Surf lesson on Merón beach

What it is

Merón beach (the Sable de Merón) has more than 3 kilometres of sand, lifeguards in season and a steady wave. The town council's website recommends it equally for beginners and experienced surfers, and Cantabria Tourism lists it among the region's surf spots. Because it is so long, the beach never gets crowded, even in high season.

The Buena Onda Surf School gives its beginner lessons here: two hours in the water with an instructor, in small groups by age and level, with a safety briefing beforehand covering currents and tides. Lessons are given in Spanish, English, French, German, Italian, Portuguese and Dutch.

What a lesson is like

The lesson starts with the briefing on safety, currents and tides, then continues in the water with the instructor. On an open beach like Merón, understanding the currents matters as much as standing up on the board, which is why the school covers it before you go in. If you are staying several days, the packs work out cheaper per lesson: from €35 for a single lesson down to €20 each in the twenty-lesson pack.

How much it costs

Beginner rates are per student:

There are discounts for schools, families and companies: ask when you book.

For the little ones

The Surfkids course is for children aged 5 to 7: lessons of an hour and a half with a first introduction to the water and to surfing equipment. It costs €30 for one day, €60 for two, €120 for five, €210 for ten and €320 for twenty.

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 lesson. Book on 635 725 832 or 646 554 053, both with WhatsApp, or at [email protected]. The website does not publish timetables: agree the time when you book.

What to bring

The beginner course page does not say what equipment is included; ask when you book whether the board and wetsuit are in the price. Bring swimwear, a towel, sun cream and warm clothes for afterwards, because the Cantabrian Sea is cold almost all year.

What to combine it with

If the sea is too rough, the same school offers paddle surfing on the estuary, in calm water. After the lesson, stroll along the Sable de Merón or walk a stretch of the Yellow Bird trail, which starts on this very beach. For the afternoon, head up to the Old Town.