Sopelana

Sopelana is a beach break located on the Basque coast of northern Spain, facing northwest into the Bay of Biscay. The spot features a sandy beach backed by steep forested cliffs and rocky headlands, creating a natural amphitheater. Wave exposure is moderate, with average conditions around 1.24m. The beach is fronted by residential development and parking areas, limiting space for setup. Best conditions occur with northeasterly winds (45°), which provide side-shore flow parallel to the beach. The low wind reliability (8.1%) means sessions are sporadic. Rocky outcrops require careful navigation during entry and exit. Water temperature averages 15.6°C, necessitating wetsuits year-round. The spot suits intermediate kiters comfortable with technical beach launches and modest wave conditions. Local knowledge of tidal cycles and rip current patterns is essential. The presence of residential areas and vehicle access roads requires awareness of other beach users.