Surf Forecast  Mundaka

Mundaka surfspot characteristics

More about Mundaka surfspot

Mundaka is a dream lefthand barrel and possibly the best rivermouth wave in the world. A long triangular sandbank catches the stronger NW swells, creating a long flawless tube with rides of up to 150-200 meters possible. From the peak, the wave sucks up hard, making for steep challenging take-offs straight into a sick barrel section. The ensuing long, fast wall, allows a few turns if you are going close to warp speed. The final two sections of the wave can vary in quality depending on the sandbar, but frequently they offer hollow cylinders with less crowd pressure. Perfect autumn conditions include strong S-SW winds and the tide must be low incoming, otherwise the outgoing rip is horrendous. Good conditions at Mundaka rarely last for more than two days, as the large swells fade, so this classy wave is only rideable about 50 days a year.

General: The combination of river and oceanic currents have sculpted a sandbank of almost mathematical perfection to produce one of the most awesome waves on the planet. Access is simple enough, a gentle paddle from the harbor, but this isn't an easy wave to surf. The water detonates onto the shallow sand bank in a steep and pitching lunge, and although it is sand-bottomed, from here on in it breaks like a reef. Those who hit the bottom do so hard. The outer peak is dominated by a pack, but even the scraps way down the line can offer great barrels. Mundaka's fantastically shaped rivermouth sandbar creates solid, 200-yard-long, top-to-bottom barrels. The rip that runs along the side of the cliff is perhaps surfing's ultimate saltwatery escalator -- it's a paddle-optional trip straight to the peak. Mundaka's essentially a 200-yard-long shorebreak wave. It gulps and warbles and barrels top-to-bottom like the best inside beachbreak ever and keeps going. When you finish the wave -- especially when it's bigger -- it's best to prone out and head back over toward the cliff rip rather than kick out and paddle back along the edge of the wave. Tides: Low Size: Double Overhead Wind: S Swell: NW Bottom: Sand Paddling: Very difficult to stay in place when a big NW comes through. Spot Rating: World class when it's on.

Intermediate to advanced

The streets in Mundaka are a confusing mess of one-ways and alleys, but if you can navigate your way to the church parking lot in the middle of town overlooking the break and find a spot, consider yourself blessed.

September-February

Crowd Factor: There can be as many as 100 surfers out on a really good day in season. Local Vibe: There's a definite macho atmosphere in the water and you're tripping if you think you can get a set wave off the locals. Sit farther down the point and you'll get the best scraps of your life.

Always crowded. Moderately dangerous, depending on swell size, wind and crowd. Be careful of the rip. Fairly consistent although almost never works in summer and only works from low to about mid tide. The wave is next to the port and village of Mundaka, a delightful fishing village apparently unspoilt by its surfing fame. Good facilities in village and friendly local residents. Parking can be difficult when the wave is on. Camping and surf shop nearby. Some estuarine pollution.

It's in front of a rivermouth, so it doesn't take much rain to make the water dirty.

Rips, getting in over your head.