Comillas - Playa de Oyambre
Espagne
Comillas
The beach of Oyambre, in Comillas, Cantabria, stretches over about 2 km of fine sand, on the edge of the Oyambre natural park. It is a spot appreciated by kitesurfers and surfers for its wild setting, dunes, and the proximity of the forest that protects the area from the wind. The atmosphere is quite family-friendly and relaxed, with few people even during holiday periods.
The spot is located on the northern coast of Spain, between Santander and the Costa Verde, and benefits from regular wind and Atlantic swell. Riders come here to alternate between flat sessions and small waves, depending on the tides and conditions.
Les données de vent affichées ici proviennent d’ERA5 (via Open-Meteo) sur 4 ans, retraitées pour refléter des conditions réalistes.
👉 Le vent moyen a été calibré pour éviter la sous-estimation habituelle des modèles.
👉 Les rafales ont été corrigées par un ratio médian afin d’éviter des valeurs extrêmes irréalistes.
👉 Chaque jour est résumé par le vent médian (P50) observé pendant les heures utiles (8h–20h), puis classé dans des plages de vent.
👉 Le mode pondéré mélange vent moyen et rafales pour refléter au mieux le vent ressenti.
- 🟢 10–16 nds : vent faible mais navigable (notamment en foil).
- 🟡 16–22 nds : plage idéale, conditions confortables pour la majorité.
- 🔴 22–28 nds : vent fort, réservé aux riders expérimentés.
- 🟣 28+ nds : conditions extrêmes, navigation engagée.
Localisation & Points d'intérêt
Informations utiles
wave
flatOyambre beach is oriented to receive cross to cross-shore wind, with ideal directions coming from the west and northwest. Winds from the west and northwest provide a very comfortable side-shore or side-on for navigation without being pushed towards the shore. Winds from the east and northeast can be more onshore and generate shorter chop, but remain usable for experienced riders.
The water surface changes according to the tide: at low tide, a large area of flat water forms in the bay, near the river, with a sandy lagoon very convenient for beginners, tricks, and long sessions. At high tide, the ocean rises and the beach becomes more exposed to Atlantic waves, with a beach break offering small to medium waves, especially when the swell comes from the northwest.
Launching is easy on the sand, with no major obstacles, and the launch area is wide and well cleared towards the sea. The navigation area is open, with few conflicts with other users, but one must remain vigilant near the swimming area and surf zones. The calmest navigation areas are found to the west of the beach, further away from swimming zones.
Southeast and south sector winds can be lighter and less regular, with sometimes dead wind zones near the forest. North and northwest sector winds are often stronger and more consistent, but can be colder and more exposed.
The ideal conditions for kitesurfing at Playa de Oyambre are a wind from the northwest or west between 15 and 25 knots, with a northwest swell for small to medium-sized waves. Winds from the northwest provide a very comfortable side-shore and a stable water surface.
Winds from the west are also very good, with a side-on that allows for navigation without being pushed towards the shore. Winds from the northeast and east can be usable but are more onshore and generate shorter chop.
Sea conditions vary according to the tide and swell. At low tide, the water is flat with short and regular chop. At high tide, the Atlantic swell manifests with small to medium waves, especially when the swell comes from the northwest.
The waves are of the beach break type, with left and right waves, suitable for riders of all levels. The waves are often well-formed and not too broken, with a sandy bottom that allows for soft landings.
Currents are generally weak on Oyambre beach, but can be more pronounced near the river and channel area. Care should be taken near the channel where the current can be stronger and more irregular.
Tides are moderate, with a range of about 2 to 3 meters, allowing for navigation at both high and low tide. Tidal currents are more visible near the river and channel area.
The recommended kite sizes for Playa de Oyambre are between 7 and 11 m², depending on wind strength and rider weight. For winds of 15 to 20 knots, a kite of 9 to 10 m² is ideal. For winds of 20 to 25 knots, a kite of 7 to 8 m² is more suitable.
Heavier riders may opt for slightly larger sizes, while lighter riders can use smaller sizes to maximize performance.
The Comillas region benefits from regular wind, especially in summer, with winds from the west and northwest dominating. The northwest wind is the most frequent and consistent, with speeds often between 15 and 25 knots. Winds from the west are also frequent and provide stable conditions.
Winds from the east and northeast can be more variable and less powerful, but remain usable. Winds from the south and southeast are rarer and often lighter, with dead wind zones near the forest.
The climate of the northern coast of Spain is mild and humid, with mild winters and cool summers. Air temperatures range between 10 and 15°C in winter and 20 to 25°C in summer. Rainfall is frequent, especially in autumn and winter, but showers are often short.
The water remains cool all year round, with temperatures between 13 and 18°C, which necessitates the use of a full wetsuit even in summer. Days can be cloudy, but periods of good weather are frequent and offer great sessions.
The depth is gradual with a sandy bottom. You can stand up to about 50 meters from the shore, which allows for safe beginners. The depth then gradually increases, with areas of 2 to 3 meters deep a few hundred meters from the shore.
The sandy bottom is uniform and obstacle-free, allowing for soft landings and comfortable sessions.
Water temperatures range between 13 and 18°C all year round, which necessitates the use of a full wetsuit. In winter, the water is cooler, around 13 to 15°C, while in summer it reaches 16 to 18°C.
Air temperatures are mild, with winters around 10 to 15°C and summers around 20 to 25°C, making sessions very pleasant even in winter.