La Vaca Gigante 2026 | Life-changing waves

La Vaca Gigante is not only one of the world’s greatest big-wave surfing events. It is also an unstoppable force of commitment, community, and solidarity.

Alongside the sporting event that places Santander on the international surf map year after year, “Waves That Change Lives” is born — a solidarity initiative driven by the organizing club and by surfers who, beyond facing giant waves, have chosen to put their energy at the service of those who need it most.

Surfers and the organizing club create individual solidarity challenges, each supporting a different social organization, with the goal of raising funds and helping those most in need. Different waves, one shared purpose: to help.

This year, an additional special challenge joins the initiative: the recovery of used surfboards, giving them a second life in countries and areas where children have no access to this equipment.

Each challenge is a wave.
Each contribution, a paddle stroke.
And together, we can change lives.

Join in, support, share, and help us prove that surfing can also transform lives beyond the water.

Which wave… or waves will you ride?