To all the cold-haters out there, we've got news that even the most sceptical won't believe: in winter... you absolutely can enjoy water sports! Here in Spain, we're lucky with our climate and, of course, some of the best coastlines, meaning exercising in winter doesn't have to mean avoiding the water.
Finding benefits in sport isn't difficult, but when we talk about water sports in winter, the advantages multiply. The drop in temperatures inevitably means colder water, but this actually helps you even more:
- You'll burn more calories due to your body working harder to maintain its temperature.
- It significantly improves blood circulation.
- Releases far more endorphins and stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system, responsible for rest and relaxation.
- The immune system is stimulated by the body's reaction to "brief stress", increasing white blood cell production and thus boosting your defences.
We're not suggesting you dive into icy waters "bare-chested" or join those mass Christmas swims on beaches across the globe (including Barcelona). Careful! If that's your thing, brilliant - send us photos - but we prefer other types of activities, things you might actually fancy trying. That's why we've created this top 5 winter water sports you can enjoy when the solstice arrives.
5 water sports to try this winter
1. Surfing
Forget that idyllic image of Californian surfing under warm sunshine. It exists, sure, but some of the best waves you'll find for surfing in our country come during winter. Not only that, you'll discover far less crowded beaches, more consistent swells, and a deeper connection with the waves.
A good wetsuit will solve the cold problem - you can even add boots, gloves and a hood. But remember, winter sunlight creates such a pleasant sensation that combined with catching waves, you'll forget about the cold entirely.
In Spain, the best winter surfing spots are in the north: Cantabria, Asturias or Barcelona's coastline. But if you head to the Canary Islands, you'll find surfing's possible year-round.
Find all winter surfing destinations here
2. Diving
While winter diving requires different techniques, the excellent visibility (thanks to reduced phytoplankton), crystal-clear waters, abundant marine life and fewer tourists make it truly special.
It also helps divers progress significantly. You'll need shorter dives, must avoid decompression issues, and should minimise arm movements to prevent cooling (exercise underwater accelerates heat loss)... Mastering these techniques will deepen your understanding of diving and make winter dive planning more rewarding.
Living on a peninsula means endless diving opportunities and courses. Alternatively, the Canary Islands offer everything from introductory dives to advanced diving along any coast. Their winter sun makes Atlantic diving a joy, with Tenerife and Gran Canaria being top choices (though Lanzarote has options too).
Find the best winter diving opportunities in Gran Canaria here
Find the best winter diving opportunities in Tenerife here
Find the best winter diving opportunities in Lanzarote here
3. Windsurfing
Surprisingly, what puts people off winter windsurfing isn't the cold but shorter daylight hours. Nowadays, thanks to wetsuit technology, dedicated riders enjoy perfect sessions anytime - autumn or winter.
Your wetsuit should be 5-6mm thick minimum. Get proper gloves (not too tight at the wrists, ideally with exposed palms for better boom grip), plus a hood and boots, and you're ready to fly across waves.
Once again, the Canary Islands shine for winter windsurfing. Head to Gran Canaria with your board - particularly Anfi del Mar delivers exactly what riders want.
Discover winter windsurfing in Gran Canaria here
4. Kayaking
Whether for exercise or exploring wintery coves, rivers or reservoirs, kayaking shines in cold months too. Choose your thrill level: tackle white-water rapids, coastal winter swells, or Spain's spectacular dam routes.
Major national and international winter kayak competitions exist too. Beginners should start in warmer months, but with proper technique and thermal gear, winter kayaking becomes tremendous fun.
Top Spanish spots include Rías Baixas, Pontevedra, Barcelona and (again) Gran Canaria. Always check weather forecasts beforehand - safety first, then pure enjoyment.
Find all winter kayak routes in Pontevedra here
Find all winter kayak routes in Barcelona here
Find all winter kayak routes in Gran Canaria here
5. Paddle Surfing
Seeking thrills? Try winter paddle boarding. After experiencing SUP on choppy winter seas, no other route will compare.
Here, "bad" weather becomes an asset. Stand up paddleboarding gains incredible excitement in winter. Consistent swells make paddling more challenging yet more fun. You'll need experience, but it's a natural progression for regulars.
Any Spanish coast works for winter SUP, but Cantabria and (unsurprisingly) Gran Canaria offer the best winter paddle surfing conditions.
Discover winter paddle surfing opportunities in Cantabria here
Discover winter paddle surfing opportunities in Gran Canaria here
Reviewing our top winter water sports list reveals two clear conclusions:
Forget that idyllic image of Californian surfing under warm sunshine. It exists, sure, but some of the best waves you'll find for surfing in our country come during winter. Not only that, you'll discover far less crowded beaches, more consistent swells, and a deeper connection with the waves.
A good wetsuit will solve the cold problem - you can even add boots, gloves and a hood. But remember, winter sunlight creates such a pleasant sensation that combined with catching waves, you'll forget about the cold entirely.
In Spain, the best winter surfing spots are in the north: Cantabria, Asturias or Barcelona's coastline. But if you head to the Canary Islands, you'll find surfing's possible year-round.
Find all winter surfing destinations here
2. Diving
While winter diving requires different techniques, the excellent visibility (thanks to reduced phytoplankton), crystal-clear waters, abundant marine life and fewer tourists make it truly special.
It also helps divers progress significantly. You'll need shorter dives, must avoid decompression issues, and should minimise arm movements to prevent cooling (exercise underwater accelerates heat loss)... Mastering these techniques will deepen your understanding of diving and make winter dive planning more rewarding.
Living on a peninsula means endless diving opportunities and courses. Alternatively, the Canary Islands offer everything from introductory dives to advanced diving along any coast. Their winter sun makes Atlantic diving a joy, with Tenerife and Gran Canaria being top choices (though Lanzarote has options too).
Find the best winter diving opportunities in Gran Canaria here
Find the best winter diving opportunities in Tenerife here
Find the best winter diving opportunities in Lanzarote here
3. Windsurfing
Surprisingly, what puts people off winter windsurfing isn't the cold but shorter daylight hours. Nowadays, thanks to wetsuit technology, dedicated riders enjoy perfect sessions anytime - autumn or winter.
Your wetsuit should be 5-6mm thick minimum. Get proper gloves (not too tight at the wrists, ideally with exposed palms for better boom grip), plus a hood and boots, and you're ready to fly across waves.
Once again, the Canary Islands shine for winter windsurfing. Head to Gran Canaria with your board - particularly Anfi del Mar delivers exactly what riders want.
Discover winter windsurfing in Gran Canaria here
4. Kayaking
Whether for exercise or exploring wintery coves, rivers or reservoirs, kayaking shines in cold months too. Choose your thrill level: tackle white-water rapids, coastal winter swells, or Spain's spectacular dam routes.
Major national and international winter kayak competitions exist too. Beginners should start in warmer months, but with proper technique and thermal gear, winter kayaking becomes tremendous fun.
Top Spanish spots include Rías Baixas, Pontevedra, Barcelona and (again) Gran Canaria. Always check weather forecasts beforehand - safety first, then pure enjoyment.
Find all winter kayak routes in Pontevedra here
Find all winter kayak routes in Barcelona here
Find all winter kayak routes in Gran Canaria here
5. Paddle Surfing
Seeking thrills? Try winter paddle boarding. After experiencing SUP on choppy winter seas, no other route will compare.
Here, "bad" weather becomes an asset. Stand up paddleboarding gains incredible excitement in winter. Consistent swells make paddling more challenging yet more fun. You'll need experience, but it's a natural progression for regulars.
Any Spanish coast works for winter SUP, but Cantabria and (unsurprisingly) Gran Canaria offer the best winter paddle surfing conditions.
Discover winter paddle surfing opportunities in Cantabria here
Discover winter paddle surfing opportunities in Gran Canaria here
Reviewing our top winter water sports list reveals two clear conclusions:
- A proper wetsuit is essential - the golden ticket for adventure enthusiasts.
- Northern Spain and Gran Canaria reign supreme for winter water sports.
The rest depends on your preferred intensity level. Don't hold back - even if you're usually cold-averse, winter will start winning you over.
