Patos

Patos is a river mouth beach break located on Spain's northwestern Galician coast where a river meets the Atlantic. The spot features a northwest-facing beach with a wide sandy shoreline bordered by residential development and forested areas inland. The river's presence creates dynamic conditions with visible sediment plumes and freshwater discharge affecting water conditions and color variation. The spot suits beginner to early intermediate kiters due to relatively protected conditions compared to open ocean breaks. The river mouth creates a natural funnel that can modify wind patterns and wave conditions. Best wind conditions arrive from the northeast quadrant (NE to E winds, particularly around 45°), providing side-shore to slightly onshore conditions that help kiters stay near the beach. Water conditions are variable due to river discharge, with rough conditions typical (1.88m average waves). Wind reliability is low at 3.9%, making session planning essential. The shallow nature of the area near the beach and river mouth dynamics require awareness of currents and changing bathymetry. Limited wind statistics suggest this is primarily a summer or seasonal destination.