Surf camp Cantabria, Spain

Surf camp Cantabria is located in the calm village of Loredo in the region of Cantabria in northern Spain. The camp is managed by an experienced English surfer who has been a resident in the region for over 20 years and has extensive surfing knowledge of the region. The atmosphere in Loredo is very tranquil and relaxed, but just across the bay you can go clubbing in the busy gateway city of Santander.

The region of Cantabria is the greenest part of Spain and is renowned for its beautiful surroundings. The lush, green foothills of the Picos de Europa slope down to huge golden beaches where prevailing winds, consistent Atlantic swells and Biscay’s enormous depth, combine to produce quality surf conditions all year round.

Spring and autumn are the best times of the year for surfing. However they’re not the best times for learning. Summer (June to Mid September) offers the best learning conditions. Gentle breaks are easy to find and ideal for the beginner surfer. However, the summer period also receives big swells from time to time which provide challenging rides for advanced surfers as well.

The average air temperature of the summer months is 21°C. In autumn and spring the average temperature declines to about 15°C. Since Cantabria is known as the greenest region of Spain, this means that the area receives a fair amount of rain. However the rainfall is seldom consistent and it is much more common inland than on the coastline where you will be surfing!

During the high season months of July and August we can only accept bookings for full weeks with arrivals/departures on saturdays.

The surf school usually holds classes at lovely Playa de Somo, a beautiful 3 mile beach with ideal conditions for beginner surfers. As a student at the surf school you will receive two hours of surf lessons each morning. You will then have access to your surf equipment for the rest of the day so you can further practice your surfing skills.

Depending on your level of surfing, the surf instructors will guide and help you to improve your surfing skills. We guarantee that after one week of surf school the complete beginner will be able to surf and the experienced surfer will have improved greatly.

The following is included for students attending the surf school:

• Accommodation – standard or upgraded
• Surfboards, wetsuits etc.
• 2 hours of surf lessons six days per week
• Free use of surf equipment every day after surf lessons
• Pick up/ drop off at Santander airport or bus station

If you have arranged your own acommodation, you can also book surfschool only. This includes pick up from your hotel in Loredo on the first day and all equipment needed.

Surfari is a great option for more experienced surfers. Every day there is a different swell, a different wind etc. This doesn't matter if you book a surfari with us. Every day you will be transported to the best wave of the day, no matter where that is on the Cantabrian coastline. You will be accompanied by a professional local surf guide, who will tell you all about the spots, how to get in and out, the currents, type of wave, etc. You will also receive feedback on how to improve your surfing skills.

The surfaris will cover many different spots on of the Cantabrian coast. For example you can end up surfing in the Island of Santa Marina which is one of the heaviest reef breaks to be found in Northern Spain.

The following is included in the surfari:

• Accommodation – standard or upgraded
• Surfboards, wetsuits etc.
• Surfaris with a local guide six days per week
• Transportation to the best waves of the day
• Pick up/ drop off at Santander airport or bus station

Spring and autumn are the best times of the year for Surfaris, but Surfaris are also possible in the summer months when the weather is nicer but the swells are smaller. However the area does receive sporadic big swells in the summer as well, which can provide challenging rides for the participants.

The accommodation we offer is a great deal. Depending on your preferences you can choose either standard or upgraded, no matter what, you will be staying at our beautiful Surf Hotel, La Hosteria.

Located a stones throw from the long-sandy bay of Somo, and only 15 minutes from Santander, La Hosteria is a surfers dream hotel. The guesthouse is a fine blend of comfort, and has the benefits of a well-positioned surf camp.

Standard accommodation is shared in the bunk room, which sleeps up to six people, but still has its own TV, bathroom, iPOD and docking station.

Upgraded rooms have double beds and are en-suite; and they also have all the amenities mentioned above.

La Hosteria has its own private bar serving cold beers, and good wine to hotel guests and other customer. An in-house chef is on hand to cook up some fresh, home cooked meals after those long days on the beach. There is also a full range of surfboards and bikes for hire, pool table, playstation and table tennis. La Hosteria is set in its own gardens, with lots to explore. The surf school is built into the guesthouse so there is no rush to the lesson each day, plenty of storage for wetsuits and surfboards.

Arrival to the area is easily done by air trough the airport in Santander or the airport in Bilbao.

You can fly to Santander (airport code: SDR) with a regular airline as well as low fare company, Ryan air (from London, Liverpool, Frankfurt and Rome). When you arrive at Santander airport a staff member will meet you and give you a ride to your accommodation. Upon departure you will get a ride back to the airport.

If you can’t find a flight to Santander, flying to Bilbao (airport code : BIO) can be a good alternative. Bilbao is a major flight hub which is served by several international airlines, and the low fare company Easyjet, (fly to Bilbao from London Stansted).

From Bilbao airport you can either catch a bus or taxi to Bilbao’s estacion termibus, where you can catch a bus to Santander. ALSA has buses leaving for Santander every hour. The trip takes about 1 hour and costs about 6 EUR. When you arrive at Santander bus station a staff member will meet you and give you a ride to your accommodation. Upon departure you will get a ride back to the bus station.