Paddle surfing on the San Vicente estuary

What it is

A two-hour outing standing on a board on the San Vicente estuary, in calm water, with the Maza bridge and the Old Town alongside. The Buena Onda Surf School calls it SUP flatwater: during the lesson you practise paddling positions and basic board movements, and then you take an easy outing along the estuary. It is the plan for a day when Merón has too much swell, or for anyone who wants to be on the water without falling into the open sea.

Who it is for

For anyone who has never paddled standing up and wants to start without waves, for families with children aged 10 or over, and for groups of friends looking for a morning or afternoon activity. The estuary is sheltered from the open sea: the town beaches of La Maza and El Tostadero, on its banks, are the town's calm-water bathing spots, which is why you can learn balance here without fighting the waves. If you already have some practice, ask the school about multi-day rates.

Price and groups

Rates are per student:

• 1 day: €35.
• 2 days: €70.
• 5 days: €130.
• 10 and 20 days: price on request.

The group is a minimum of two students. There are discounts for schools, families and companies: ask when you book. The minimum age is 10; younger children can take part, but accompanied by an instructor on their own board.

Where and how to book

The school is at Avenida Francisco Giner de los Ríos, 48, opposite the El Rosal beach car park and next to the campsite. Arrive 15 minutes before the start time. Book on 635 725 832 or 646 554 053, both with WhatsApp, or at [email protected]. The website does not publish fixed timetables: agree the time when you book, and in summer call a couple of days ahead.

What to bring

The course page does not say what equipment is included; ask when you book. Bring swimwear, a towel, sun cream and a change of clothes, and leave your phone on land if you do not have a waterproof case. If you have never stood on a board, bear in mind that falling in is part of learning: on the estuary the water is calm, but it is still the Cantabrian Sea and it is cold almost all year.

What to combine it with

After the lesson, walk up to the Old Town and the Castillo del Rey, or cross the Maza bridge to look down on the estuary you have just paddled. If you feel like trying waves, the same school gives surf lessons at Merón.