The sea under your feet
Our mothers already warned us: "Be careful with the hangover (not on Sundays, the ones from the sea), do not go near the rocks." A phrase that the people of the north have also had to hear during all the summers of their lives through the loudspeakers on the beaches. In this area of the map the waves are abundant and break with great force. A danger that is added to the adrenaline of coasteering that, defying your mother and any prohibition, is just that: explore the lower areas of the cliffs and take advantage of the rocks of the coast to go on three, four or five-hour walks in which different water and adventure sports are practiced.
Your mother already told you: "be careful with the hangover" (not the one on Sunday)
Its first appearance was in 1973 in the book _Sea Cliff Climbing (Climbing of Cliffs) _, where some recommendations are given to explore the rocky walls of the coast, generally with a harness and taking into account the weather conditions and the tides. Its popularity, however, is due to the Welsh. In the 1980s, surfers in this region of Britain began to climb the rocks and enter the he most dangerous coastal terrain in search of the best places to catch waves. This activity began to become popular among other athletes and, currently, what could be considered a high-risk activity it has become one of the main tourist attractions in Wales. It is also one of the toughest places to practice it, since the water usually ranges between 10 and 14 degrees.
However, the cold has not been an impediment to its evolution. In Spain, although it can be practiced in almost the entire country, in the north is where active tourism centers that offer this type of activity have proliferated the most. Going with a guide is a must , since they are the ones who know the area best, the ones who will provide us with the right material and the ones who will help us enjoy this adventure without involving any risk or danger.
Discover the coast in another way
WHAT DO I WEAR
Clothing to avoid the harsh temperatures of the Atlantic or the Bay of Biscay is just as important. Neoprene will not only insulate us from the cold , but it will avoid the scratches that we can get when we climb the rocks. The suit will be accompanied by a life jacket , for greater buoyancy, and a helmet That will cause no damage to regret. On the feet, the use of booties will be avoided, since the footwear must be strong enough so as not to end up nailing the rocks to the soles of the feet; and non-slip, so as not to slip and fall. This will be the only garment that is taken from home – along with the swimsuit – and that, according to experts, it is advisable that they be old sneakers to which one does not have too much appreciation. They may end up in the trash.
Coasteering includes different activities, although everything will depend on the area where it is carried out. The basic consists of a hiking trail along the rocks at the bottom of the cliffs and high jumps in those places conducive to bathing. If the place has caves, then it is very possible that it will end up being speleology . In the event that the marine fauna is very rich, it can also have time for snorkeling or diving . Although, at first, coasteering may seem like a tough and high-risk sport, calm down, l The activity is designed so that it can be enjoyed from the age of 8 . Everything will depend on the difficulty of the terrain. The most important thing is that we take common sense with us and hire guides.
Your outfit has to look like this
WHERE TO PRACTICE COASTEERING IN SPAIN
GORLIZ, BASQUE COUNTRY
The region of Uribe, in Bizkaia, is one of the best places on the Basque coast to start coasteering. Here the cliffs have esplanades wide enough to move along them without the risk of ending up engulfed by a wave. One of the most frequented routes is the one that surrounds the Bay of Plentzia, where there are jumps of different heights for the most daring. , or the possibility of continuing along the rocks in case we do not want to get wet. Excursions in this area are made by Troka Abentura, a company that specializes in active tourism and, as a curiosity, its guide is the same one who has participated in organizing the tests of the Basque adventure program El conquistador del fin del mundo. The adrenaline is guaranteed.
RIBADESELLA, ASTURIAS
Eastern Asturias does not only live from descending the Sella. In that area there are many other adventures, such as coasteering. Some of its routes run between the beaches of Arra and La Atalaya, or the Pedral de Tereñes and Punta'l Pozu . One of its main attractions is that some of them allow you to visit ancient Jurassic sites . Ribadesella is where most of the adventure activities are concentrated, so there is a greater offer when choosing the center with whom to carry out the activity. One of the pioneers is Cangas Adventure , which has been offering it since 1994. Other options are Adventures in Asturias or **Northern Mountains.**
The Uribe region, ideal to start coasteering
ALCUDIA AND MANACOR, MAJORCA
The Balearic Islands are always a success. The water is at a higher temperature and the weather is almost always on the side. The areas of Alcudia or Manacor are usually the favorites of those who practice coasteering . The level is quite easy and, in addition to hiking, jumps or the possibility of diving under its crystal clear waters, many companies offer the opportunity to jump from one rock to another more distant in zip line or enter the caves . Some with a long history in this sport are Mes Aventura or Món d'Aventura.
GRAND CANARY
The coasts of this Canary Island are perfect to start and enjoy coasteering. The options here are the most varied: hiking, jumping, snorkeling, zip line and climbing. One of the best ways to enjoy its coast and its crystal clear water which, unlike in other areas of Spain, has the ideal temperature to spend the whole year soaking. Some of the best known centers are Aventura en Canarias, Mojo Picón Aventura or Dixkover.
In Mallorca they add a zip line
CABO DE GATA NIJAR NATURAL PARK, ALMERIA
If it is already nice to walk around it, walk along its beaches and cross its wide natural spaces, imagine being able to do it through the most unknown part of its coast. The volcanic and abrupt characteristics of this park make it one of the most idyllic places to start in this sport. Some of its routes begin in Playazo and reach Las Negras, crossing some of the most beautiful ledges in the area. _Currently there are several companies with which to practice coasteeri_ng, some of them are the San José Sailing School or Medialuna Aventura.
The beauty of Cabo de Gata seasoned with adrenaline