Surf and bodyboard
Barcelona's sea isn't big-wave country, but it has a scene: a consistent winter swell, surf schools at Barceloneta and lifelong bodysurfers on storm days.
When there are waves
Autumn and winter bring the swell: on easterly days the sea fills with boards off Barceloneta and Bogatell. Summer means flat water and paddle instead.
Schools and rental
Seafront schools rent suit and board and teach the first paddle safely: January water asks for a real wetsuit. No license exists; respect for bathers does.
Bodyboard and bodysurf
The Mediterranean wave is body-first: bodyboarding is the local way to surf any afternoon with two feet of wave. Fins on, mind the groin currents and stay out of the swim zone.