Surf and Science

San Sebastian's most characteristic topics and places are going to be examined under the magnifying glass of science through Donostia, Zientzia Hiria, a new programme of Donostia Kultura with the support of the Donostia International Physics Center (DIPC) and the Chair of Scientific Culture of the UPV/EHU.

The first edition was held in 2022 in Okendo Kultur Etxea and several venues in the city, and its central theme was the relationship between surfing and science, focusing on this popular sport because of its strong roots in the city and its surroundings, and because it involves various interesting processes that can be examined in the light of various scientific disciplines.

The programme ran from January to April, with a series of monthly meetings, in which renowned figures in science and surfing addressed the subject from different perspectives, such as physics, meteorology, health, sport and engineering. The conferences were mainly in Basque and were intended for all audiences.

In addition, a series of totems with attractive infographics, created by NorArte Studio in collaboration with Euskampus, were rotated around different parts of the city to bring the science behind the waves and the technology that moves the surfboards closer to the general public. In addition, informative articles were published in the digital media of the Chair of Scientific Culture (Cuaderno de Cultura Científica and Zientzia Kaiera) that added to the information transmitted through the infographics.

This new Donostia Kultura initiative joins the collaboration between Ernest Lluch Kultur Etxea and the DIPC, which under the name New paths of science, addresses the latest scientific advances in various fields, and the recently launched initiative with Elhuyar, Emakume zientzialarien argitan, which raises awareness about the work of women scientists. Donostia, Zientzia Hiria reinforces the city's commitment to the dissemination of science and its protagonists.

Programme of talks on "Surf and Science" in Okendo Shopping Centre during 2022.

26/01/2022
History of a wave
Maia García Vergniory (DIPC, Ikerbasque) and Kepa Acero (Surfer)

23/02/2022
Physiology and health
Julen Ucin Gurrutxaga (doctor, UPV/EHU & Euskaltel-Euskadi ProCycling Team) and Aitor Santiesteban Leguina (Dr. Physical Activities, Deusto, Basque Team)

23/03/2022
Behind the perfect wave and board making
Onintze Salazar (Euskalmet) and Adur Letamendia (Pukas Surf)

Check out the full infographic and challenge questions: