Meñakoz
Bizkaia's big-wave right, breaking over a rock slab.
Meñakoz is a reef right over a rock slab that starts breaking with 1.5–2 m of north or north-west swell and holds waves over 5 m. With a north swell the wave is short; with a north-west it can run to about 150 m.
It's one of the reference big-wave spots on the Bay of Biscay, and not a wave to improvise on.
Spot facts
| Wave type | Reef |
|---|---|
| Direction | Right |
| Level | Expert |
| Best swell | NW, N |
| Best wind (offshore) | S, SE |
| Tide | High, rising |
| Size | 2–5 m+ |
| Best season | Autumn and winter |
| Crowd | Medium |
| Localism | High |
Surf forecast
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Hour-by-hour forecast for 14 days, with stars for your board and level, and the whole site without ads.
Model forecast for open water a few kilometres offshore: it can't see sandbanks or the shelter of headlands and jetties. The rating (0–5) is worked out from this spot's ideal swell and wind. Use it as a guide and check the sea before paddling out. Data: Open-Meteo (DWD, ECMWF; CC BY 4.0)
Which board to bring
A gun. On a short board you won't make the take-off in time. How many litres? Work out your volume with the volume calculator.
What to bring to surf Meñakoz
The water is around 12 °C in winter and 20 °C in late summer. This is what we'd bring for this spot's water, level and boards.
The autumn-to-spring suit for water at 12–16 °C.
View on AmazonWarm feet in winter and protection on rocks.
View on AmazonA shortboard leash won't hold in waves of several metres.
View on AmazonRock or urchins on the bottom: protect your feet going in and out.
View on AmazonWarm-water wax won't grip in this water.
View on AmazonAmazon affiliate links: if you buy through them, Shapers Europe earns a small commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Localism and vibe
A big-wave peak with its own pecking order: watch, respect the regulars and don't paddle out without big-wave experience.
Surfing style
Big-wave surfing: vertical drops and committed lines.
Hazards
Rocks showing in the impact zone (Los Calvos), very strong currents and frequent injuries.
Map
Shapers near Meñakoz
Order a board designed for these waves from a local shaper.
Other spots nearby
Plentzia (Bizkaia)
Plentzia's sheltered bay: the plan B when the rest of Bizkaia is maxed out.
Sopela (Bizkaia)
Bilbao's surf beach: Arrietara and Atxabiribil, with peaks for every level.
Getxo / Sopela (Bizkaia)
A punchy beach break between Getxo and Sopela, with La Triangular, a classic rock right.
Bakio (Bizkaia)
A fast, hollow beach break, with a long right by Peña Roja.
All spots in the Basque Country (Spain) →
Indicative information gathered from surf guides and surfers' experience. Conditions change with the sandbanks: check the forecast and ask at the beach.