MUNDAKA — THE BASQUE DRAGON - Marlene On The Move

Located in the Basque Country, this small fishing village, positioned in front of the Bay of Biscay, combines both culture and natural beauty.

But, in fact, what took me there was the surf.

We’re talking about a wave of global quality, which, until recently, held world tour events. Its position over the gulf, getting all the swell generated at that location, and the fact that it’s in the mouth of an estuary, makes Mundaka known for its wave breaking to the left over a sandbank.

For much of my life I heard of the Mundaka wave, which sometimes reaches up to four meters, the difficult current caused by the estuary… Anyway, let’s say it’s a wave for grown up surfers.

So when I visited the village on my way to a trip to Biarritz, and saw that the waves were small, a chill settled in the stomach. I’m not talking about butterflies … I’m talking about bats beating their wings furiously!

I had to surf Mundaka!!

I filled up with courage, went down the wall and went into the water. For an hour, I settle myself, made attempts (lots of them) and caught some waves. Thinking that in any given time the ocean would rise and I wouldn’t know what to do.

With the tide going down, I began to feel the currents pulling out. It was time to leave the sea and it required all my stroke force to reach the exit point and not end up being dragged to the fishing port.

I was out and with that feeling of mission accomplishment.

I never went back to Mundaka, but I never forgot that at least that day I had my moment of glory. I was lucky. I picked a day that the dragon was asleep.

Surfing in Spain: A Complete Guide From the Basque Country to Andalusia

Now, your turn! Have you ever been a situation were you had to overcome your fears? Tell all about it in the comment box bellow.

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Marlene Marques

Marlene is the creator of Marlene On The Move. A journalist by profession, she created the blog to share her adventures around the world. It is not unusual for her to set off to discover new countries and cultures with a surfboard as luggage.

17 COMMENTS

jen
7 years ago

Portugal surprises me with its beauty. And now a new fact – that it’s a great surfing destination. Who knew?

Reply
- Marlene Marques
  7 years ago AUTHOR
  
  Hi Jen! In this case, Mundaka is in Spanish territory. But you are totally right: Portugal is a great surfing destination. In fact, it has a World Surfing Reserve – Ericeira. 😉
  
  Reply
Cameron
7 years ago

Great photos! And yes many times I’ve had to deal with my fears while traveling. Right now I’m scared to go bungy jumping for the first time in my life tomorrow morning. And it’s the tallest in the world…

Reply
- Marlene Marques
  7 years ago AUTHOR
  
  OMG, Cameron! You’re very brave! I don’t think I would had the courage to do it. It will be awesome! Let me know how it went.
  
  Reply
Mansoureh
7 years ago

The first time of trying high ropes, I was so scared and I wanted to give up but I pushed myself. Honestly, I talked to myself whole the way that and kept repeating “you can do it and forget the fear”. I did it and was a great experience

Reply
- Marlene Marques
  7 years ago AUTHOR
  
  So great, Mansoureh. It’s all about believing in ourselves, isn’t it? 🙂 I think sometimes fear is our worst enemy. If you conquer it, you’ll be able to do things you never dreamed of.
  
  Reply
Thuymi @ www.AdventureFaktory.com
7 years ago

It’s pretty cool that you travel chasing waves! It would’ve not been a destination I think we would’ve chosen to visit unless looking for a surf spot like you did!

Reply
Sia
7 years ago

Looks like a lovely small village! Congrats on overcoming fears and achieving goals! Honestly, sounds a bit scary for someone like me who can’t swim. Maybe this is a fear I have to overcome soon.

Reply
- Marlene Marques
  7 years ago AUTHOR
  
  Thanks, Sia! I’m sure you will overcome your fear too.
  
  Reply
Maddy
7 years ago

I think it’s fantastic you faced your fears – such an inspiration! Your photos look really lovely, I will have to go here myself one day

Reply
- Marlene Marques
  7 years ago AUTHOR
  
  It’s a lovely little town. You’re gonna love it, Maddy.
  
  Reply
Anne
7 years ago

I am guessing the water is pretty cold but I would love to learn to surf.

Reply
- Marlene Marques
  7 years ago AUTHOR
  
  It depends the time of the year. In this place, is cold in the winter but quite warm in the summer. 🙂
  
  Reply
Evan Kristine
7 years ago

I heard about Mundaka as a surfing destination! Looks beautiful as well.

Reply
Anita Hendrieka
7 years ago

Ah this looks like a great surfing destination! Great article 🙂

Reply
- Marlene Marques
  7 years ago AUTHOR
  
  Thanks, Anita! 🙂
  
  Reply