SUP Mag UK August 2024 issue 42 | Page 80

80
A place of natural beauty Multi-coloured blue waters meet buttery yellow-textured sea cliffs to create a wonderfully defined coastline . The angle of the light creates beautiful contrasts in colour and very sharp focus , so much so that famous Spanish impressionist Joaquim Soroya made the area his second home .
The coastline is particularly dramatic because the cliffs rise vertically from the sea . Many interesting sea caves lie within them , including the Cova Del Orguens , one of Europe ' s largest sea caves . This cave feels like a cathedral inside , with many interesting geological features and surprises . The recent film Uncharted was filmed on location here – such is the imposing nature of this natural wonder . The cave cannot be reached by land , and motorised boats are prohibited from entering , making it an exciting paddle excursion .
The coastline also has unique , stunning beaches ( some with bars ) to stop off at and contemplate the world . Several large islands can be circumnavigated at close quarters , where one can sense hidden histories of the past . If you didn ’ t know you were in Spain , you might wonder if you were in a more tropical location , as the sea appears ‘ Caribbean ’ blue in many places . Most of the coastline is protected by the equivalent of a site of special interest . Rare breeds of sea creatures occupy the sheltered coves . Whales and dolphins can regularly be seen at certain times of the year , as can migrating turtles and strangelooking sunfish .
The weather At least 300 days of sunshine support the ability to paddle just about every day . Thermal winds rise during the day to provide conditions for budding paddlers . It is generally flat and calm first thing in the morning and notably more boisterous midafternoon . It regularly becomes quite windy ( which is why the Spanish Olympic windsurfing team bases themselves here ). The wind is great for downwinding and pointto-point runs .
The water The area around the port offers the most sheltered environment . The water here is often flat , making it the perfect place to develop skills and gain confidence . The Arenal is the main sandy beach over