Do you want to pick up a new skill this year? Have you always dreamed of learning to ride waves but didn’t know where to start? This blog post covers everything you need to know about finding and arriving at the perfect surf spot for beginners in northern Spain.
Important Factors to Consider
Choosing the right spot to learn how to surf is a crucial decision. The spot you pick will impact the quality of waves you catch, the crowd levels, safety, access to surf lessons, and proximity to local amenities. Taking all these factors into account, Gijón stands out as one of the best places in Spain to learn to surf.
Why Gijón Is an Excellent Spot to Learn to Surf
Wave Size and Beach
San Lorenzo Beach in Gijón offers consistent waves ranging from 1 to 3 feet year-round. The beach features sandy bottoms, eliminating the fear of stepping on sharp rocks or corals. Plus, the beach has a long, shallow stretch where you can walk out 70–100 feet without the water going above your chest. This makes it a safe spot even for those who aren’t strong swimmers.
All these factors make San Lorenzo Beach the perfect place to catch smaller waves and practice as much as possible, with the added security of shallow waters and soft sand.
Crowd Levels
Crowd levels are essential to consider. Famous beginner spots like Waikiki Beach in Hawaii or Canggu in Bali have become much harder to learn at due to over-tourism and too many surf schools. That’s why finding more low-key spots is ideal for beginners.
Gijón, located in Spain’s less-touristy northern region, escapes the mass tourism seen in bigger cities and southern areas. This means it’s much easier for beginner surfers to catch and ride their first waves without worrying about overcrowded waters.
Lessons and Rentals
Having access to surf lessons and rental gear is another key factor. It’s essential to ensure you have the right equipment and experienced instructors for your first surf trip. Several great options are available in Gijón, but Gijón Surf Hostel offers an all-in-one experience, including:
- Beginner surfboards and wetsuits for colder water or extra buoyancy.
- Surf lessons during the spring and summer months.
- Accommodation where you can meet other travelers.
- Weekly events like dance classes and family BBQs.
It’s a fantastic option if you want to pick up a new hobby and make new friends while staying in Gijón.
Proximity to Local Amenities
Gijón is a small to medium-sized city on Spain’s northern coast. San Lorenzo Beach is right in the heart of the city, close to restaurants, parks, grocery stores, and more. The old town along the coast also provides a beautiful backdrop while you surf. There’s no need to travel far to find a great beach!
How to Get to Gijón
The easiest way to reach Gijón is to fly into Barcelona or Madrid. If you have time, consider spending a few days exploring these cities before heading north. You can travel to Gijón by plane, bus, or train:
- By plane: Fly into Asturias Airport (OVD), the closest airport to Gijón. Budget airlines like Vueling offer round-trip tickets for around €130–140, including a checked bag.
- By bus: Comfortable buses are available from both Barcelona and Madrid.
- By train: From Madrid, you can take a direct train to Gijón. From Barcelona, you’ll need to transfer in Madrid.
Upon arrival at Asturias Airport, you can take a taxi or Uber (the most expensive option), or you can catch a bus for around €9, which takes about 45 minutes to get to Gijón. Once you reach the train or bus station in Gijón, you can either grab a taxi or enjoy a scenic walk through the city and along the coast on your way to Gijón Surf Hostel.
Conclusion
We hope you found this post helpful and that it gives you everything you need to start planning your first surf lessons. Surfing is an incredible way to spend time outdoors, enjoy the ocean, and become part of a fantastic community.
If you’re ready to book your first surf trip with Gijón Surf Hostel, click the link below to reserve your spot. See you in the water!