Where to learn to surf in Biarritz ? Best Spots and Conditions Explained

Biarritz is a lively place, with a vibrant nightlife, trendy atmosphere, natural beauty and waves for beginners and pros alike. Biarritz is considered to be the cradle of European surfing culture. This magnificent city has been attracting European and international surfers since the 1950s, but where and how can you learn to surf as a beginner?

A surf trip to Biarritz, however, isn’t just about the waves.

It’s not a tropical island with coral reefs, coconut palms and empty waves, but rather a vibrant town in the Basque country, with a great party scene and a rich gastronomy. To say that Biarritz is spoilt for choice when it comes to waves is an understatement; the city is a surfer’s dream. There are a few beach breaks around the city that cater for surfers of all levels, but most days of the year, novice and intermediate surfers are the most numerous. Experienced surfers can tackle the tubes to the north and the point breaks and reefs to the south, just a few kilometres from the town. Come to Biarritz for the waves, but stay for everything else – you won’t be the first or last surfer to make that choice!

The best places to learn to surf: the Grande Plage or the Côte des Basques?

What’s more, the sandbank to the north of the beach is so wide that it forms a permanent plateau, offering the best waves for beginners in the whole of Biarritz.

It’s a popular surf spot, known for its long, slow waves, ideal for longboards.

Le Grande Plage

This beach has everything you need for a perfect day on the sand; beach clubs for youngsters, cafés and restaurants all around and three underground car parks if you’re driving. However, it is best reserved for intermediate surfers due to the lack of a nice plateau (wide sandbank) and the presence of numerous rocks both to the south and to the north, opposite the Palace Hotel.

Surfing is not permitted here, although bodyboarding is. The currents can be dangerous, taking the unwary out to sea when the sea is rough and the tide is high. There are also rocks on this beach.

The setting and waves make it perfect for surfing or relaxing. A large car park makes access easy. The rocks to the south are a playground for crabbing, while the whole northern section is ideal for learning to surf.

La Milady Beach

ilbarritz beach

How to assess your surfing ability

1. Take a lather lying on a board.
2. Stand upright, balancing on the board.
3. Take a direction in the foam.

Surfboard size :

Length: often measured in foot-inches, the length is determined by following the batten from one end to the other. The longer the board, the more stable it is, the smaller it is, but the slower it goes. Conversely, the shorter the board, the faster it goes through the water, but the less it floats.

How much surfing (in litres)?

Examples of litres for different types of surfboards (may vary) :

• Shortboards : 22L â 35L.
• Fish : 25L – 45L.
• Funboards : 40-60L.

How can we understand the ocean?

Joël Badina, an unrivalled bodysurfer and lifeguard, gives us the keys to a better understanding of the ocean! Having practised his profession with passion, carried out a number of rescues that have been relayed all over France, and having caught some monstrous waves, Joël Badina has all the knowledge we need to understand the ocean. With his simple, methodical approach, this bodysurfer reassures us and makes us want to push ourselves! Without going into waves that aren’t up to our level! #staysafe

What’s the weather like in the Basque Country in September?

The climate in Bayonne in September is good The climate in Bayonne in September is warm. The seasonal high is 23°. The seasonal low is 17°. The average temperature in Bayonne in September is therefore 20°C. The average amount of sunshine is just over 12 hours a day.

Where does it rain the least in the Basque Country?

Rainfall is widespread in the northern part of the Basque Country, where it generally exceeds 1,000 millimetres a year; in the central part, on the other hand, rainfall is less than 800 mm, and in the extreme south, where the terrain becomes much more arid, even 500 mm.

When is the best time to surf the Côte des Basques?

Water temperatures range from 12°C in winter to 21°C in summer. The best opportunities for catching waves come in spring and autumn.

When to surf with the tides?

You can surf when the wind is very light. The tide corresponds to the movement of bodies of water linked to the attraction of the moon and the sun. Rising tide: Conditions are at their best between 2 and 4 hours after the start of the rising tide.

Where is the Belharra wave?

The giant wave of Belharra appears 3 km from the Basque coast at Urrugne. From the top of its cliffs, this natural area offers a completely unobstructed view of the sea.

What is the most dangerous wave in the world? The waves on the rocky ‘beach’ at Half Moon Bay, California, nicknamed the Mavericks, can reach a minimum height of 7 metres and a maximum height of 15 metres! That makes them the biggest and most dangerous waves in the world.

When can you see the Belharra wave?

During the autumn and winter storms off the Basque coast, the giant Belharra wave sometimes forms.

When to surf, high or low tide?

The higher the coefficient, the greater the amplitude of the tides. An average coefficient is between 50 and 70. This has no direct influence on the quality of the waves, but it does have an indirect influence on the sandbanks. Depending on the tide, the waves will be soft or powerful.

On the beach breaks of the Basque coast, it’s best to surf at low tide, as there will be less water, you’ll have a foothold and the waves will be a little softer. This will improve your control skills.

Where can you surf at high tide in Biarritz?

At high tide, you can look south from the cliffs of the Basque coast and watch the waves break on Ilbarritz beach, straddling Bidart and Biarritz. Named after the castle overlooking the sea, Ilbaritz beach offers surfers and advanced surfers a great wave at high tide.

Where can you surf at high tide in the Basque Country?

The reefbreak beach at Cenitz can only be surfed at high tide, which makes it special and attracts many surfers. We advise you to go there only at high tide and when the swell does not exceed 1.2 metres.

Beyond this size, Parlementia beach reveals its potential. It is also located in Guéthary, a 20-minute drive from Biarritz.

When can I surf in Hendaye?

The best time to surf in Hendaye is from September to April, at high tide. During this period, the water temperature is around 20°C, rising to 25°C in summer.

When is the best time to surf in Corsica? All amenities with surf schools and shops, as well as large campsites behind the beaches. Algajola in Corsica is a reasonably priced beach break with unreliable waves. Autumn and winter are the best times of year for waves.

Where to surf in Hendaye?

Surfing in Hendaye

• Hendaye’s long beach (3.5 km) is a garden for beginner surfers. This is the place where the waves are the smallest on the entire Atlantic coast. …
• The two twins. …
• Bidassoa.

Where to surf on the Basque coast?

Top 10 surf spots on the Basque coast

• Les Cavaliers, Anglet. …
• Côte des Basques, Biarritz. …
• 100 Marches Plage, Bidart. …
• Punta Galea, Vizcaya. …
• Parlementia, Guethary. …
• La grande plage, Hendaye. …
• Lafitenia, Saint-Jean-de-Luz. …
• La Zurriola, San Sebastian.

Where to surf and start in France?

For beginners, the spots at La Côte des Basques and Hendaye are also interesting. Depending on the location of the sandbanks, you’ll always find a place to surf; just watch out for the naughty ones, forming parallel to the beach.

Where do beginners surf in the Basque Country?

In Biarritz, the Côte des Basques beach is a must. At low tide, this is an easy beach break. The sandy bottom allows beginners to try their hand at surfing, while limiting the risks. At high tide, the sea reaches more protruding rocks and getting out of the water becomes difficult. Waves crash down the stairs and some people use the metal ladders near the Beltza villa.

Why surf in the morning?

In the morning, the wind is light, coming from the country, which is good for the waves. And there’s no one around, which is nice. Surfers need smooth, hollow waves. That means on the Atlantic, with anticyclonic conditions, with an easterly wind covering the sea and painting the waves well.

How can you tell if the sea is rough?

Where is Biarritz located geographically?

Biarritz is undoubtedly located in one of the most beautiful regions of Europe and the world. It is the best-known coastal resort in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques region of France, home to the French Basque Country. Travelling south, the Spanish border and San Sebastian are just 22 miles away. You can reach Hossegor by travelling 25 miles on the motorway, or drive south-east for about half an hour and you’ll be climbing the enormous Pyrenees. As for the sea, it lies at the bottom of the Bay of Biscay, which catches every last gust of the Atlantic Ocean’s beautiful westerly and northerly swells.

How do I get to Biarritz?

It’s relatively easy to get to Biarritz if you’re already in Europe. It has a tiny airport with year-round domestic flights to France and other European countries, as well as a few UK flights in the spring and summer. If you prefer to travel by land, the super-fast TGV will take you to Biarritz station, which has excellent connections with Paris, Leon and other European cities. Bordeaux, a two-hour drive north of the city, is your best bet if you’re flying in from further afield. If you’re staying in a surf camp or surf house, your airport transfers will almost certainly be taken care of, and transport to the waves will almost certainly be included in your package. If you’re not staying at a surf camp and have decided to go it alone, don’t overlook the advantages of hiring a car. Grabbing your wheels and driving straight to your accommodation from the airport is a lovely, stress-free way to get there. Plus, as we’ve already mentioned, this part of France is pretty big. Not to mention the fact that being able to drive 20 minutes north or south in the blink of an eye will greatly increase your wave rating potential. If you don’t drive or haven’t budgeted for a hire car, taking the train from Bordeaux is the next best option. It’s easy to get around Biarritz as it’s not very big; just make sure you don’t stay in Biarritz Est. Biarritz is also linked to other towns in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques by bus, which will take you to idyllic spots like Guéthary, Saint-Jean-de-Luz and Hendaye. But if you want to bring your board on the bus, expect some strange looks from people and the bus driver, because, after all, this is France.

When is the best time to surf in Biarritz?

Biarritz is lucky enough to be able to surf all year round thanks to its large swell window. However, summer and winter are very different in this part of the Atlantic. The region’s many world-class breaks are lit by huge, long-period bottom swells in winter, while the setting is gentler in summer. Make sure you get to Biarritz at the optimum season for your surfing ability by practising a few tricks beforehand.

Summer (June – August): a holiday period.

Summer in Biarritz is an experience every surfer should have at least once in their life. Even if the swell isn’t as strong as at other times of the year, you’re still in south-west France; Parisians, Europeans and international travellers all descend on the town. And, believe us when we say, from personal experience, the nightlife is really great. In Biarritz in the summer, there’s a mutual understanding that whoever is there is one of life’s lucky ones. Quirky bars, noisy nightclubs, meeting people in the street with whom you can barely communicate but who are best friends for life. It goes without saying that whoever is there is one of the luckiest. Even on the calmest days, the surf in Biarritz is rarely flat (although it does happen). For most of the summer you can expect waves of between 2 and 4 feet. With the occasional summer wave, waves can reach 4 to 6 feet. Especially as August approaches, when the first swells of autumn make their entrance into the Bay of Biscay and are much appreciated. In July and August, the water temperature reaches 72.14°F, which is ideal for most surfers. In summer, the air temperature is a pleasant 77°F most days, with an occasional heatwave easily pushing the temperature to 80°F. Surfing at the Grande Plage at 10pm with the excitement of the city lights coming on behind you – sure, summer in Biarritz is just fantastic, even when the swell isn’t at its peak.

Autumn (September-October): one of the most beautiful times of the year.

September and October are ideal months for surfing in Biarritz. While the weather and water are still basking in the summer heat, the swell is starting to build. During these months, the breezes are also more favourable, and light offshores are common for several days. At open spots, the swell can range from 3 to 8 feet, while sheltered breaks can provide some protection if required. The beauty of Biarritz in autumn is that it can and will offer hard surf for intermediate and experienced surfers as well as softer surf for novices. Another advantage of Biarritz in autumn is the absence of the crowds of holidaying Parisians. The result is a calmer atmosphere in town, on the beaches and in the waves. Let the Indian summer ease you into autumn, and you’ll understand why September and October are the favourite months of the year for local surfers.

Winter (November to February)

Big swells come to Biarritz in the winter months, and you’ll want to make sure your fitness and experience match up. In November, Biarritz surfers can expect to see waves over 2.5 metres almost every week, with the occasional winter wave of 3.5 metres or more. Seriously, this part of the coastline will receive every last bit of the huge N-NW breaking storms that descend from the North Atlantic from November to February, and even in March. Biarritz, on the other hand, is ideal for intermediate surfers, unlike Hossegor, which has nowhere to hide from the maximum swell. Biarritz is a great place to visit in winter as the rocky headlands of La Côte des Basques and Le Miramar are strategically placed to offer relief from winter swells. If you want to test your talent in the major leagues, you’ll find plenty of opportunities just a short trip north or south. In winter, the crowds thin out even more, and only a few hardened travellers and local surfers hang on for a shot at glory.

Spring (March – May): the season of new beginnings.

Although spring is not the first month most surfers think of when planning a trip to Biarritz, March can pump just as hard as the others. Spring is like a happy medium between the severity of winter and the crowds of summer. The weather improves and if the water temperature is still 55°F at the beginning of March, it will be much warmer in April. In spring, it’s best to be prepared for anything. You could be greeted by a lasting 3-4 foot swell that’s in no hurry to leave. You could be faced with 6-8 foot lines coming in, or you could be looking for 2 foot waves. It’s this uncertainty that makes spring the best time to visit Biarritz, as you can be greeted by loads of swell and, if you’re lucky, you’ll only be able to enjoy it with the locals. By the end of May, the water temperature will have risen to around 70°F, and the summer surfers will be back for their fix.

What’s the best wetsuit for diving?

Summer

In Biarritz, you’ll see everything when it comes to wetsuits during the summer. Surfers will be wearing boardshorts, bikinis, shortys, steamers, waistcoats and all manner of other wetsuits for a variety of reasons. We understand that this can be perplexing, but the water and air temperatures are both warm enough to justify the difference. For early morning and late evening surfing, pack a 2/3mm wetsuit, and for lunchtime sessions, bring a waistcoat and a pair of boardshorts or a bikini. You’ll cover all the bases that way, and you won’t overheat or shiver in the water.

Autumn

Because November is when the water temperature in Biarritz starts to drop, you’ll need a different thickness of wetsuit depending on whether you come early or late in the season. For most of September, you can get away with a 2/3mm wetsuit, but once October arrives, most surfers will take their 4/3mm wetsuit to warm up. In November, most people will be wearing 3mm boots, and some will even break out their gloves. During this period, the water temperature will quickly drop below 60°F. Therefore, being prepared for cold water surfing is not only advisable, but necessary.

Winter

Unless you’re a seasoned cold-water surfer, the ocean in Biarritz can get pretty cold in winter. In January, the water temperature can drop as low as 54°F, so if you’re planning a winter trip to Biarritz, make sure your wetsuit is up to the task. It will be your Swiss army knife of winter swell hunting if you have a top quality 4/3mm wetsuit in good condition. Boots are necessary, gloves are encouraged, and a hood is always a good idea to keep in your rucksack if you get cold quickly. Those sensitive to the cold will layer up with a 5/3mm wetsuit, 5mm boots, 3-5mm gloves and a hood to keep warm.

Springtime

Because spring, like autumn, is a season of transition, it’s useful to be prepared for all weather scenarios. Along with the aforementioned boots, you’ll need your 4/3mm Swiss Army knife in early spring. Gloves are a good idea, but as the weather warms up, a hood would be overkill. The 4/3mm suit could be changed for 2/3mm rubber in mid-April, and the boots could be left at home. By the end of May, ocean and air temperatures have returned to near-summer levels, and you could start enjoying the benefits of surfing in summer clothing again from mid-morning onwards.

Where can you go surfing in Biarritz?

Il est maintenant temps de s’amuser !

Biarritz, as previously mentioned, is a surfing destination that has something to offer everyone, which is why it’s such a good idea in the first place. Everyone will feel at home in the waves of Biarritz, whether they go as a family, alone or with a group of dedicated surfers.

Anglet

Anglet, just north of Biarritz, is known for its waves. Anglet is known for having more challenging waves than Biarritz, and is better suited to experienced surfers. The mouth of the River Ardour is located at the northern end of Anglet and has two south break walls renowned for their fast, hollow waves.

Biarritz Surfing: The ultimate guide

This beach, known as Les Cavaliers, can hold large waves from 4 to 8 feet, including barrels for the brave and experienced. Another popular section between Les Cavaliers and Biarritz has numerous beach breaks and two smaller break walls. Because of their gentler wave faces, Marinella, Sables d’Or and Corsaires are popular with surf schools in summer. However, because of the break walls, these breaks will have a considerable build-up of sand by autumn and will give their fair share of great hits and spectacular tubes. Anglet, although not technically Biarritz, is just up the road and certainly worth a look if you want a bit more meat on your waves.

Miramar Beach

If you haven’t heard of Miramar, you’ve almost certainly seen it in a surf film. The large boulder/mini-island parked right next to the break is easy to spot. Miramar has featured in a number of modern and vintage surf films as it offers a beautiful setting for high performance surfing. It’s at the northern end of Grande Plage, and you can’t miss it because of the rock. The rock does a great job of collecting drifting sand, which has resulted in the formation of a respectable peak directly in front of it. Miramar is known for its fast, punchy rights and lefts, and it’s generally (but not always) a less chaotic environment than what happens at Grande Plage.

Biarritz – Plage Grande

In France, it all started at Grande Plage. Surfing became popular in France in the 1950s and 1960s, when holidaying Americans and Australians brought their boards and skills, and locals quickly took over. Grande Plage is a relaxed beach break (for the most part), with peaks left and right along the length of the beach. The waves get a little punchier as the tide rises, making them more suitable for experienced surfers. But, in general, beginners, longboarders and everyone in between surf the Grande Plage. Expect to be watched by everyone at Grande Plage; that’s just the way it is. The majority of surfers catch their waves elsewhere and come down to the beach in the evening to chat and have a drink while watching the sunset and the show unfold before them.

Côte des Basques

By far the best place for waves in Biarritz is La Côte des Basques. While the Grande Plage is considered a unique wave to ride, La Cote des Basques is anything but, and on the south side of Biarritz there is a long stretch of beach with many peaks. The neo-medieval manor house ‘Villa Belza’, built in the late 19th century and one of the most magnificent buildings you’ll see, is nestled in the rocky cliffs overlooking the Côte des Basques. A distinct peak with a rock/sand bottom lies just below Villa Belza and can hold a lot of people on big days. The beach stretches out from here, and you’ll see all sorts of surfers on all sorts of boats. In summer, this spot can get very crowded as it’s normally very easy to surf, with cruisy waves that cater a little too well for beginners. It’s best to arrive early, when everyone is still munching their baguettes, and then choose another spot to surf later in the day. Descending the cliffs from the car park can be exhausting, and climbing back up can be even more so. Fortunately, there’s a set of instructions that should make your quest a little easier.

Marbella

Marbella is a more exposed and rocky break near the southern end of the Basque Coast. Because of these two qualities, it is rarely ridden by novices and can be a secluded retreat for intermediate and advanced surfers. The problem is that it tends to close in when waves exceed 1.5 metres. As a result, while Marbella is always worth a look from the cliffs, it’s not a break to rely on when the swell starts to pulse. In terms of safety, an ebbing tide is preferable as it reduces the risk of being pushed against the rocks by the rising tide.

South of Biarritz

Marbella is a bit of an end of the road for Biarritz in terms of waves. However, the wave quality certainly doesn’t end at the town’s border, with a superb stretch of surf just a few kilometres to the south. Between Bidart and Saint-Jean-de-Luz, there’s a diverse range of world-class waves. Bidart has a succession of peaks to its name, with small rocky outcrops and bays helping to sculpt the waves. Half a mile south of Bidart, things start to get really intriguing in and around the town of Guethary. Known for carrying swells of up to 6m+, Parlementia is one of France’s premier big wave sites and makes for a wonderful display of bravery and technique on big days. It’s a rocky reef break that can create 300-yard waves on a good day. Parlementia turns into a fun and relaxing area for intermediate surfers who can challenge their skills on small and medium sized days. Just keep in mind that this place fills up fast and the locals don’t like to share their precious resource with us blow-ins (tourists). Senix is a powerful left-hand reef break located just around the corner from Parlementia. Senix can withstand up to 2.5 metres of swell and produce steep, undulating walls, with the occasional barrel for good measure. It’s a bit off the usual route, but a quick Google search will take you to the Senix car park, where you can hopefully hook up with some classic waves that any goofball can appreciate. The legendary right-hand pointbreak ‘Lafitenia’ can be found a little further south along the cliffs. Lafitenia is a popular wave that gets fuller every day it breaks. With a series of landings that get faster and deeper as the wave wraps into the bowl of the final section, it can be incredibly fun at 1-2ft and incredibly good at 6ft+.Lafitenia can break at any time of the tide, but is best when the tide is low. You’ll get waves here if you respect the locals. If you don’t, you’ll be shouted at in Basque and probably asked to leave. Saint-Jean-de-Luz is a beautiful Basque town with a perfect old town and a great reef break. It’s a cruisy wave that many surfers flock to when the exposed breakers are at their peak. It’s perfect for longboards, foils, learners and retro boards.

Where do you have to stay?

As Biarritz is an expensive city with high rents and limited space, there are not many surf camps in the city. Biarritz is known for its surf hostels, which offer dormitories and are affiliated with surf schools, although all-inclusive surf packages are hard to find in Biarritz. If you don’t mind living a little outside the city, there are a few surf camps offering competitive packages. On the other hand, if you don’t mind spending a small fortune and want your own space and privacy, there are some fantastic hotels in Biarritz that cater for surfers. We’ve put together a list of the best places to stay in and around Biarritz to suit all types of surfers and holidays. Biarritz Surf Hostel Biarritz Surf Camp Attitude Camp for surfers Residence Victoria Surf The Ultimate Biarritz Surf Guide The best surf schools in Biarritz While there may be a shortage of surf camps in Biarritz, there is certainly no shortage of surf schools. As part of the do-it-yourself surf excursion, surf schools are fantastic as they can offer a relaxed atmosphere in which to learn to surf. You can sign up for a single session to see if you like the atmosphere of the school before committing to a weekly programme. You can also book a package of 3 or 5 lessons during your stay in Biarritz and stagger them; after all, you’re on holiday. If you’re currently an intermediate surfer and want to improve your technique with a private session, it’s easy to arrange one. Surf lessons can also be a very social experience, and a great opportunity to meet new people who want to party and hang out after the lesson. Signing up for a lesson at one of Biarritz’s surf schools is never a bad idea, whatever your feelings about surfing.

Basque Wave

Axel Lerga Surf School is a private surf school run by Axel Lerga. Euskadi Surf School is a tropical surf school in Euskadi, Australia.

Activities at Hastea surf school

Surfing is great fun, but every now and then you need a day or even half a day away from the waves. Giving your body time to rest is crucial on a surf trip, as you’ll probably be surfing a lot more than in your everyday life. Luckily for you, there are plenty of things to see and do in Biarritz that aren’t related to the sea (as beautiful as it is). The streets of Biarritz are lined with chichis and designer boutiques, making it a great shopping destination. The coastal path is a great place for hiking. There’s a beautiful seaside path that runs south from the town if you want to walk out of town. If you’re brave enough, the path will take you all the way to Hendaye and the Spanish border, passing through the aforementioned towns of Bidart, Geuthary and Saint-Jean-de-Luz. It’s a mammoth 16 miles and around six hours, but there’s no better way to appreciate the grandeur of the Pyrenees Atlantic than on foot. Fortunately, buses run the entire length, so you can always hike until you’ve had enough, stop for a bite to eat and a drink, then catch the bus back to Biarritz.

La Rhune is a town in France

If you love mountain views and have access to a vehicle, you’d be a fool not to climb La Rhune. La Rhune is the highest point in the region, at 905 metres above sea level, and so offers a superb 360-degree view whose beauty cannot be overstated. The drive from Biarritz to the foot of the mountain takes just over 30 minutes, and the hike takes around four hours round trip, depending on your level of fitness and the route you choose.

Summary

For many surfers, Biarritz is a must-see destination as it encapsulates everything that is great about this part of the world. The town has an old-world feel, but with a modern sensibility, and it’s full of people who know they’ve made their fortune and don’t want to waste it. People who are passionate about their city and want to share their unique culture with anyone who is curious. Whatever you’re passionate about, whether it’s music, food, wine, beer, jewellery, clothes or art, Biarritz has it. So, if you’re looking for a surfing holiday that will leave an indelible mark on you both in and out of the water, Biarritz should be your next stop.