Sopelana
Spain · Atlantic Europe
Right now
ClearWind and swell direction
Swell: 0.3m NNW
Wind: 9 km/h NW (onshore)
Beach faces: NNW
Onshore wind (blowing from sea to land). Expect choppier, less defined waves.
Swell is arriving at a great angle for this beach.
Today hour by hour
Updated 10:02Expected crowds
Prediction model v17amMidweek quiet
Next 7 days
Forecast via Open-MeteoWhat to pack
- 3/2mm wetsuit or spring suit for 17°C water.
- Small waves expected. Longboard or fish to make the most of it.
- Rain jacket for between sessions.
Today's briefing
0.3m swell at 8s. Light winds keeping things clean. Water temperature 17°C.
AI-generated summary for Sopelana. Always check local reports before heading out.
Forecast accuracy at Sopelana
Not enough data yet. Log a session to help build the accuracy score.
Best time to go
No great windows in the next 2 days
Best available option is Tomorrow around 7pm (score: 5). Conditions are below the Good threshold but may still be surfable.
Nearby spots right now
Crowd report
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Session journal
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Approximate modelSwell forecast
7-day forecastDaily score breakdown
This week is looking slightly above average for late April.
Comparing the 7-day forecast to the last 5 years of marine data for the same week at Sopelana.
What's driving it
Recent form
Last 3 days of logged conditions.
About Sopelana
Sopelana is a highly dynamic, exposed beach break situated on the rugged Basque coastline near Bilbao, Spain. The bathymetry comprises a complex mix of mobile silica sandbanks interspersed with jagged limestone and rock reefs, all set beneath towering sea cliffs. Because the beach faces north-west, it acts as a primary receptor for unimpeded North Atlantic groundswells, capturing significant wave energy. A south-easterly wind provides the optimal offshore conditions, funnelling down the cliffs to groom the inherently choppy wave faces. The wave mechanics produce fast, punchy A-frame peaks that offer steep drops and carveable left and right-hand walls, frequently throwing heavy sections on the lower tides. Due to the high volume of water moving across the shallow sandbars and the presence of submerged rock hazards, the wave generates substantial hydraulic force and aggressive rip currents. The intense pace requires rapid pop-ups and immediate speed generation. Therefore, Sopelana is best suited for intermediate to advanced surfers who can confidently negotiate powerful, shifting conditions.
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Create Profile →Frequently asked questions
How often is this page updated?
Current conditions refresh every 6 hours when the cron runs. Hourly data updates every 30 minutes. The 7-day forecast, luck factor, and packing notes are all pre-computed at the same time.
What is the luck factor?
We compare the 7-day forecast to the last 5 years of marine data for the same week at Sopelana. The delta tells you whether conditions are shaping up better, worse, or about the same as a typical late April.
How is 'best session' picked?
We score each day of the 7-day forecast using the same algorithm as the leaderboard, and highlight the highest scorer.
Where does the data come from?
Open-Meteo's Marine API (swell height, period, water temperature) and Weather API (wind and conditions).
Does the score capture local knowledge?
Honestly, no. Every break has tide windows, swell directions and reef contours that a global model cannot see. Treat the score as a starting point, then check a local cam.
When is the best time to surf Sopelana?
Check our timing score heatmap above for a week-by-week breakdown combining surf conditions with crowd pressure.