Surf spot guide · Galicia, Spain
Rare, expert-grade rivermouth left at the Ria Foz mouth that needs the year's biggest NW-N swells to fire.
Foz is a rivermouth left that breaks at the mouth of the Ria Foz in Galicia, producing some of the most exciting but infrequent waves in northern Spain. The break only activates on the largest NW to N swells of the year, typically above 0.9 meters, and switches off entirely above roughly 2.4 meters when the fast, shallow walls become unmanageable. Low tide is the only viable window: as the tide fills, the wave flattens and loses speed and punch. The left runs 200 to 500 meters in ideal conditions, throwing hollow, bowly sections with a critical takeoff that leaves little margin for error. Its rarity and quality generate intense localism; on the handful of days per year it breaks properly, local surfers dominate the lineup and newcomers are expected to observe before paddling out. Rip currents through the rivermouth channel are a real hazard, and estuarine pollution is a concern after heavy rain. This is a wave for experienced surfers who have earned their place.
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Extremely high crowd pressure on the rare days it breaks. The local surf population is active and territorial; expect a full, competitive lineup on any swell that gets Foz working properly.
Rare Galician gem, fierce and fast, reserved for those who know it
Galicia
Consistent north-facing Galician beachbreak near the Foz rivermouth, beloved by the campervan crowd and beginner-friendly at all tides.
Galicia
Fast, hollow Galician beachbreak tucked below the coast road, with a reef-anchored left at its western end.
Galicia
NE-facing beachbreak near Foz with reef-anchored sandbars. Works on bigger NW-N swells, offshore in W winds.
+8 MORE →Only paddle out when a significant NW to N groundswell is running and the tide is dropping toward low
Sit outside the main rip channel when you first arrive and watch two or three sets before committing
Do not paddle straight to the peak on your first session - earn your spot
Check river conditions before surfing as Ria Foz runoff can be significant after rain
Arrive early when it is on because the word travels fast in the local community
HAZARDS · KNOW BEFORE YOU PADDLE
Drive-up access with free parking at the beach. Basic beach facilities including restrooms are available. No surf school or surf shop recorded at the break itself.
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