San Sebastian · Spain
Marinella, France
8.4kts
W · Wind season
Winter-only Basque coast spot on the Bay of Biscay. W/WSW winds November–April, 54 windy days yearly. Cold water, strong currents, reef hazards. Intermediate+ only.
- 8.4kts
- Average wind
- 54
- Windy days / year
- 10:00–13:00
- Peak wind hours
- W
- Primary direction
Location
- Nearest airports
- Airport - Bilbao
- Coordinates
- 43.5043, -1.5401
Monthly wind profile (peak window)
Jan
27%
rideable
15.8 kts
Feb
25%
rideable
16.7 kts
Mar
24%
rideable
13.6 kts
Apr
18%
rideable
13.7 kts
May
10%
rideable
13 kts
Jun
5%
rideable
13.4 kts
Jul
5%
rideable
14.4 kts
Aug
5%
rideable
14.2 kts
Sep
13%
rideable
14.1 kts
Oct
13%
rideable
15.7 kts
Nov
18%
rideable
16.2 kts
Dec
15%
rideable
16.6 kts
Best wind directions
- W
- S
- SSW
- WNW
- WSW
Water conditions
- Ocean
- Choppy
Best months
Hazards
- Choppy ocean conditions and Atlantic swells create unpredictable wave patterns
- Rocky outcrops and reef hazards common along Basque coast
- Strong currents and tidal flows typical of Bay of Biscay area
- Shipping traffic from nearby San Sebastian port
What that means for you
- Reef booties recommended at low tide
- Walk gear out — don't drag downwind across rocks
- Strong current — walk back upwind, don't body-drag down
Amenities
- Beach bars and restaurants in nearby San Sebastian
- Kite schools and rental shops serving the Basque region
- Parking and beach facilities at Marinella
Local tips
This spot has only 54 windy days yearly, so plan trips around peak seasons (Jan-Apr, Nov-Dec). Check local wind forecasts closely and consider nearby spots if conditions are marginal.
Launch & beach
Launch from sandy areas when accessible, but expect choppy offshore conditions even with moderate winds. W and WSW winds are most reliable; avoid S and SSW when they bring chaotic chop.
Local etiquette
Respect local swimmers and fishing activity common in this region. Coordinate with other kiters given limited windy days; be aware of right-of-way rules in crowded conditions.
What to wear
3-4mm wetsuit year-round; water temps range 8-17°C. Winter months (Jan-Apr, Nov-Dec) require thicker protection and booties.
What to pack
Kite sizes
- 14–17 mlight wind, under 14 kn
- 11–14 mtypical sessions, 14–22 kn
Boards
- Twintip — universal, bring one
- Hydrofoil — light-wind spot, rideable from ~10 kn
What to wear (by climate)
- In the water
- 3/2 mm full wetsuit.
- On land
- Hoody and jacket; long pants in the evening.
Derived from the spot's latitude (temperate zone) and current season.
Right of way & manners
- 1Rider entering the water has right of way over riders coming in.
- 2Upwind rider gives way — keep your kite high when passing downwind riders low.
- 3Starboard tack (right hand forward) has priority when crossing.
- 4Overtaking rider keeps clear of the slower rider's line.
- 5Wave riding: the rider on the wave owns it — don't drop in.
Spot guide
The Experience
Marinella is winter-only. Show up in summer and you'll find nothing. The Basque coast delivers serious Atlantic energy—unpredictable swell, strong tidal flows, and chop that builds fast. You launch from sand when it's accessible, but offshore conditions turn messy quickly. November through April is your window: solid W and WSW winds that actually work.
Wind & Conditions
Average 8.4 knots. That's lean, but seasonal clustering matters. January–April and November–December are prime; the other months are mostly dead. W and WSW winds work; S and SSW bring chaotic onshore chop. Marginal days are common—if the forecast looks iffy, skip it. Check San Sebastian region spots instead of forcing a blown session.
Water & Hazards
Bay of Biscay water is cold and powerful. Strong currents, tidal acceleration in channels, scattered rocks and reef along the coastline. Shipping traffic from San Sebastian's port runs nearby. Launch during slack tide, know your exit routes, and respect the reef—don't venture into narrow channels where you can't escape quickly. Swell state changes hour to hour.
Who It's For
Intermediate riders comfortable with current and reef navigation. You need to accept the 54-day annual wind budget, commit to the winter window only, and actually forecast instead of guessing. If you want 60+ windy days or summer conditions, go elsewhere. San Sebastian has restaurants, rental shops, and schools nearby for downtime or gear needs.
Logistics
Sandy launch areas exist but are weather-dependent. Parking and basic facilities available. Plan around the 54-day wind budget and Bay tidal schedule before committing to a trip.
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