On Thursday, June 19, a group of citizens over the age of 65 took part in a free surf class as part of the awareness and outreach campaigns of the Red de Pueblos del Surf, of which Getxo is a member.

In addition to a new Advisory Program to Promote Surf-Related Entrepreneurship aimed at companies and startups, the development of a thematic catalogue and a regulatory study on coastal areas, this June surfing was brought closer to the local community—specifically, to the “silver” population: active citizens aged 65 and over.

The Red de Pueblos del Surf is a dynamic, expanding and, above all, collaborative project built on a networked approach between territories and municipalities that share a common goal: to boost surf tourism in their towns, encouraging synergy and cooperative work to foster territorial development.

Social involvement is essential to achieving these goals. Engaging the local population in the development of strategies to promote their regions—by valuing their resources through care and respect—is a shared action among the member municipalities of the network.

This spring, several awareness campaigns were carried out in different areas aimed at local citizens. This particular initiative was a pioneering action targeted at the silver community of Getxo, led by La Salbaje Surf Eskola, the oldest surf school in Getxo, with over 20 years of experience.

The activity was preceded by an introductory session held at the Ibar Nagusien Etxea center in the Romo neighborhood, which included a talk on surfing in Getxo and its role in the Red de Pueblos del Surf project. Attendees also received an informational leaflet.

Around twenty members of Ibar Nagusien Etxea enjoyed their first surfing experience and were gifted with an exclusive promotional kit from the project in Getxo, including sunscreen and a guide to the municipality’s surf-friendly beaches, businesses, and hospitality venues.