While we were in Hossegor, we started finding out how close certain places were to each other. For example, our drive to the south west coast of France from San tropez was 10 hours, we also found out Spain was only 45 minutes from where we were staying. So… In realizing how close we were to Spain I asked someone where a surf spot called Mundaka was and if it was nearby. It turns out that one of the surf spots I’ve been wanting to visit since I was 14 years old was only 2 hours away. We were also told San Sebastián was a must see destination. So Caro, Brandi and myself loaded up the sleeping bags and tent and headed towards Bilbao, Spain. We arrived at the Guggenheim museum only to be turned away. Apparently on Mondays most museums are closed. We snapped some photos and had lunch in Bilbao and then drove west to the sleepy town of Mundaka. I personally thought driving through Spain was the top three most beautiful countries I have seen. Beautiful rolling green hills with forests and farmhouses everywhere. Once you arrive on the coast and into mundaka, you begin to notice how compact everything is. The streets are very narrow and turning down any street is pretty much done blindly. Mundaka is primarily known as a fishing village but its no secret that the town hosts one of the best waves in the world. The campsite we found was interesting. Probably the most expensive one yet but perfectly situated within walking distance to the center of town. The first afternoon we took a stroll down to the water to check the surf. It was small but it was hard to tell because there was nobody really surfing. We only had two days here because we had not originally planned to come further south then Biaritz. The next morning I walked down to the town in my wetsuit, board in hand and was determined to just get wet. I really wasn’t expecting much because it looked nowhere near the “classic Mundaka” I had seen in videos growing up. A local guided me down the rocks to the waters edge simultaneously telling me it’s probably not worth it today. I told him I was only here for a day, jumped in and paddled towards the 3 other surfers out in the line up.

I sat and waited for a couple minutes and saw some bumps on the horizon. Out of nowhere a 3-4 foot set came in and caught us all off guard. For about an hour and 45 minutes there were nonstop waves. Perfect 3-5 foot mundaka with only four of us out. The four of us were all hooting at each other and all got some great waves. Looking back at the harbor and the famous st. Mary’s church was unlike any other surf spot I’ve been to. It wasn’t perfect Mundaka, but it was a perfect session in my personal book. The tide filled in and completely shut the place down and that was that.

We walked around the town for a little bit and had a bite before driving north to San Sebastián. We posted up at a surf camp in the area of Zarautz. This particular campsite was geared toward surfers. The beach itself has some great waves but the campsite seemed like it was mostly beginners staying for a week or so with other groups from all over Europe. At the campsite restaurant we watched Germany show Brazil how to play some soccer and followed it up with some celebratory beverages. (Sorry Brazil). The next day we planned to visit the downtown area of San Sebastián. Carolin and Brandi went and walked/shopped around the old town and ate some tapas, and I went surfing at a popular beach also in downtown. Hence the photos of me changing in a parking garage. The three of us met up on the beach just in time for the sun to come out along with the entirety of the cities inhabitants. Within about an hour the beach went from just a couple people here and there to shoulder to shoulder packed. We only spent a short time in Spain ( the Basque Country) but it was time well spent. The beautiful country sides, and the very quaint historic coastal towns make this area extremely appealing. I’m sure it won’t be long before the three of us come back to this part of the world.