The spots
Everything you need to know about the surrounding waves
The southern Landes region is the surfing capital of Europe! With its long, sandy beaches, perfect sandbanks, and powerful waves, the region offers ideal conditions for all levels. Whether in Capbreton , Hossegor , or Seignosse , sessions follow one another between the Atlantic swell and a relaxed atmosphere. Here, surfing is a way of life, combining respect for the ocean with a passion for surfing.
La centrale
Located in the heart of the city, the breakwater offers accessible waves. Operating in large swells, the waves are generally perfect for beginners and advanced surfers alike. The atmosphere is friendly and lively, especially in summer. It's usually crowded when other spots are too big, but you can still find calmer waves.
A perfect spot to discover surfing because the currents are not as strong as on the surrounding beaches.
LE prévent
Considered a fallback spot, Prévent in Capbreton is a versatile spot that caters to all levels. Located near the town center, it offers varied waves, ideal for both learning and improving. It's often crowded when it's big elsewhere, and its proximity to Santocha makes it a sought-after spot. An easier-to-access spot where the currents are more gentle!
le santocha
This is the perfect beach for learning in the foam and perfecting your skills offshore in the real waves. Famous for its waterfront blockhouses, Santocha Beach is where most of the lessons take place. The waves are less powerful than elsewhere, and the beach's topography is relatively flat, allowing you to stay afloat for a long time. The currents are generally weak, but it can sometimes strengthen in the event of strong swells or particular weather conditions.
La piste
Less accessible to beginners, the beach at the track offers hollower and more technical waves. It is therefore aimed at intermediate to expert surfers. As with all beach breaks, the sandbars evolve with the swells and storms. The sandy bottom still offers good conditions for safe progress. However, be careful of the bunkers at water level and the rip currents.
Les océanides
Oceanides Beach is renowned for its hollow, fast waves, which offer beautiful tubes for more experienced surfers, especially during well-oriented swells. Conveniently accessible thanks to the parking lot, the spot is less accessible to everyone. Like La Piste, the waves can be very violent. For the less experienced, favor days with small swells. If in doubt, don't hesitate to ask lifeguards or more experienced surfers to stay safe.
La sud
Located in the heart of Hossegor, La Sud surf spot, along with Santocha Beach, is one of the ideal places to start and practice surfing safely. Protected from big swells by its exposure and the breakwaters of neighboring spots, it offers gentler, more accessible waves, ideal for learning and improving your skills. Beware of overcrowding, however, and be sure to respect surf schools, other surfers, and swimmers.
La gravière
World-renowned for its perfect and aggressive tubes, La Gravière has hosted international competitions for several years. The greatest legends of world surfing have competed inside this jaw-dropping, board-breaking machine. It has contributed to unforgettable chapters in surfing history, such as the 2012 QuikPro France and the victory of Frenchman Jérémy Flores in the 2019 edition. Beginners should refrain from going into the water, but enjoy the view without moderation.
La nord
La Nord in Hossegor is the big-wave spot in the area. This powerful and massive wave, which can reach 7 meters, is reserved for experienced surfers looking for a challenge. An impressive spectacle, whether in the water or from the beach!
Les culs nus
Located just north of La Gravière, the Culs Nus spot is a powerful and committed beach break, popular with experienced surfers. Renowned for its hollow, fast, and tubular waves, the spot can regularly offer a maneuverable highway. It works particularly well at mid-tide with a well-oriented swell. The Culs Nus wave is very often subject to currents that make it difficult to stay put. Riptides have taken up residence there year-round, and the water level is very high.
les estagnots
The Estagnots spot, located in Seignosse, is a renowned beach break that offers powerful and consistent waves all year round, ideal for all levels depending on the conditions. Thanks to the particular topology of the coast, this spot catches the swell better than the surrounding spots, which means that the waves are always bigger than elsewhere. The waves are generally hollow and fast, perfect for maneuvering and sometimes offering very nice tubes. Works well at mid-tide depending on the sandbanks. Access to the beach is facilitated by a large parking lot just behind the dune. This inevitably leads to regular overcrowding. Beware of the often strong side currents and the constantly present rip currents.
Les bourdaines
The Bourdaines beach spot, located between Les Estagnots and Le Penon, is a versatile beach break that offers waves suitable for different levels depending on the swell and tide. Easily accessible thanks to its parking lot, the spot remains less crowded than its southern neighbor. The waves are still very consistent, and Bourdaines Beach can offer perfect waves all year round.
Le penon
The northernmost spot, with two access points, south and north (the Agréou) via a large parking lot. Surrounded by residential areas, the penon fills with vacationers and board sports enthusiasts during the summer. A skatepark and nearby shops contribute to the large crowds both in the water and on the beach. The waves are excellent and very consistent. Similar to its southern neighbors, the penon sometimes offers very good waves at high tide. Be careful, strong currents and significant rip currents.