Surf Spots for Beginners in the Basque Country 🏄♂️
If you are a beginner, choose spots with:
✅ Soft and progressive waves
✅ A sandy bottom to avoid injuries
✅ A safe environment with surf schools
🌊 1.1. The Basque Coast (Biarritz)
📍 Location: Biarritz
💡 Why is it ideal for beginners?
• Soft, long waves, perfect for learning
• Sandy bottom (beach break), less risk of injury
• Numerous surf schools on site
• Works best at low tide
🌊 1.2. Hendaye – The Big Beach
📍 Location: Hendaye
💡 Why choose this spot?
• The most accessible beach for beginners in the Basque Country
• Wide and soft waves, ideal for learning take-off
• Very low current, optimum safety
• Works well all year round
🌊 1.3. Erromardie (Saint-Jean-de-Luz)
📍 Location: Saint-Jean-de-Luz
💡 The advantages of the spot
• Versatile spot, often accessible to beginners
• Protected from big swells thanks to the bay
• Works well at mid-tide
2. Surf Spots for Intermediate Level in the Basque Country 🏄
If you are starting to master the take-off and are looking for hollower waves to progress, these spots are for you:
🌊 2.1. Parliamentia (Guéthary)
📍 Location: Guéthary
💡 Why go there?
• Beautiful long wave, accessible to intermediate surfers
• Works best in fall and winter
• Beware of stronger currents at high tide
🌊 2.2. Lafitenia (Saint-Jean-de-Luz)
📍 Location: Saint-Jean-de-Luz
💡 Which makes it a good intermediate spot
• Beautiful straight line that unrolls for a long time
• Mixed bottom (sand + rocks)
• More technical, perfect for progressing
🌊 2.3 Cénitz (Guéthary)
📍 Location: Guéthary
💡 Why test this spot?
• Reef spot offering long and accessible waves
• Requires a good reading of the wave
• Be careful of rocks at low tide
🌊 2.4. Erretegia (Bidart)
The Erretegia surf spot in Bidart has several assets that make it a popular place for surfers:
✅ Preserved natural setting
✅ Varied waves
✅ Less crowded
✅ Adjustable tide
✅ Offshore wind for better conditions
This spot is perfect for those looking for a pleasant session away from the crowds while enjoying an exceptional natural setting.
Surf Spot for Experts in the Basque Country 🌪️
If you are looking for powerful and technical waves, here are some spots reserved for experienced surfers.
🌊 3.1. La Grande Plage (Biarritz) – Winter Version 🌊
📍 Location: Biarritz
⚠️ Why is it an expert level spot?
• In winter, the swells grow and form large hollow waves.
• Powerful currents, committed take-off
• Reserved for experienced surfers
🌊 3.2. Avalanche (Guéthary)
📍 Location: Guéthary
⚠️ A legendary spot for big swell
• Massive waves that can exceed 5 meters
• Reef spot, difficult access
• Reserved for experienced surfers equipped with guns
🌊 3.3. Belharra (off the coast of Saint-Jean-de-Luz)
📍 Location: Off the coast of Saint-Jean-de-Luz
⚠️ The monster of the Basque Country
• The biggest wave in the region (10 meters and more)
• Surfed only in tow-in
• Reserved for experienced big wave riders
4. Some Tips Before Surfing in the Basque Country
🔹 Check the weather and tides: Some spots are impassable at high tide. Check the forecast on Windguru or Magicseaweed.
🔹 Respect the locals: Some spots are very busy, be respectful and avoid conflicts at the peak.
🔹 Wear a suitable wetsuit: The water can be cool, especially in winter. A 4/3 mm is recommended in mid-season and a 5/4 mm in winter.
🔹 Safety first: If you are a beginner, take lessons with a local surf school to learn the basics safely.
5. Conclusion: Which Surf Spot to Choose in the Basque Country?
• Beginners: Hendaye, Côte des Basques, Erromardie
• Intermediaries: Parlementia, Lafitenia, Les Alcyons
• Experts: Avalanche, Belharra, La Grande Plage (winter)
The Basque Country offers an incredible diversity of spots for all levels. Whether you are looking for calm waves to start or monsters to ride in winter, you will definitely find a spot adapted to your level.
📍 Your turn! What is your favorite spot in the Basque Country? Share your experience in the comments!
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