Some time ago, we discussed Spain's best surfing beaches, with Mundaka featuring prominently on that list. Let's explore the history of this iconic surf spot.
Mundaka and Surf
This Basque town's wave has long been considered one of the world's best left-hand breaks. For many years, it hosted a World Surf League championship event (then called the ASP World Tour) known as the "Billabong Pro Mundaka".
Every year, particularly during autumn and winter when surf conditions peak in northern Spain, hundreds of surfers from across the country and around the world pilgrimage here to ride its famous waves.
So why did the competition disappear? In 2003, Laida beach received 300,000 cubic metres of dredged sand from Urdaibai estuary, significantly weakening the wave's power. Hosting a world-class competition became impossible when the wave lost its essential character and strength.
Over subsequent years, winter storms battering the Biscay coast - perhaps accidentally, perhaps fortuitously - gradually restored the wave to its former glory: producing perfect barrels, reaching 2 metres in height, and running for about 400 metres.
Laida Beach Regeneration
Following recent storms, the Urdaibai Trustees have decided to regenerate Laida beach through dredging approximately 40,000 cubic metres of sand from Mundaka harbour to replenish the shoreline.
This three-month project aims to create about 20,000 square metres of beach area, as currently there's virtually no beach left at high tide.
Alongside the sand replenishment, authorities will rebuild the breakwater at the estuary mouth and reinforce beach access points to improve pedestrian routes.
The Basque Government's Environment Department frames this as assisting natural processes, estimating natural beach recovery would take seven years. The project will create 108 local jobs and help maintain the area's tourist economy.
What Do Surfers Say?
A #SaveMundaka movement has emerged across social media, with surfers worldwide campaigning to halt the project, fearing irreversible damage to the legendary left-hand wave.
Additionally, a Change.org petition has gathered signatures to protect this wave that's provided so many historic surfing moments. Campaigners argue it's more than just a wave - it's a surfing icon, a natural wonder of the Basque coast, and something worth preserving with pride.
Remember this is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, with passionate advocates on both sides. Where do you stand?
Here's footage of the ongoing operations happening mere metres from shore, rather than the proposed 100-metre distance:
