Over these last two decades, many things, people and stories have revolved around the Cantabrian Surf School. In this brief account, we want to share with you a chronological summary of the experiences of its founders David (Capi) and Nacho García, along with some of the events that have happened to the school's extended family.
ECS was born in 1991 without support but with clear objectives. Its founders wanted to teach anyone willing to learn everything they knew about the world of surfing. That summer, with daily transfers from Santander to Somo, 20 people signed up. Thus was born what is today the most important surf school in Spain.
A year later, Somo Council granted them the old lifeguard hut. This would be their first headquarters. David and Nacho fought against all odds (quite literally) to prove that surf didn't have to be a self-taught sport. Gradually, the school grew: more students, new boards and great enthusiasm. In 1995, the Coastal Law demolished their hut. It was David García (Capi) who secured new premises right on the beach.
In 1996, the School began to realise its potential and trained several young Cantabrian hopefuls. Among them were Juan Requivila, Marcos Dobarganes and Javi Espigares, who would soon become Spanish and regional champions. They created the Cantabrian Surf School Surf Team to compete in Spain. New additions to the team made ECS one of Spain's most reputable schools. Rubén (the Californian) and Australian surfers joined the team.
In 1999 they launched the I Open Championship, Cantabrian Surf School - still running today and of great importance. Sponsors saw them as a safe bet. Their golden years began, with facility expansions and visits from surf legends Tom Curren, Jeff Hackman, Sofía Mulanovich, Megan Abubo and Chelsea Hedges... They were invited to collaborate in an activity at Port Aventura, participated in Patxi Gabela's documentary Tsunami, gained new sponsors... and in 2007 they decided to open the School year-round.
Not only that, they were responsible for bringing life to Somo beach with more and more events. 2009 was an incredible year for the school, with the best team of instructors they'd ever had. It was also a magical year culminating in a training trip to the Canary Islands followed by a 'Pura Vida' experience in Costa Rica.
In 2010, David and Nacho celebrated 20 years of history. "We consider ourselves privileged and in some way that 'aloha' spirit is what we've always wanted to convey. We're surfers from Somo, it's our village and we've always maintained positive localism, sharing our knowledge with new surfers so they understand the respect, love and immense surf culture that exists in our municipality, being the pioneering surf location in Spain.
Somo has changed a lot over these 20 years, as have we. Many things have improved and others have worsened... but it remains a unique and unrepeatable surf destination. Beyond the quantity and variety of waves, it's a magical place for unforgettable surf holidays."
