Surfing in the Landes: The Best Spots and Conditions

Are you planning a trip to the Landes and looking for places to surf? After introducing you to the alternative spots in the Basque Country, the Marty Surf Delivery team is here today to help you better understand the conditions and discover the best spots in the Landes! Here’s our list of the best surfing conditions and spots in the Landes:

The Landes is one of the best surfing destinations in France. In the summer, you’ll discover beautiful white-sand beaches and, above all, incredible waves.

You’ll have virtually no chance of not finding waves, thanks to the Capbreton trough, which allows the swell to be less dampened and thus creates bigger waves along the coast.

Before listing the best spots, here are a few tips based on your surfing level to help you make the most of these magnificent waves while staying safe.

WHAT ARE THE BEST CONDITIONS FOR GREAT WAVES IN HOSSEGOR AND THE SURROUNDING AREA?

• For experienced surfers: swells between 1.50 m and 2 m, a moderate period, and a light easterly wind will give you the best sessions. As for the period, if it’s over 12 or 13 seconds, the spots are likely to get crowded, but you can always find a place to surf. Above 2 meters, it’s hard to get past the break; the only downside to this region is that the spots get crowded easily.

• For intermediate surfers: To catch the best waves and improve quickly, our advice is to surf in swells between 0.5 m and 1.5 m with an easterly wind and not too much swell period. Above 1.5 m, you risk getting wiped out. If you’re unsure, you can ask the lifeguards if intermediate surfers can go in the water.

• For beginner surfers: The spots in the Landes region are ideal for beginners. All the beaches have sandy bottoms. Beach breaks have the advantage of being less risky than rocky bottoms. Plus, the whitewater at these beaches is perfect for learning how to stand up on your board. One last thing to keep in mind for your safety: it’s advisable to always go surfing during the low-tide window (from 3 hours before low tide until 3 hours after).

Practice makes perfect, so head out to the water! Now that you know all about the perfect conditions in the Landes, we’re going to tell you about the different surf spots.

1) SURF SPOTS IN LABENNE, ONDRES, AND TARNOS

Located on the border of the Basque Country and in the southern part of the Landes region, this is the ideal spot for experienced surfers, with hollow, powerful waves breaking close to shore. It’s also a popular spot for bodyboarders and is not recommended for beginner surfers.

It’s still possible to make progress in light summer conditions with a foam board (Link to the board). And best of all, you’ll have the chance to ride at wilder, more natural spots.

Exemples of spots :

• Labenne: Plage principale
• Ondres: Plage principale
• Tarnos : Plage du Métro, La Digue

2) SURF SPOTS IN MOLIETS, MESSANGES, AND VIEUX-BOUCAU

North of Seignosse, the superb beach breaks offer beautiful tubes. These spots are less popular than those in the southern Landes. For surfers looking for less crowded waves, this is the place to go. The spots often feature magnificent, long, hollow waves.

a few surf spots :

• Moliets : la Centrale, la Sud
• Messanges : la Centrale, la Sud
• Vieux Boucau : la Sud, la Centrale, Plage des Sablères (Nord)

3) SURF SPOTS IN SEIGNOSSE, HOSSEGOR, AND CAPBRETON

With its XXL barrels and powerful waves, Hossegor has become the mecca of French surfing. And yes, it’s known around the world for its powerful beach breaks that can produce magnificent tubes. It’s an international destination that caters to surfers of all skill levels. With a little luck, you might even get to surf alongside one of Europe’s best surfers during your trip to the Landes.

a few spots:

• Seignosse : Les Casernes, Le Penon, Les Bourdaines, Les Estagnots
• Hossegor : Les Culs nus, La Gravière, La Nord, La Centrale, Le Point d’Or, La Sud
• Capbreton : Le Miramar, Le Prévent, Le Santocha, La Piste, VVF

As you can see, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced rider, you’ll find what you’re looking for in the Landes. Take the time to explore on foot, venture off the beaten path, and you’ll have the best sessions of your life. If you’re not sure which type of board to choose, feel free to give us a call (LINK to page with phone number). We’ll help you make the most of your sessions and can deliver the right board for your skill level and the conditions, so you can have an incredible vacation in the Landes.

Enjoy surfing,

Marty