La Cote des Basques Surf Guide
Surf spot guide
Ideal Surf Conditions
Swell Direction
Small to medium NW to W swells.
Wind
E, SE
Surf Height
Knee to shoulder high for fun walls, overhead for a bit more punch to your peak.
Tide
The beach disappears at high, fun up to 3/4 tide.
La Cote des Basques Surf Guide
The northern end of the beach has been a long time longboarding haven. Up to around shoulder high, the waves here are less powerful and heavy than the rest of the beaches in the area, serving up fun peaks and mellow walls, especially by the headland which also offers some protection from northerlies.
Ability Level
Beginner - Intermediate
Super popular with beginners and surf schools when small, more challenging and powerful at head high plus.
Local Vibe
Welcoming
Pretty chilled, pretty tolerant... to a point.
Crowd Factor
Moderate
Super busy spot, especially in the summer months.
Spot Rating
Fun
Offering a little bit of shelter from swell and wind, a fun, busy, beachie popular with longboards and beginners.
Shoulder Burn
Light
Not too bad at all, less intense than neighbouring spots.
Water Quality
Clean
Good clean fun, can suffer after heavy rain.
Hazards
Crowds, bailed boards.
Bring Your
Shortboard, Funboard, Fish, Longboard, Bodyboard
Access
Beach parking is crazy. Park at the cliff top car park on Ave Beau Rivage and walk down the zigzag to the beach. Super busy in the summer.
Bottom
Sand with a few rocks to the south.
Best Season
September-November is the golden time. A warm, sundowner session here can keep you smiling for days.
Do you have local knowledge about La Cote des Basques?
If you have any insights or information to add to this spot guide, drop us a note at [email protected]