In the 60swhen the waves were still territory unknown to most in Spain and neoprene costumes were strange objects on the beaches of the north, A handful of brave dared to listen to the call of the sea. They arrived with rudimentary tables, Californian inspiration and a passion that I did not understand cold or tide. Thus surfing in our country, with a spark that turned hard in Santander And, like a wave that breaks and expands, crossed the bay until it reached a place that would mark a before and after: Somo.
This little coastal town in Cantabria, with just a few thousand inhabitants, would become the cradle of Spanish surf. And it is no accident. His beach, extensive and wild, is a natural jewel that he offered, and continues to offer, perfect conditions for the practice of this sport: more than two kilometers of Arenal open to the Cantabrian, with constant waves, well -formed breaking and options for all levels. An ideal scenario to sow the seed of a culture that would end up transforming not only the Cantabrian coast, but the entire surfing geography of the country.
Somo Beach.
First school
It was in Somo where the first Surf Professional School in Spain was founded, a milestone that would mark the beginning of an industry, a community and a lifestyle. Of those first improvised classrooms in the sand, names came out that today are the living history of the National Surf, such as Pablo Gutiérrez, one of the most laureate surfers in Spain, or Laura Revuelta, pioneer to open the way for women in a sport traditionally dominated by men.
But beyond the champions, Somo's true legacy is in how surfing was integrated into the daily life of the people. What began as a minority fans, almost marginal, ended up shaping local aesthetics, urban environment, economy and even cultural identity. Today, just walk through its streets to breathe surfing in each corner: specialized stores, thematic bars, murals, schools, competitions and a vibrant community that lives pending the tides.
Somo Beach.
One of the greatest awards for this transformation came with SOMO's statement as the first surf nature reserve in Spain. This title not only protects the quality of the waves and the natural environment, but officially recognizes the cultural, sports and ecological value of this unique beach. It is not just about preserving a physical space, but about protecting a way of life and an inheritance that has gone from generation to generation.
Somo's influence
Somo's influence soon extended along the Cantabrian coast. Peoples like Laredo, with their kilometer beaches (the longest in northern Spain) They saw their own surfing scene flourish. There also grew schools, championships and an enthusiastic community, fed by the original impulse born on the other side of the bay. The expansion was organic: the waves connected peoples, generations and dreams. Surf was no longer only an imported sport, but a local expression with a Cantabrian accent.
Today, more than half a century after those first tables on the cold waters of the Cantabrian, Somo not only remains a reference, but has established itself as a mandatory destination for any surf loverBe beginner or professional. Its breaks continue to attract surfers from all over the world, and their history continues to inspire new generations.
