People often confuse kiting, windsurfing and classical surf. In reality, just like the bicycle, roller blades and skateboard are united by the presence of wheels; the kinds of surfing are united only by the board sliding on the water.

Classic surfing is riding a board on a wave. The presence of waves is a key condition here. Surfing is considered quite difficult in terms of technique, but the first success comes during first lessons.

Windsurfing is riding on a board with a sail. It can be on waves or calm water, the main condition is the presence of wind. Beginners feel successful from the first lesson, but the really difficult learning begins later.

Kitesurfing is riding on a board with a kite. The kite looks like the wing of a sports parachute; it flies only in the presence of wind. Initial kiting lessons seem difficult, but further progress is easier and faster.

Almost the entire coast of the continental part and the islands are good for water sports. Professionals and amateurs choose surf spots depending on the level of complexity and season. The entire country can be divided into 4 regions.

1. Surfing in the Canary Islands is available all year round. There are spots for beginners and professionals, open schools and equipment rental. Because of the cold stream, even in summer you need a wetsuit.

2. Surfing in the North of Spain. Galicia, Asturias, Cantabria and the Basque Country are famous for the good waves that the Atlantic Ocean brings. There are many schools all along the coast, where surf camps for beginners and advanced athletes are organized all year round.

3. The southern coast in summer is suitable for beginners, and confident surfers come to Andalusia in the period from September to April. The largest number of schools and rental stations is concentrated on the coast between the cities of Cadiz and Tarifa.

4. Mediterranean spots - the Balearic Islands and Barcelona - are famous for simple spots. People ride here mainly from September to April, in the summer the waves are unstable, but if you are on vacation in these regions, you can find out the forecast at the stations and take your first lessons on suitable days.

In all regions, there are fairly safe spots with sandy bottoms and easy-to-understand conditions, which is why surfing in Spain is so attractive for beginners. In summer, you can combine beach holidays, extreme sports and excursions; in winter take advantage of pleasant prices and other charms of the low season.

The wind, just like the waves, comes to the coast during certain seasons, but the beneficial location of Spain allows for riding and learning here all year round. The biggest number of schools and equipment renting centers is concentrated in several regions.

1. On the Canary Islands. Tenerife and Fuerteventura are generally considered the Mecca of world kitesurfing – athletes and amateurs come here, and competitions are held every year.

2. Tarifa. The Strait of Gibraltar is a very good place for wind catchers. The wind blows strong here almost year round, but May, June and September are considered to be the best months, when besides weather conditions there is one more pleasant point that the beaches are not filled with vacationers.

3. The East coast of Spain. From the French border to the Mar Menor lagoon, there are many places suitable for kiting and windsurfing. Most beaches are forbidden to ride in high season for safety reasons, but there are special places.

By the way, Catalonia is the most suitable for those travelers who want to try extreme water sports, and not devote the entire vacation to it.

When the question arises where to go for active recreation, there are many places to choose from. But for those who want to combine extreme activities and a cultural program, and especially for a family vacation, the search circle is seriously narrowed. And for these people, Barcelona is perfect.

Much is known about sights, excursions and interesting routes in the province, and here we will talk about opportunities for water activities.


Surfing in Barcelona

In the vicinity there are 4 spots with stations and schools where one can learn to ride the waves. They are La Caleta, El Masnou, Castelldefels and the Berceloneta quarter beach. This is what is good to know if you are going surfing in Barcelona:

● the best time for visiting is from September to April when the waves are more stable and the beaches are empty;

● if you are going on vacation in summer, get the weather forecast at the station and get ready for lessons on a suitable day;

● while waiting for the waves, one can ride the SUP-board – a big board with an oar that can be mastered even by children (and the kids under 6-7 years of age can ride on your board with you and a child's life jacket on).

Kitesurfing in Barcelona

In summer, at the height of the beach season, most of the coast is prohibited from any type of surfing. However, there are places in the region where extreme sports are available all year round. This is a kite school on the beach of Playa de Malgrat and an extreme beach in the town of Castelldefels. On these beaches, lifeguards are on duty, there are rental shops and schools. The sandy beach and convenient coastline allow you to learn; those who have already mastered the kite will need to show a card of the international organization IKO or another document confirming training with a certified instructor to enter.

Windsurfing in Barcelona is available on the beaches near the cities of Gava and Badalona – in the summer season there are stations with instructors and equipment for rent.

Not only Barcelona, but almost the entire coast of Catalonia is suitable for a combination of water activities, beach holidays and sightseeing. Therefore, when you are vacationing in the Costa Brava, Costa del Maresme and other resorts, you can go on a tour or rent a car for an impressive trip!