A place of pilgrimage for surfers, the Basque Coast alone boasts a dozen beaches. Surfing has been part of the Basque DNA since 1956, when it became the cradle of European surfing. The story begins like this:
Two Californians, Dick Zanuck and Peter Viertel, meet in Biarritz in 1956, while shooting a film adapted from Hemingway's novel The Sun Also Rises. Dick Zanuck, a surfer, is sent a surfboard the likes of which no one has ever seen on French soil. Unfortunately, forced to leave in a hurry, he doesn't get to enjoy it, as it arrives in France after he's left. So it was Peter, a novice in the field, who set off to ride the first waves of the Basque Coast, and more specifically those of Biarritz, accompanied by Georges Hennebutte (future inventor of the leash).
Now all that remains is to find out where to make boards, since the activity was not yet developed at the time in Biarritz. The single Californian board is used as a model, and other boards are created in addition to another Californian board. A la late summer 1957the Basque Coast now boasts 4 initiated surfers :
- Peter Viertel
- Georges Hennebutte
- Jacky Rott
- Joel de Rosnay
The Basque surfing community expands, and boards are shipped from California to equip each athlete. A board turnover was launched, with younger and novice surfers picking up lost or broken boards to take their turn in the discipline. It was at this turning point that the famous Tontons Surfeurs were born:
- André Plumcoq
- Robert Bergeruc
- Pierre Laharrague
- Joseph and Jo Moraïz
- Brunos Reinhardt
Rott and Barland, mechanical engineers, join forces to manufacture the first French plastic surfboards.
In fact, if you want to relive the emblematic history of surfing on the Basque Coast, we recommend the film BIARRITZ SURF GANG by Nathan Curren and Pierre Denoyel, which tells the story of the Tontons Surfeurs.
The Basque Coast, the ideal place for surfing
The Basque Coast is the Eldorado of French surfing for a number of reasons. Indeed, the Atlantic Ocean that borders the Basque Coast boasts powerful, consistent waves, an essential element for the most seasoned surfers.
First of all, the topography of the Basque coastline, with its bays, beaches and peaks, offers a variety of spots suited to different levels of surfing. Beginner surfers make progress on calm, less exposed, progressive spots, while experienced surfers tackle the more powerful, technical waves.
Finally, since the late 1950s, the region's surfing culture has been proudly displaying the colors of the discipline. In fact, surf schools, specialized stores and regional and international competitions organized all year round have sprung up! This wave creates a friendly, lively atmosphere for surfers of all levels and non-surfers alike, who flock to the beaches to admire and contemplate these top athletes!
That's why the Basque Coast is the ideal place to surf, with its powerful, consistent waves, varied topography and vibrant surf culture.
The best surf spots on the Basque Coast :
1. La Grande Plage, Biarritz.
Biarritz's Grande Plage is one of the most emblematic spots on the Basque coast. Its impressive waves and well-established reputation attract surfers from all over the world. The beach offers a wide expanse of golden sand, with a panoramic view of the Atlantic Ocean protected by the Basque relief in the background. A feast for the eyes! Numerous surf shops and surf schools along the beach offer beginners and experienced surfers alike the chance to hire equipment or take lessons to improve their technique.
Due to its popularity, La Grande Plage is very busy, especially in summer. However, the peak 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 Grande Plage spot in Biarritz is suitable for different levels depending on the conditions!
Normally, this spot is aimed at intermediate to advanced surfers due to its powerful, fast waves. Waves easily reach 2m in height, making it difficult for beginners. Strong, violent currents make surfing even more difficult.
Beginner surfers will find gentler conditions on the sides of the beach, as well as a growing number of surf schools also located on the beach, offering courses for all levels.
In short, Biarritz's Grande Plage is a surfing spot dedicated to intermediate to advanced surfers, but is also suitable for beginners who, depending on conditions, can ride the waves of the Grande Plage and take lessons fromprofessional surf schools.
The best time to surf the Grande Plage spot in Biarritz depends on weather and swell conditions. In general, the summer months, from June to September, offer milder, more stable conditions - ideal for beginners!
However, more seasoned surfers take advantage of the winter months, from November to March, when conditions are more powerful and swells more consistent. In fact, it's 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 swells and winds. These periods offer quality surf sessions for the most experienced surfers.
In short, La Grande Plage de Biarritz is the place to be for experienced surfers in search of powerful waves, but also for beginners who want to learn to surf in a friendly, Made In Pays Basque atmosphere!
2. Les Cavaliers, Anglet.
Anglet's Cavaliers beach is bursting with regular, consistent waves and a depth of sand that allows surfers to work on their techniques in a fairly stable environment. Beware, however, that this surf spot is best suited to experienced surfers, as the waves can prove difficult to tame for beginners.
The Eldorado of Anglet, this surf spot is very popular, and can therefore be quite overrun by the tourist crowds in summer, and at weekends, especially when conditions are favorable! It's therefore vital to respect the rules of priority on the waves to avoid collisions and accidents, as well as other surfers!
The Cavaliers spot in Anglet is dedicated to intermediate to advanced surfers due to the power and speed of the waves, strong currents and dangerous rocks that can challenge even the most inexperienced surfers. We therefore recommend that you have a very good level of experience and technique before tackling the waves at Les Cavaliers.
However, waves can vary according to weather and tide conditions. It is therefore imperative toobserve the conditions in advance and take the necessary precautions before getting into the water. As for beginners, they can find more suitable waves at other nearby spots such as Plage de la Barre or Plage de la Madrague in Biarritz, before heading for the Cavaliers spot.
The best time of year to surf the legendary Cavaliers spot is during the autumn-to-winter swell season, from around September to March. At this time of year, the swells are steadier and stronger, offering perfect conditions for experienced surfers!
Please note! It's important to keep an eye on the weather forecasts and various surf bulletins to choose the best sessions, as conditions can change rapidly. Tides and winds affect wave quality, so it's advisable to take all factors into account for a safe and successful session!
In summer, Cavaliers beach offers excellent surfing conditions, but is usually crowded with more variable and less predictable wave conditions. Beginners can find more suitable waves nearby, such as Plage de la Barre or Plage de la Madrague in Biarritz, before heading for the Cavaliers spot!
3. Lafitenia, Saint Jean de Luz.
The famous Basque surf spot Lafitenia is located in Saint-Jean-de-Luz, a coastal town in the French Basque Country. The spot's reputation for quality waves and natural beauty is firmly rooted in the Basque spirit!
With its fine sandy beach and cliffs on either side protecting the spot from the wind, Lafitenia 's waves are regular and consistent. In fact, they're said to be the gentlest waves in the region! Despite this, the waves can reach heights of 1 to 3 meters, offering perfect sessions for intermediate and advanced surfers.
Famous for its left and right waves, which offer a variety of sections for surfers, they can also offer tube sections added to long manoeuvring sections. Here again, conditions are no exception to the rule and can vary according to tide and weather conditions. This Luzian spot generally works well all year round!
The Lafitenia surf spot in Saint-Jean-de-Luz is considered a dedicated spot for intermediate to advanced surfers due to its wave size and strong currents. Waves range from 1 to 3 meters in height, with surf conditions varying according to tide and weather conditions.
Lafitenia offers gentler, more consistent waves than other spots on the coast, making it a popular choice for intermediate surfers who want to improve their technique and quickly progress along the path of the more seasoned surfers! That's why we don't recommend beginners to start surfing this Luzian spot, as they may find the waves too big and difficult to handle.
Here, too, it's important to respect the rules of priority and safety by assessing the conditions before jumping in! Strong currents and rocks can make surfing dangerous for novices. We advise you to take surfing lessons, or surf with more experienced friends to improve your safety and technique for a smooth session!
TheHawaiiSurf team advises you to surf this mythical spot during the autumn and winter swell season, from around September to March. It's at this time of year that the waves are most consistent and strong, offering optimal conditions for the most experienced surfers.
The Lafitenia spot also works with smaller swells, making the waves unpredictable! In summer, westerly winds make the waves more difficult to surf.
We recommend that you familiarize yourself with this spot before taking to the water, in order toassess the various potential hazards such as strong currents, rocks, tides, winds and swells! To do this, it's essential to keep an eye on the weather forecasts and bulletins, so that you can get out on the water in complete safety.
4. The Basque Coast, Biarritz.
The Côte Des Basques spot has a seabed mainly made up of sand and rocks, with wave peaks forming all along the beach. The waves offer a long straight line often considered one of the most beautiful in Europe, no less!
This spot is friendly and welcoming, with a relaxed, good-natured and friendly atmosphere. The locals are often friendly, welcoming and kind to the many visitors and beginners.
A victim of its pleasant surroundings, the Côte des Basques spot is very busy, especially during peak summer periods. Be patient when looking for a parking space!
The Côte des Basques is considered to be the most accessible spot on the coast for all levels of surfers! Beginners and experienced surfers alike will find something to suit them! The level of difficulty varies according to surf conditions and the number of surfers on the spot.
The waves are gentle and easy to tame, offering a long, straight line ideal for beginner surfers. However, when conditions are stronger, the waves can become powerful and more difficult to ride, challenging experienced surfers.
The Côte des Basques is generally very busy, especially during peak summer periods. The crowds also make conditions more challenging, with many surfers in the water and fierce competition for waves.
The Côte des Basques can be surfed all year round! However, certain periods, such as autumn, winter and spring, are more favorable. In summer, conditions are more difficult due to the crowds and the weather.
Inautumn ( September to November), temperatures are still warm and waves still consistent, making it an ideal period for experienced surfers. In winter(December to February), temperatures plummet and waves get bigger and more powerful, offering the most experienced surfers perfect sessions! Spring(March to May) offers interesting surfing conditions, with pleasant temperatures and still-consistent waves.
It's always important to monitor weather and tide conditions to determine the best times to surf this iconic spot all year round. In general, this spot works perfectly at low tide, varying according to conditions.
5. La Grande Plage, Hendaye.
Located on the border between France and Spain, the Grande Plage surf spot offers quality waves accessible to all. The wide beach and protected bay make it an ideal spot for beginners and intermediate surfers. The waves are gentle and easy to handle, with long, smooth sections that are great for longboarding! Beware, however, that these waves can become powerful and hollow in big swells, making them more suitable for experienced surfers.
The best part of the Grande Plage spot is on the right-hand side of the bay, near the Bidossoa estuary. In fact, this is where the best waves are formed, offering quality lefts and rights.
This spot is generally less crowded than its neighboring spots in Biarritz or Saint-Jean-de-Luz. However, this spot is sensitive to tides and currents, so it's important to keep an eye on the forecasts and follow the safety instructions.
In conclusion, Grande Plage is a versatile spot, offering waves accessible to all levels! The beach is wide and the bay protected, making it ideal for beginners and intermediate surfers.
As mentioned above, the Grande Plage spot varies according to conditions. This spot is ideally suited to beginners and intermediates, as the waves are gentler and easier to handle. However, the spot can go wild, offering more suitable and interesting conditions for experienced surfers.
The long, smooth sections make it an ideal spot for longboarding and malibu. Conversely, more experienced surfers can find quality waves by staying on the right-hand side of the bay, near the Bidassoa estuary, where the waves can be deeper and more powerful.
The best time to surf the Grande Plage spot is generally between spring and autumn, when weather and wave conditions are more favorable.
In summer, the swell is often smaller, which naturally makes for gentler surfing conditions, ideal for beginners and intermediate surfers. Even so, the beach can still be crowded, especially during school vacations.
In autumn, conditions are constant, with larger, more regular swells offering powerful waves for experienced surfers. Wind conditions are also more favorable at this time of year.
In winter, conditions are more difficult due to cooler temperatures, bigger swells and stronger winds. But this doesn't stop more experienced surfers from finding quality waves during this period.
To sum up, the best time for surfing is generally between spring and autumn, with milder conditions in summer and bigger, more consistent swells in autumn.
6. Parlementia, Guéthary.
A reef break spot renowned for its fast, powerful, hollow waves, Guethary's Parlementia spot is located in a rocky cove between the towns of Bidart and Guethary.
Waves at Parlementia can reach up to 3 meters high in heavy swells. The wave breaks on a bed of rock and pebbles, creating a hollow, fast section offering the most experienced surfers great opportunities for tubes and technical maneuvers.
This emblematic spot on the Basque Coast works best at low and mid-tide, when the waves are more consistent. Surfers need to be careful when getting in and out of the water, due to the rocks and pebbles on the beach and the strong currents that can form along the coast.
Please note that this spot is reserved for the most demanding and experienced surfers due to the demanding surf conditions. It's important to know the rules of priority and safety, as well as keep an eye on the weather and tide forecasts before embarking on a Parlementia session.
The Parlementia surf spot is considered an advanced to expert surf spot due to its powerful, fast waves. Waves can reach heights of 3 to 5 meters and break on rocky bottoms, making it particularly dangerous for inexperienced surfers. Only experienced, well-prepared surfers take to 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 more favorable.
In summer, the smaller and more widely spaced swells make the practice less interesting and consistent. However, it's important to note that conditions can often be unpredictable and it's always important to check the local weather forecast before taking to the water.
Our tips for surfing the Basque Coast :
Safety first!
Surfing the Basque Coast is no mean feat, which is why it's vital never to forget the safety rules, not only for yourself but also for other surfers in the water. Here are a few safety tips to help you surf the Basque Coast in complete safety and peace of mind:
- Know your level: It's vital to know your limits so that you don't venture into demanding surfing conditions that exceed your skills. So stick to areas suited to your level, and don't put yourself at risk unnecessarily.
- Be aware of weather conditions: Before going surfing, it's important to assess local weather data for wind, tide and swell conditions. Conditions can change rapidly, so stay tuned for possible updates.
- Watch out for other surfers: Be aware of other surfers and avoid collisions by observing priority rules. When surfing with others, it's important to communicate clearly to avoid collisions and dangerous situations.
- Wear safety gear: Always wear a proper wetsuit, booties and a leash so you don't lose your board! If the waves are big, don't hesitate to wear a life jacket.
- Respect the safety rules: Surf in designated areas, respecting the rules that have been put in place. Avoid surfing alone, especially if you're a beginner or inexperienced.
- Respect the environment: Respect the natural environment by not leaving garbage on the beach and by avoiding surfing in protected areas or areas reserved for bathers.
By following these safety tips, you'll be able to enjoy surfing on the Basque Coast without taking any risks!
Where can I rent surf equipment?
HawaiiSurf isn't just a website, it's also a leader in the resale of multi-sports equipment in the field, thanks to its many stores throughout France!
The Saint-Jean-de-Luz store also offers a board rental service to help you enjoy your first surfing experience on the Basque Coast!
Here you'll find a selection of ultra-sharp boards from the best brands on the market . We hope you find this article useful, and that the best spots in the Basque Country will no longer hold any secrets for you!
Here you will find essential tools such as :
- WINDGURU: Wind, waves and weather forecast
- TIDE CALENDAR
Discover our selection of surf products at the best prices, only on HawaiiSurf!
See you next Friday on the blog for a new article!
Justine, HawaiiSurf.
