A pilgrimage site for sliding sports, the Basque Coast alone has about ten beaches. The king sport, surfing, is part of the Basque DNA and has been since 1956, becoming the cradle of European surfing. The story begins like this:
On the occasion of a film shoot adapted from a novel by Hemingway "The Sun Also Rises", two Californians Dick Zanuck and Peter Viertel find themselves in Biarritz in 1956. Dick Zanuck is a surfer and has a surfboard sent to him like no one has ever seen before on French territory. Unfortunately, forced to leave urgently, he will not enjoy it since it arrives in France after his departure. It is therefore Peter, a novice in the matter, who embarks on the story to ride the first waves of the Basque Coast and more precisely those of Biarritz, accompanied by Georges Hennebutte (future inventor of the leash).
Now remains to find or make boards since the activity was not yet developed at the time in Biarritz. The only Californian board serves as a model and other boards are created in addition to another Californian board. At the end of summer 1957, the Basque Coast then has 4 initiated surfers:
- Peter Viertel
- Georges Hennebutte
- Jacky Rott
- Joel de Rosnay
The Basque surfer community is growing, and the boards travel from California to equip each athlete. A turnover of boards is launched, with the younger and novice surfers recovering lost or broken boards to take up the sport themselves. It is at this turning point in surfing that the famous Tontons Surfeurs come into being:
- André Plumcoq
- Robert Bergeruc
- Pierre Laharrague
- Joseph and Jo Moraïz
- Brunos Reinhardt
Rott and Barland mechanical construction engineers join forces to manufacture the first French plastic surfboards.
By the way, if you want to relive the iconic history of surfing on the Basque Coast, we recommend the film BIARRITZ SURF GANG by Nathan Curren and Pierre Denoyel, which recounts the story of the Tontons Surfeurs.
The Basque Coast, the ideal place to surf
The Basque Coast is the surfing Eldorado of France due to several factors. Indeed, the Atlantic Ocean bordering the Basque Coast features powerful and consistent waves, an essential element for the most experienced surfers.
First of all, the topography of the Basque coast, its bays, its beaches and its headlands offer a variety of spots suitable for different skill levels. Beginner surfers progress on evolving spots, calm and less exposed, while experienced surfers tackle more powerful and technical waves.
Finally, since the late 1950s, the surf culture very present in the region proudly displays the colors of the discipline. Indeed, surf schools, specialized shops, regional competitions and international events organized throughout the year have emerged! This wave creates a friendly atmosphere and lively environment for surfers of all levels and non-practitioners of the discipline who flock to the beach edges to admire and watch these high-level athletes!
This is why the Basque Coast is the ideal place for surfing due to its powerful and consistent waves, varied topography, and its dynamic surf culture.
The best surf spots on the Basque Coast:
1. The Great Beach, Biarritz.
The Grande Plage de Biarritz is one of the most iconic spots on the Basque coast. Its impressive waves and well-established reputation bring together surfers from around the world. The beach offers a wide expanse of golden sand along with a panoramic view of the Atlantic Ocean protected by the Basque hills in the background. A feast for the eyes! Numerous specialized surf shops and surf schools located along the beach offer beginner and experienced surfers the opportunity to rent equipment or take lessons to improve their techniques.
Due to its popularity, La Grande Plage is very busy, especially in the summer. However, the peak located in front of the Hôtel du Palais, at the southern end of the beach, offers calmer and less crowded surfing conditions than the center of the beach.
The spot of the Grande Plage in Biarritz is suitable for different levels depending on the conditions!
Normally, this spot is intended for intermediate to advanced surfers due to its powerful and fast waves. The waves easily reach 2m in height, making it difficult for beginner surfers. The strong and violent currents make it even more challenging.
Beginner surfers will find gentler conditions on the sides of the beach as well as an increasing number of surf schools also located on the beach, offering lessons for all levels.
In summary, the Grande Plage de Biarritz is a surf spot dedicated to intermediate to advanced level surfers but can also suit beginners who can, depending on the conditions, ride the waves of the Grande Plage, and take lessons from professional surf schools.
The best time to surf the spot at la Grande Plage in Biarritz depends on the weather conditions and the swell. Generally, the summer months, from June to September, offer milder and more stable conditions, ideal conditions for beginners!
However, more experienced surfers take advantage of the winter months, from November to March thanks to stronger conditions and more consistent swells. It is during this period that the waves reach their peak, offering athletes unforgettable and magical surf sessions! The rest of the year, spring and autumn are intermediate periods, with more varied conditions depending on the swells and winds. These periods offer quality surf sessions for the most experienced surfers.
In short, La Grande Plage de Biarritz is a must-visit surf spot for experienced surfers looking for powerful waves, but also for beginners who want to progress and learn to surf in a friendly atmosphere Made In Pays Basque!
2. The Cavaliers, Anglet.
The beach of Cavaliers d’Anglet is filled with regular and consistent waves with a depth of sand that allows surfers to work on their techniques in a fairly stable environment. Be careful, this surf spot is suitable for experienced surfers, as the waves are difficult to tame for beginners.
Eldorado of the city of Anglet, this surf spot is very popular, and can therefore be quite crowded with tourists in the summer and on weekends, especially when conditions are favorable! It is therefore essential to respect the priority rules on the waves to avoid collisions and accidents as well as other surfers!
The spot at Cavaliers in Anglet is dedicated to intermediate to advanced level surfers due to the power, the speed of the waves, strong currents and dangerous rocks that can challenge less committed surfers. We therefore recommend having very good experience and technique before tackling the waves at Cavaliers.
Despite everything, the waves can vary depending on the weather conditions and tides. It is therefore imperative to observe the conditions beforehand by taking the necessary precautions before entering the water. Beginners, for their part, can find more suitable waves at other nearby spots such as the Barre beach or the Madrague beach in Biarritz before heading to the Cavaliers spot.
The best time of the year to surf the legendary spot of the Cavaliers is during the autumn to winter swell season, from around September to March. At this time of year, the swells are more regular and strong, offering perfect conditions for experienced surfers!
Attention! It is important to monitor the weather forecasts and the various surf reports to choose the best sessions as conditions can change quickly. The tides and winds affect the quality of the waves, so it is advisable to consider all factors for a successful session, safely!
In summer, Cavaliers Beach offers excellent surfing conditions, but is generally crowded with people and has more variable and less predictable wave conditions. Beginners can find waves more suitable for their level nearby such as Barre Beach or Madrague Beach in Biarritz before heading to the Cavaliers spot!
3. Lafitenia, Saint Jean de Luz.
The famous surf spot on the Basque coast Lafitenia is located in Saint-Jean-de-Luz, a coastal town in the French Basque Country. This spot draws its strong reputation from the Basque spirit for its quality waves and natural beauty!
With its fine sandy beach, its cliffs on each side that protect the spot from the winds, the waves of Lafitenia are consistently regular and steady. They are even said to be considered the gentlest waves in the region! Nevertheless, the waves can reach 1 to 3 meters in height, offering perfect sessions for intermediate and advanced surfers.
Famous for its right and left waves that offer a variety of significant sections for surfers, they can also provide tube sections added to long maneuvering sections. Here again, the conditions do not break the rule and can vary depending on tides and weather conditions. This Luzien spot generally works well all year round!
The Lafitenia surf spot in Saint-Jean-de-Luz is considered a spot dedicated to intermediate to advanced level due to the size of its waves and strong currents. The waves range from 1 to 3 meters high with surfing conditions that can vary depending on the tides and weather conditions.
Lafitenia offers softer and more consistent waves than other spots on the coast, making it a popular choice among intermediate surfers who want to improve their technique and progress quickly on the path to becoming more experienced! That is why we advise beginner surfers against starting to surf this Luzien spot as they may find the waves too big and difficult to handle.
Attention, it is also important here to respect the rules of priority and safety by assessing the conditions before jumping in! Strong currents and rocks can make the activity dangerous for novice surfers. We advise you to take surf lessons, or surf with more experienced friends to improve your safety and technique for a smooth session!
The HawaiiSurf team advises you to surf this legendary spot during the autumn and winter swell season, from around September to March. It is during this time of year that the waves are the most consistent and strong, offering optimal conditions for the most experienced surfers.
The spot at Lafitenia also works during weaker swells, which make the waves unpredictable! In summer, the west winds make the waves harder to surf.
We recommend that you familiarize yourself with this spot before jumping into the water in order to assess the various potential dangers such as strong currents, rocks, tides, winds and swells! For this, it is essential to monitor the weather forecasts and bulletins to go into the water calmly and safely.
4. The Basque Coast, Biarritz.
The spot at Côte Des Basques has a seabed mainly made up of sand and rocks with wave peaks forming all along the beach. The waves offer a long right often considered one of the most beautiful waves in Europe, no less!
This spot is friendly and welcoming with a relaxed atmosphere, good-natured and friendly. The locals are very often nice, welcoming and kind towards the many visitors and beginners.
Victim of its very pleasant environment, the spot at the Côte des Basques is very busy, especially during peak periods in summer. Arm yourself with patience to find a place to park your vehicle!
The spot at the Côte des Basques is considered the most accessible spot for all levels on the coast! Beginner surfers as well as experienced surfers will find their happiness there! The level of difficulty varies depending on the surf conditions and crowd at the spot.
The waves are gentle and easy to tame, offering a long right ideal for beginner surfers. However, when conditions are stronger, the waves can turn into powerful waves and more difficult to surf, thus challenging experienced surfers.
La Côte des Basques is generally very busy, especially during peak periods in summer. This high attendance also makes conditions more difficult, with many surfers in the water added to a fierce competition for the waves.
The Côte des Basques can be surfed all year round! However, certain periods such as autumn, winter, and spring are more favorable. Indeed, summer conditions are more difficult due to the crowds and the weather.
In autumn (from September to November), the temperatures are still warm and the waves remain consistent, making it an ideal period for experienced surfers. Winter (December to February), temperatures drop and the waves increase, becoming larger and more powerful, thus offering the most experienced surfers perfect sessions! Spring (March to May) offers interesting surfing conditions, with pleasant temperatures and still consistent waves.
It is always important to monitor the weather conditions and the tides in order to determine the best times to surf this iconic spot throughout the year. In general, this spot works perfectly at low tide, varying depending on the conditions.
5. The Great Beach, Hendaye.
Located on the border between France and Spain, the Grande Plage surf spot is a spot that offers quality waves accessible to all. The beach is wide and the bay is sheltered, making it an ideal spot for beginner surfers and intermediate surfers. The waves here are gentle and easy to handle with smooth and long sections enjoyable for longboarding! Warning, these waves can become powerful and hollow during big swells, favoring the practice for experienced surfers.
The best part of the spot at the Grande Plage is located on the right side of the bay, near the Bidossoa estuary. Indeed, this is where the best waves form, offering quality rights and lefts.
This spot is generally less crowded than its neighboring spots of Biarritz or Saint-Jean-de-Luz. However, this spot is sensitive to tides and currents, so it is important to monitor the forecasts and follow safety instructions.
In conclusion, the Grande Plage is a versatile spot, offering waves accessible to all levels! The beach is wide and the bay protected, enhancing the practice and progression of beginner and intermediate surfers.
As mentioned earlier, the spot at the Grande Plage varies depending on the conditions. This spot is perfectly suited for beginner and intermediate levels because the waves are gentler and easier to handle. However, the spot can become wild, offering conditions more suitable and interesting for experienced surfers.
The long and smooth sections make it an ideal spot for longboard and Malibu surfing. Conversely, the most experienced surfers can find quality waves by staying on the right side of the bay, near the Bidassoa estuary, where the waves can be hollower and more powerful.
The best time to surf at the Grande Plage spot is generally between spring and autumn, when weather conditions and waves are more favorable.
Summer, the swell is often smaller which naturally leads to milder surfing conditions, an ideal period for beginner and intermediate surfers. However, there may be crowds on the beach, especially during school holiday periods.
In autumn, the conditions are consistent, with larger swells and more regular ones that offer powerful waves for experienced surfers. It should be noted that the wind conditions are also more favorable at this time of year.
In winter, conditions are more difficult due to colder temperatures, larger swells, and stronger winds. This does not prevent the most experienced surfers from finding quality waves during this period.
In summary, the most favorable period for the practice is generally between spring and autumn with milder surfing conditions in summer and larger and more consistent swells in autumn.
6. Parlementia, Guéthary.
Reef break spot known for its fast waves, powerful and hollow, the Parlementia spot in Guethary is located in a rocky cove between the towns of Bidart and Guethary.
The waves of Parlementia reach up to 3 meters high during strong swell. The wave breaks on a rocky and pebble bottom, creating a hollow and fast section offering the most experienced surfers great opportunities for tubes and technical maneuvers.
This iconic spot of the Basque Coast works best at low tide and mid-tide, when the waves are more consistent. Surfers must be careful when entering and exiting the water due to the rocks and pebbles present on the added beach, combined with a strong current that can form along the coast.
Attention, this spot is reserved for the most demanding and experienced surfers due to challenging surfing conditions. It is important to know the priority and safety rules, as well as monitor weather forecasts and tides before starting a Parlementia session.
The surf spot Parlementia is considered an advanced to expert level surf spot due to the powerful and fast waves. The waves can reach 3 to 5 meters in height and break on a rocky bottom, making the practice particularly dangerous for inexperienced surfers. Only experienced and well-prepared surfers take on this iconic surf spot.
The best time to surf the Parlementia spot in Guethary is from September to April, when the swells are more consistent and the winds are more favorable.
In summer, the smaller and more spaced swells make the practice less interesting and consistent. However, it is important to note that conditions can often be unpredictable and that it is always important to check local weather forecasts before getting into the water.
Our tips for surfing on the Basque Coast:
Safety first!
Surfing the Basque Coast is no easy task, which is why it is essential to never forget the safety rules for yourself but also for the other surfers in the water. Here are some safety tips to help you surf the Basque Coast safely and peacefully:
- Know your level: It is essential to know your limits in order not to venture into demanding surfing conditions that exceed your skills. So stay in areas suited to your level and do not put yourself in unnecessary danger.
- Be aware of weather conditions: Before going surfing, it is important to assess local weather data to know the wind, tide, and swell conditions. Conditions can change quickly, so stay tuned for possible updates.
- Watch other surfers: Be attentive to other surfers and avoid collisions by respecting the right-of-way rules. When surfing with others, it is important to communicate clearly to avoid collisions and dangerous situations.
- Wear safety equipment: Always wear an appropriate wetsuit, booties, and a leash to avoid losing your board! If the waves are big, don't hesitate to wear a life jacket.
- Respect the safety rules: Surf in designated practice areas while respecting the rules previously established. Also avoid surfing alone, especially if you are a beginner or have little experience.
- Respect the environment: Respect the natural environment by not leaving trash on the beach and avoiding surfing in protected areas or zones reserved for swimmers
By following all these safety tips, you will be able to fully enjoy the joys of surfing on the Basque Coast without taking any risks!
Where to rent surfing equipment?
HawaiiSurf is not just a website and also stands out as a leader in the resale of multisport sliding gear on the ground, thanks to its numerous stores located throughout the French territory!
The Saint-Jean-de-Luz store features within its premises a board rental service to support you confidently during your first surfing experiences on the Basque Coast!
Find a selection of ultra-sharp boards from the best brands on the market. We hope this article is useful to you, and that the best spots in the Basque Country will hold no secrets for you anymore!
Find here the essential tools such as:
- WINDGURU : Wind, waves and weather forecasts
- TIDE CALENDAR
Discover our selection of surfing items at the best prices, only on HawaiiSurf!
We invite you to meet next Friday on the blog for a new article!
Justine, HawaiiSurf.
