La Vaca
Cantabria, Spain
Reef breakExpert
A gnarly, expert-level reef slab on Cantabria's rocky coast, a thick, pitching wave over a shallow rock shelf producing violent, sucking barrels that are among the heaviest in Spain.
Typical Conditions
The Surf Window
Swell Window
OptimalN (0°)
WindowNNW–ENE (330°–60°)
Size4-10ft
Wind
NE
Offshore
Tide
Mid to high
LowMidHigh
Season
October–March
JFMAMJJASOND
The Wave
Type
Left (primarily)
Bottom
Shallow rock reef
Shape
Thick, ledging slab, violent and hollow
Length
50–100m
Skill Level
- •Who it's for: Expert
- •Why: Near-dry rock shelf, violent take-off, and no room for error, one of Spain's most serious waves.
Hazards
- •Extremely shallow rock reef
- •Violent wipeouts, head and back injuries possible
- •Cold water
- •Remote and awkward access
Local Tips
- •La Vaca needs a very specific combination of swell, wind, and tidal phase, local knowledge is invaluable.
- •A big-wave board (6'6"+) handles the steep, heavy take-off better than a standard shortboard.
Location
43.5000, -3.9000