Learn to surf in Biarritz, Hendaye or Hossegor?

Nicolas Mercadieu takes us through the different topographies of the best-known beaches on the Atlantic coast. As a general rule, he recommends learning to surf in Biarritz in summer, as it catches the smaller swells better, unlike Hendaye, which is a protected spot and therefore accessible in medium and large swells. An ideal spot for beginners out of season.

As for Hossegor, and the Landes in general, it’s more for those who are no longer beginners: the waves are more powerful than on the previous spots and more subject to the baïnes and strong currents.

Learn to surf on the Basque coast: Hendaye or Biarritz?

Thanks to its well-defined coastline, with long sandy beaches and rocky points plunging into the immensity of the Atlantic, the 30km coastline of the Basque Coast offers a wide variety of waves. With a range of surfing spots, the Basque Coast is now renowned the world over. There are waves to suit all styles (bodyboard, shotboard, longboard) and all levels. Depending on the size of the waves, in summer or winter, you’ll always find a spot to surf in Biarritz or Hendaye.

Why these 2 spots? Quite simply because they offer a sandbank that is so wide that it is referred to as a ‘plateau’, which at low tide offers ideal conditions for beginners to learn 1. how to stand up on the board. As the tide rises, the waves form better and break more gently, which is ideal for 2. learning how to stand up in the wave and start going sideways!

Surfing season on the Basque Coast – south Landes

The surfing season starts in autumn and lasts throughout the winter, so it’s a good time to look for the best spots to ride the waves. Although the swell is good all year round, May, June, September and October are the best months, although winter is the most popular for big wave surfers.

September and October generally offer the best swell and wind conditions in south-west France, with warm seas and fewer visitors.

The best time to surf in Biarritz

Biarritz’s large swell window makes it ideal for surfing all year round. However, summer and winter are very different in this part of the Atlantic.

Winter is known for its big, long waves that keep the region’s many world-class breaks buzzing, while summer is much quieter. Be sure to visit Biarritz during the season that is best suited to your level of surfing, taking care to learn a few techniques beforehand.

Summer in Biarritz is a time that every surfer should not miss, at least once in their life. The swell may not be as powerful as at other times of the year, but the atmosphere is insane and the surf is sublime.

A sunrise on a sand dune at the foot of the forest with a view over a pristine surf spot with a series of perfect tubes or a sunset on the Basque coast over radical longboarders in 50cm waves accompanied by a cocktail… these are some of the highlights you can experience in just 12 hours!

September and October, on the other hand, are the magic season for surfing in Biarritz. The waves start to strengthen, while the weather and water are still bathed in summer heat. We call this period the Indian summer!

Best season for surfing in Hendaye

Hendaye is the ideal destination for surfing all year round. Conditions are generally better in spring and autumn, as they are at other spots in the region. The waves are more regular and the crowds less intense. Summer offers warmer water and gentler waves for less experienced surfers.

The beach at Hendaye or Biarritz?

The Basque coast has many points of convergence with the Spanish coast. It is bordered by several reefs, but also by sandbanks and shallow bottoms that allow the waves to be directed to form large, fearsome breakers, usually just a few metres from the beach. The coastline offers extremely varied conditions, sometimes sheltered and protected, sometimes exposed and windy.

The special characteristics of the waves at Biarritz and Hendaye

The Biarritz wave is a legendary surf spot. This spot, located in the centre of the town, is operational when the tide is low until around mid-tide, and vice versa, depending very much on its amplitude and the coefficients. Generally, with an average coefficient of 70, at mid-tide the wave breaks on the jetty and the site becomes impossible to access.

However, if the tide is high, you can walk from Villa Beltza to Guéthary, but be careful not to get caught by the rising tide at the foot of a cliff!

As with all the sandy waves in the Basque Country, surfing for beginners is only possible at low tide. The spot is popular with locals and experienced shortboarders, but mainly longboarders. It’s a very easy spot to get to, but it’s also very crowded.

The Hendaye surf spot is divided into two parts. On one side is Hendaye’s main beach, with the sea wall to the south and the old casino in the middle. The latter is a beach over three kilometres long with peaks scattered all over. It’s usually surfed from mid-tide to low tide. The other surfing zone is the wild coast to the north, which covers the 2 Twins spot, a reef break accessible to intermediate surfers. There’s also the local surf club.

Surf spot for all levels

From Biarritz to Hendaye, there are a number of incredible spots that can offer good conditions for beginners and experts alike.

In Biarritz, at low tide, the spot is suitable for beginners. It becomes more technical at high tide and is recommended for more experienced surfers. The access road to the spot is as charming as it is surprising.

The long beach at Hendaye (3.5km) is a real paradise for beginners. It has some of the smallest waves on the Atlantic coast. The layout of the bay and its flat bottom mean that the swell is moderate and surfing is possible almost all year round. Although there are very few waves in summer, the spot is certainly the most popular with surfers. Made up of sand to the south and rocks to the north, these produce varied waves suitable for all levels of surfer.

Nevertheless, these beaches both offer perfect places to start surfing!

Surf schools all along the coast

For beginners, it is advisable to seek professional assistance. There are training centres all along the coast. This allows you to benefit from the expert advice of a professional on improvements to be made and gaps to be filled. They can also help you choose your equipment.