La Penon
Southwest France Surf Spots
Surf Guide
Can be home to some quality banks and peeling lefts and rights all along this stretch of sand. When the whole of Hossegor is going off, this can be one of the least busy spots. Fun peaks working best in small to medium swells - the rips can be unruly when it picks up.
Ability Level
Intermediate - Advanced
BegIntAdv
Can get unwieldy in larger swells where experience pays off.
Local Vibe
Doable
WelcomingIntimidating
Competitive.
Crowd Factor
Moderate
MellowHeavy
Can often be less busy than the big name Hossegor spots but still draws a crowd.
Spot Rating
Fun
PoorPerfect
Quality beachbreak, best in smaller swells with fun peaks and long walls.
Shoulder Burn
Medium
LightExhausting
The rip picks up with the size.
Water Quality
Clean
CleanDirty
Good, but suffers after heavy rains.
Ideal Surf Conditions
Swell Direction
NW, W
Wind
E
Surf Height
Waist high to head and a half.
Tide
Works through the range.