El proyecto de una piscina de olas en una zona surfera de Cantabria divide a los vecinos: “Fomenta un modelo turístico que no mola nada”

The proposed wave pool project in the surfing hotspot of Cantabria's south side has divided local residents: “It promotes a tourism model that does nothing for us.” Villaverde de Pontones, a village with 470 inhabitants within the Ribamontán al Monte municipality, is currently grappling with drought, like the rest of the region. However, the project has sparked controversy and heated discussions among locals: the Government of Cantabria (PP) has dubbed the planned indoor wave pool facility "Olucas Surf Center."

The project aims to attract "200,000 tourists" by 2030 and to recalculate 100,000 square meters of barren land into a pool, hostel spaces, and economic opportunities – 60 jobs in total. While this economic boost may seem appealing, residents are wary of the potential for over-tourism in an area that has remained peaceful and untouched, unlike the traditionally surf-heavy and crowded Somo.

Local residents have accused speculators of indiscriminately asking for land, comparing the situation to the Mediterranean's pernicious example. They fear that the wave pool project will introduce a tourism model that is detrimental to their tranquil, surf-loving community.