Surfing can be roughly defined as the technique or discipline that consists of riding down the face of a breaking a wave, by means of a board or by yourself.

Surfing is more a discipline rather than a sport. In fact, a new subculture has developed centred in this discipline. Its members share a strong like for the sea and nature and hugely enjoy getting the adrenalin flowing.

In Uruguay, this recently set up community seems to be growing rapidly. Nowadays, members of the community include from very small children to very experienced surfers and even veteran surfers. In fact, a large number of surf schools can be found along the coast of La Paloma.

What is more, people who have travelled all over the world looking for big waves and decided to settle in La Paloma to enjoy this place and wait for the waves early in the morning are part of this community as well.

In La Paloma, like in the rest of the country, the ideal time to go surfing may vary according to different factors. Nevertheless, the best waves are probably found between October and May.

According to surfers themselves, La Paloma could well be described as the world's surfing capital, since it consists of a peninsula facing the south, which makes up two big bays.

One of these is the well known beach La Aguada, with sandy bottom and the other one is located towards the west and includes the beaches known as Los Botes, Zanja Honda and Corumbá.

In addition, given the ideal location of this place, when the winds are not favourable on some beaches, the ones located on the other side of the peninsula become readily available to be greatly enjoyed.

The beach known as Playa Solari is a long beach located on the west area of the Cabo Santa María (Santa María Cape).

Numerous reefs where the waves break can be found here. The most important one is Corumbá, which was named after a ship that was wrecked and its structure can still be seen here.

Also, other beautiful beaches can be found following this direction such as La Piedra de Zanja Honda and the beach known as Los Botes, which is located very near to the centre of La Paloma.

The swell comes from the south southeast and southwest in these beaches, while the winds blow from the north.

At this beach, known as Playa de Zanja Honda the swell comes from the southeast, the south or the southwest. Reef waves and hollow waves attract many surfers to the area. Although waves break all year round, the best months to go surfing here are the winter months.

The waves at this beach are perfect though somewhat smaller since it is protected from the winds, mainly on the east side.

The left side rolls all the time on rocky bottom and when the swell comes from the southeast, the beach is excellent. When the swell comes from the southwest, the right side of the beach is better.

In addition, this beach proves ideal for beginners.

This is the first beach that we will come across coming from the port of La Paloma facing the east. Winds blow from the southwest and from the west.

La Aguada, together with Zanja Honda and Corumbá are highly popular among surfers especially during the summer season.