Surf: World-class righthand reefbreak, breaking off the island of Santa Marina. Freight-train walls and barrel sections. Works from about 5 foot upwards. Best on the rare combination of a large swell and a E or NE wind, usually only a few times a year. OK on all tides but dangerous rocks in front of take-off at low tide. Environment: Aggressive local crew. No facilities here, although campsites nearby and fairly close to village of Loredo. Parking on the street, can be difficult when the wave is on. Possible car crime. Some pollution from nearby Santander. Surf: General: Playa de Somo is a long, sandy beach found just to the east of the Cantabrian port town of Santander. Just off the eastern end of the beach is the small island nature reserve called Isla de Santa Marina. This rocky isle is home to a true hidden gem, including a right-hand point that wraps down the western fringe, throwing up huge, perfect walls. It's a long paddle out and is bigger once you get out there. Huge rocks pepper the white water and with 12-foot sets grinding down the reef it's hard not to think of this setup as being like a mini-Mavericks style wave. The outside section offers a huge open face with room for maneuvers before it hits the inside and throws out into a big barrel. Fall on the take-off on the lower tides and you'll go through the rocks. But on the higher tides this isn't such a problem. Then it's just the big hold down to worry about. Tides: Mid to high Size: Overhead-double overhead+ Wind: SE Swell: NW, N Bottom: Sand and rocks Paddling: A workout just getting out to the wave. Spot Rating: Gets very good, hence the large local crew. Access: Long paddle Crowds: Crowd Factor: Large local crew Local Vibe: Competitive. Environment: Not bad Hazards: Bouncing off the bottom. Season: September-February