Spanish Surf History

Spain may not be the first country that comes to mind when you think of surfing, but the sport has a long and interesting history in the country.

The origins of surfing in Spain can be traced back to the 1950s, when a group of American soldiers stationed in the country introduced the sport to the locals. These early surfers were drawn to the waves off the coast of the Basque Country, where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Bay of Biscay.

Over time, surfing in Spain began to gain popularity, and in the 1960s, the first Spanish surf club was formed in San Sebastian. This club, known as the "Real Club de Surf de San Sebastian," was the first of its kind in Europe and laid the groundwork for the growth of the sport in the region.

In the decades that followed, surfing in Spain continued to grow in popularity, and the country became home to a number of talented surfers. Some of the most famous Spanish surfers include Paco Petit, who was the first European surfer to win a world championship in 1980, and the Basque surfer Kepa Acero, who is known for this surf-travel adventures.

Today, Spain is home to a thriving surfing community, with popular surf spots located along the coastlines of the Basque Country, Galicia, and Andalusia. The country also hosts a number of surfing competitions. Very famous and recognized spots such as Mundaka lay on the spanish coastline.

Overall, while surfing may not be as well-known in Spain as it is in other countries, the sport has a rich history in the country and continues to be enjoyed by many today. From its humble beginnings in the 1950s to its current status as a thriving part of the country's coastal culture, surfing in Spain is an integral part of the country's history.