Surfing in Lafitenia – The Basque Country
THE SURFING GUIDE FOR LAFITENIA
In the Basque Country. In a truly phenomenal place, the waves of Lafitenia break into a permanent place. All to the right. Because it is such a wonderful wave, you are never alone here. And at lunchtime you will find mainly the employees of the Quiksilver head office in the line-up.
But go there. It is worth the effort.
You simply paddle to the peak. You let some surfers go. Until your wave comes. Because it will come.
And BAM!
Enjoy.
Illustration by Damien Clavé
More about surfing in Lafitenia
The waves
+++ Advanced
+++ Intermediates
+ beginners
A righthander breaks a reef here. Being here is the nicest around mid and high tide, but pure high tide is not convenient. Often it does not run well anymore. It is a wave for intermediates and advanced.
Pure high tide is not convenient. Often it does not run well anymore. So, prefer a different moment.
Wave: 1.5 meter with 11 seconden | Wind: 8 km/hr from the east (offshore).
Lafitenia surf forecast
Favourable wind direction?
The wind is best when coming from an easterly direction. A southern wind is also fine.
Where’s Lafitenia?
In the Basque Country. Near Biarritz. And close to Spain. Quite the drive, but it is more than worthwhile
Stay in Lafitenia?
Where to stay in Lafitenia?
Camping Playa is the perfect place. From your campsite you look directly at the spot. Pretty good to wake up to ;-). And from there you can quickly walk to some other spots in the area. It is not a great campsite in terms of facilities.
Find accommodation
Surf lessons and -rental?
It’s not easy to find a shop to rent a board or get a surf lesson because there are no shops around. Go to Bidart, St Jean de Luz or Biarritz to hire a surfboard and for surf lessons.
Tips for lunch & dining
For a snack and drink you MUST go to Kostaldea once. In Guethary. A better place almost does not exist. If it is full, go to Bahia Beach.
Is Lafitenia family proof?
Slight doubt. The beach has plenty to do at low tide. But if the bay is full you need to start being careful, at least with smaller children. Adolescents will love it here. A bit of a California feeling.
Other French surf spots
Check out these spots in France.
- Etretat – Normandy
- Baie de Trepasses – Bretagne
- Lacanau – Acquitaine
- Mimizan – Les Landes
More about surfing in France.
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