a season: the calendar depends on the sea, so ask before planning your trip.

Getting there and what to combine

In summer parking in Mundaka is difficult: the blue zone is for residents and the white zone has few spaces. The school itself recommends public transport; the Euskotren E4 train between Bilbao and Bermeo stops at Mundaka every half hour for most of the day. After the lesson, the walk to the Santa Katalina hermitage lets you see the bar from the rocks, and if you are left wanting more water, the estuary can be paddled by canoe from Gautegiz Arteaga to Laida.