Hossegor surf is the epicentre of the 230km coastline called the Côte d’Argent, the longest uninterrupted stretch of sandy beach in Europe.
Swells are focused then refracted on to the coast near Hossegor by a deep-water canyon, which helps shape sandbars that hold world-class beachbreaks. These exceptionally powerful, hollow, perfect peaks have attracted the world’s best competitive surfers and the European surf industry to this corner of France. Big currents, large tidal ranges and extreme wind exposure do little to deter the ever-growing crowds of riders looking for some of the best beachbreaks on the planet.
When to Go
Consistent, high-latitude W-NW swells can reach up to 15ft, but the straight coastline has no protection from the dominant NW winds. As a cold front approaches, winds usually clock around from the SW to WNW, blowing-out the surf for several days with wet and windy conditions. When a high pressure system sits over the land, morning offshores are followed by a moderate NW sea breeze that blows from noon until dusk. The 4.5m tide factor is crucial and as the saying goes "If the waves look good, you've probably missed it".
Surf Spots
Statistics |
J
|
F
|
M
|
A
|
M
|
J
|
J
|
A
|
S
|
O
|
N
|
D
|
dominant swell |
W -NW |
W -NW |
W -NW |
W -NW |
W -NW |
W -NW |
swell size (ft) |
7-8 |
6-7 |
5 |
3 |
6 |
7 |
consistency (%) |
50 |
60 |
80 |
70 |
90 |
60 |
dominant wind |
W -NW |
W -NW |
W -NW |
W -NW |
NE -E |
W -NW |
average force |
F5 |
F5 |
F4 |
F3 |
F3 |
F5 |
consistency (%) |
36 |
37 |
38 |
39 |
31 |
40 |
water temp (C) |
12 |
13 |
17 |
21 |
18 |
15 |
wetsuit |
4/3 |
4/3 |
3/2 |
springsuit |
3/2 |
3/2 |
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Travel Information
Weather
The Pyrenees mountains greatly influence the southern Landes weather bringing regular annual rainfall. Winters can be damp and cool, until stable weather arrives from March to October. March-April can have occasional warm spells, but spring is usually windy with squalls, rain and choppy swells. May and June are good months despite the cooler water. Summers can get some hot days before the sea breeze cuts in. Autumn weather can be perfect with cool mornings, warm daytime temps and comfortable water temps. Take a 4/3 fullsuit for winter, a 3/2 for mid-season, and a shorty or boardies for the warmer days that can reach 24ºC (75ºF).
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Lodging and Food
Hossegor and Capbreton have multiple accommodation options for all budgets. There are dozens of summer surf camps/retreats/schools. A typical restaurant bill is $20, not including wine. Seafood in Capbreton is big.
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Nature and Culture
Golf, sailing, beach fishing, lake SUP, jet-skiing, water slides and skate parks plus crazy summer parties are some of the distractions. Rockfood is the most popular tourist bar right on the beach at Front de Mer, Hossegor. Winter is mellow as anything up to 75% of the region’s coastal zone housing stock are second homes and often remain empty until the warmer months.
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