Where can you learn to surf in Anglet?

Surfing is much more than just a sport for the people of Anglet, a charming coastal town in south-west France. It’s a passion deeply rooted in their culture and a way of life that defines their identity. Here we explore the many fascinating aspects of Anglet’s relationship with surfing, demonstrating how surfing is much more than just a recreational activity.

Anglet has 11 surf spots on a 4.5 kilometre beach.

Anglet is synonymous with surfing. In less than five kilometres, you’ll find some of the best surf spots in France and a large number of surf schools in Anglet. Not forgetting the dream homes, restaurants and shops that line the ocean, along the Boulevard des Beaches or at the bend of a beach like La Madrague.

Chambre d’Amour and La Barre are only 4.5 kilometres apart. Welcome to Anglet, a surfing paradise where you hardly need a car to ride all the waves. A bike is all you need, and there are plenty of options.

Officially, you’ll find 11 surf spots in Anglet. They all have specific names and features to suit all tastes and experience levels: long lefts, classic beach breaks, tube spots, foam rides and the beginners’ jetty.

Anglet has a long tradition of shortboarding and longboarding. Some of Europe’s best surfers learned to surf and developed their skills in these waves.

Most of the beaches lead to parks, so you can surf with your friends and picnic with the family in the adjacent green spaces. Anglet marks the end of the sandy beaches of the Landes and the beginning of the rocky coast of the Pyrénées Atlantiques.

With the help of the Anglet Tourist Office, the Anglet spots are as follows:

Chambre D’Amour

It is located just off Cap Saint-Martin, under the famous Biarritz lighthouse. The area is protected by the massive cliffs from the southerly winds, making it a particularly attractive alternative to Anglet’s northern beaches in these conditions.

VVF Beach

The VVF spot, named after the eponymous holiday village which is now a Belambra hotel, is an excellent place for beginners. The waves here are generally gentler and easier to handle, which is ideal for learning the basics of surfing in complete safety. The seabed is mainly sand, providing a great environment for surfing. It’s an ideal spot for novice surfers who want to try out the joys of surfing.

First Love from DEFLOW on Vimeo.

The Club

The Club beach in Anglet is an excellent surf spot suitable for different levels of ability. The waves here are generally versatile and offer a variety of surfing conditions. Beginners can enjoy gentler waves on the south side, while more experienced surfers can find deeper, faster sections near the Club rock.

The seabed is mainly sand, making it a safe environment for beginners. The Club beach is also known for its friendly atmosphere and easy access from the nearby car park and amenities.

In general, the Club beach is ideal for surfers looking to improve their skills, have fun in the waves and enjoy a pleasant atmosphere. It’s a place where you can progress at your own pace and share good times with other surfers.

The Anglet Surf Club, the largest surf club in France, has its headquarters on this beach. It operates in all tides.

Sables D’Or

The Sables d’Or is a versatile spot, suitable for all levels of surfer. The waves can vary in size and power depending on the conditions. It’s an ideal place to progress and hone your surfing skills. The seabed is mainly sand, making the waves safer for beginners. It’s a spot where you can enjoy pleasant sessions while working on your technique.

Anglet . 4 6 15 “The Force of June” from Pako PiX on Vimeo.

Marinella

Marinella beach in Anglet is an ideal surf spot for beginners and intermediate surfers. The waves here are generally gentler and more accessible, providing a safe and favourable environment for learning to surf.

The seabed is mainly sand, which makes the waves more predictable and easier to handle. This makes it a perfect place to practise the basics of surfing, work on your paddling and get to grips with gliding over the waves.

The beach at Marinella is also well exposed to the Atlantic swells, guaranteeing consistent waves. This means that beginners can practise regularly and make rapid progress in their surfing skills.

As well as being an excellent surfing spot, Marinella beach offers a magnificent setting with picturesque cliffs and landscapes. It’s a great place to spend time on the beach, watching other surfers and enjoying the relaxed atmosphere of the Basque coast.

Whether you’re a beginner or looking to improve your technique, Marinella beach is a great place to enjoy surfing in a safe and welcoming environment.

Corsaires

Corsaires, like its neighbour Marinella, is protected by long rocky groynes. These ocean obstacles work randomly to create multiple sandbanks and good waves. It’s an ideal place for beginners to learn the basics of surfing. The mainly sandy seabed provides a safe environment in which to practise and progress in surfing.

The Corsaires beach also has a friendly atmosphere with cafés and restaurants nearby, making it a pleasant place to relax after a surf session.

Madrague and Petite Madrague

The Petite Madrague has several good sandbanks. It’s a chic, trendy beach that also attracts a wide range of surfers. The sandy seabed offers safer surfing conditions. It’s a great place to practise and gain confidence in the waves.

Ocean and Dunes

The Ocean and the Dunes share the same beach break. It’s not uncommon to park a car in one of the beach car parks and ride the waves on the other beach. Its tubular waves are just as attractive as those at its popular neighbour, Les Cavaliers.

The waves at Ocean Beach can vary in size and power depending on the conditions. It’s a place where you can find a wide variety of waves, making it an interesting spot for surfers of all levels.

The seabed is mainly sand, which makes the waves safer and allows beginners to gradually get to grips with the joys of surfing. However, there are also deeper sections for more experienced surfers looking for challenges and radical manoeuvres.

The ocean beach benefits from good exposure to westerly swells, making it a reliable spot for finding good waves. Whether you’re looking for more leisurely sessions or more dynamic waves, Ocean Beach has something for everyone.

The Cavaliers

The Cavaliers is Anglet’s best-known surf spot. Its world-class barrels attract surfers from all over the world. A regular wave for intermediate and advanced surfers. The waves can be hollow and offer sections conducive to radical manoeuvres. This spot requires good surfing skills and knowledge of wave reading.

If you’re a beginner, join our surf school, which will accompany you to the most suitable spot, to the south or right there in light swells, or at the helm in heavy swells.

La Barre

A landmark in the history of surfing in France. Today, after the construction of the dykes, the wave isn’t as perfect as it used to be, but it’s still worth a visit, especially when strong swells hit Anglet. It’s a popular spot for experienced surfers looking for a challenge and a thrill. The waves here can be demanding and require solid surfing skills. La Barre offers opportunities for impressive tubes and great sections for manoeuvres. It is advisable to be familiar with the currents and safety rules before embarking on a ride at La Barre.