Cobas (Ferrol)

KitesurfingWindsurfingSurfing
Wave, Shortboard
Best for
Beginner to Intermediate
Skill Level
Flat
Spot Type
Busy
Crowd Level

This spot information is AI-assisted and has not been human verified. It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect. Verify safety, access, local rules, and current conditions with official or local sources before riding.

About this spot

About

Cobas is a well-known Galicia beach-break surf spot near Ferrol, set on a sandy bay with right-hand waves that peel across sandbars. Waves are described as forgiving and suitable for beginners, while still delivering a useful window for more experienced surfers when swell builds. The working swell range is typically around 1.5 to 2 meters, holding up to roughly 2 meters or more (one provider also notes it can hold to about 2.5 meters before closing out). Normal ride lengths are reported in the 50 to 150 meter range, with typical rides often around 100 meters, and the wave is generally described as peeling with medium peel speed. Wind conditions matter for wave cleanliness: South and Southeast winds are specifically highlighted as providing the best/cleaner conditions, and the spot is also described as usable with winds in the same general sector. One provider describes gustiness as moderate and overall wind reliability as medium, and notes possible wind shadow effects tied to northern cliffs. Safety-wise, expect surf-related hazards including rip currents and submerged sandbars, along with rocks at the northern end of the beach. After winter storms, the sandbars frequently shift—checking conditions before committing is advised. Lifeguard coverage is reported as seasonal and rescue availability as limited, so plan for hazards even on otherwise favorable sessions.

  • Right-hand beach-break on sand with forgiving, peely waves
  • Best wind directions: South and Southeast for clean conditions
  • Normal rides: about 50–150 meters
  • Good car access with instant entry (under ~5 minutes walk)
Great for
Surfing shortboardSurfing longboardKitesurfing waveKitesurfing freerideWindsurfing waveWindsurfing freeride
What's great
  • Right-hand sandy beach break with forgiving, peely waves
  • Works from around 1.5–2 meters and can hold up to ~2 meters or more
  • Good car access with a short walk to the water
Heads up
  • Shifting sandbars (especially after winter storms)
  • Rip currents can occur
  • Weekend crowds can be crowded
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Practical spot guide

Wind, water and seasons

Wind

Direction
S, SE
Offshore directions
S, SE
Wind Range
10–25 kts
Wind Type
Frontal — Provider notes winds described as frontal; local climatology also includes frontal influences at times along the Ferrol coast.
Reliability
medium
Gust Factor
Moderate gusts — Reported as moderate gusts.
Best Months
September
Recommended Kite Sizes
9–12 m²

Water & beach

Water Type
Flat
Beach
Sand — Sand beach.
Beach Size
Medium
Waves
Small — Baseline indicates it starts working around 1.5–2 meters and can hold up to 2 meters+.
Launch
Medium — Direct beach access; described as easy launch with spacious sandy entry and setup room.
Launch Difficulty
Easy — Easy launch with direct beach entry.

Through the year

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best seasonOff-season
13–20 °C
Water Temperature
9–25 °C
Air Temperature
Wetsuit Guide
Jan–Apr: 4/3mm or 5/4mmJun–Oct: 3/2mm or 4/3mm
Crowds by Season

Quiet during winter weekdays; very crowded on weekends and throughout summer vacation.

Storm/Rain Season

Winter months often see frequent rain and heavy Atlantic storms.

By sport

What to expect for each.

KitesurfingSkill Level

Possible when winds are suitable, but the spot is primarily described as a surfing destination. Space exists in the bay; riders should remain mindful of surf zones.

WaveFreeride
Kite Sizes
9–12 m²
WindsurfingSkill Level

Used by windsurfers during strong frontal winds as an alternative to nearby beaches.

WaveFreeride
Sail Sizes
4.5–5.5 m²
SurfingBest for this spotSkill Level

Cobas is a right-hand beach break on a sandy bottom with forgiving, peely waves and typical ride lengths from about 50 to 150 meters.

Beach break
Wave Direction
Right
Optimal Swell
S, SSE, NW, W, N, WNW
Swell Height
1.5–2.5 m
Optimal Tide
All tides — Listed as all-tides.
Shelter
Exposed — One source describes the spot as exposed; another notes semi-sheltered conditions—expect exposure to vary with exact local setup and swell period.
Wind Effect
Best with south to southeast winds; provider notes south and southeast winds provide clean offshore conditions.
Bigger Swell
Holds size up to about 2 meters or more; one provider notes it can hold up to 2.5 meters before closing out.
Wave Quality
Good — Reported as good, with regional-classic quality noted in baseline data.
Wave Power
Moderate — Regional classic with moderate power.
Wave Shape
Peeling — Wave shape described as peeling.
Peel Speed
Medium — Peel speed reported as medium.
Ride Length
Medium — Normal rides typically range 50 to 150 meters.
Typical Ride Length
50–150 m
Ride Length Details
50 to 150 meters (typical normal length), with normal rides often around 100 meters.
Photos

From the spot

Wavind Team
Wavind Team
Wavind Team
Forecast

Check the forecast before you go

See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Cobas (Ferrol) in the full forecast view.

Cobas (Ferrol) wind and wave forecast summary

Wind
2–14 ktsGusts 27 kts
Direction
SSW202°
Strongest day
Sat, Oct 2414 kts
Windy days
1/712 kts or more
Waves
1.0–3.7 m11s period
Temperature
11–21 °C

Over the next 7 days, Cobas (Ferrol) is forecast for daytime winds of 2–14 kts, peaking around 14 kts on Saturday, October 24 with gusts to 27 kts. The prevailing direction is SSW. Waves run 1.0–3.7 m with a period of about 11s. Based on the Wavind model, in the spot’s local time.

Nearby

Other spots in the area

Safety

What to know before you launch

Safety, access, restrictions, rescue, and local rules can change. Treat these details as informational and confirm them locally before launching.

Hazards

  • Rip currents
  • Rocks at the northern end of the beach
  • Submerged sandbars
Ability Level: Beginner to Intermediate
Recommended Safety Gear
WetsuitLeash

Rescue & support

Lifeguard
Seasonal — Lifeguard coverage is seasonal.
Rescue & Self-Rescue
Limited — Rescue availability reported as limited.
Emergency Info
Nearest major hospital is in Ferrol.
Localism / Vibe
Mild — Localism reported as mild.

Rules of the spot

Standard surfing etiquette applies; respect local surfers and maintain distance in the lineup.

Restrictions
  • Designated swimming areas during summer months
Local Tips
  • Check sandbar conditions after winter storms as they frequently shift.
  • The northern end typically handles northerly swells better.
  • During summer, observe any designated swimming areas.

Getting there & access

Nearest City
Ferrol
Nearest Town
Cobas
Parking
Good car access to the beach; parking lots fill up quickly on summer weekends.
Public Transport
Limited public bus access to the beach; mainly by road.
Access
Car access with instant beach entry (<5min walk); dedicated parking lots available close to the beach.
Cost Level
Moderate
Local Language
Spanish, Galician
Amenities

What's on the beach

Showers
Toilets
Parking
Restaurant
Bar
Accommodation
Nearby town — Accommodation available in and around Ferrol, including guesthouses/apartments in the Cobas village and city options.
Food & Drink
Local restaurants and beach bars within walking distance.
Equipment Rental:
Rental shops are available in nearby Ferrol; some board/surf rentals may be offered locally.
Gear Storage
Gear storage offered by some local surf schools and sports accommodations near main beaches.
Gear Repair
Basic sail/board repair services are available in Ferrol via regional surf shops and some schools.
Learn, rent & more

Schools & services

No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.

Reviews

From riders who've been here

Community observations

Latest reported conditions

Spot questions

Frequently asked questions

When is the best season at Cobas (Ferrol)?

The best overall months at Cobas (Ferrol) are August, September, June, July. The best wind months are September.

Which wind directions work at Cobas (Ferrol)?

Cobas (Ferrol) works with S, SE winds. Offshore directions are S, SE.

What equipment sizes are recommended at Cobas (Ferrol)?

Recommended equipment sizes at Cobas (Ferrol): Kitesurfing: 9–12 m² · Windsurfing: 4.5–5.5 m². The typical wind range is 10–25 kts.

What skill level is Cobas (Ferrol) suitable for?

Cobas (Ferrol) suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Intermediate to Advanced · Windsurfing: Intermediate to Advanced · Surfing: Beginner to Advanced.