The cradle of French surfing and a magnet for riders from all over the world, Hossegor fascinates with the diversity and quality of its beach breaks. Between offshore swells and shifting sandbanks, the area is home to a host of legendary spots, frequented by pro circuit legends and locals alike, who love the spray of the Landes. From Capbreton to Soustons, the coast gives way to waves sculpted for every level, from the committed power surfing of La Nord to the pedagogical straights of La Sud. Here, crews from Rip Curl, Billabong, Quiksilver and Oxbow come to hone their surfing skills, while the Hossegor Surf Club and Allianz Surf Academy train the next generation of surfers. Follow the leash-free guide for a surf trip tailor-made for performance and good vibes.
La Nord and La Gravière: extreme spots in Hossegor
In Hossegor, La Nord is more than just a spot: it's an arena. When the cyclonic swell arrives, the sets exceed six meters, summoning big surf specialists to test their commitment. Here, one drop follows another on liquid walls, and each duck requires experience and temperament.
- Waves of up to 6 m during big swells
- Powerful tubes for seasoned users only
- Perfectly exposed to North Atlantic swells
| Spot | Maximum wave height | Level | Special features |
|---|---|---|---|
| La Nord | 6 m | Confirmed to expert | Power, challenge, committed drop |
| La Gravière | 4 m | Experienced | Shore break, massive tubes close to the sand |
La Gravière, meanwhile, rocks massive tubes as soon as the benches line up perfectly. Many riders have made history here, notably during the Quiksilver Pro France, the annual highlight of world surfing (find out more about the event). La Gravière demands technique, placement and fast rowing, offering competitors one of the most formidable beach breaks in Europe.
La Nord in practice: boards and tips
Mastering La Nord requires the right board and accurate swell reading. To tackle these walls of water, consult our guide to recommended equipment: which board to use for surfing La Nord.
- Choose a large board for take-offs
- Warm up thoroughly before taking the plunge
- Wear a helmet during heavy sessions
Les Culs Nus, La Sud and back to basics
Backing onto the naturist beach, Les Culs Nus offers world-class conditions every year, while remaining less popular than its neighbors. In winter, some sets reach five meters. The atmosphere is more chill, but vigilance is still required. Heading south, La Sud - called Notre-Dame, shared with Capbreton - provides ideal sessions for those who want to progress at their own pace.
- Modular waves, accessible all year round
- Retreat zone when swell explodes to the north
- Suitable for novices and school groups such as Biarritz Paradise Surf or Cap Surf
| Spot | Wave height | Level | Visitor numbers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Les Culs Nus | Up to 5 m (winter) | Experienced | Medium to low |
| La Sud | 1.5 m max | Beginner to intermediate | High (summer) |
Examples and feedback from sessions
Collectives like Hossegor Surf Club and Soöruz regularly organize improvement clinics on these two spots, where conditions evolve rapidly. Riders who come to share a surf camp (see an example of a surf camp in Hossegor) have all made lightning progress on La Sud or Les Culs Nus thanks to this diversity of airwaves.
Seignosse and Capbreton: the natural extensions of surfing in Hossegor
Just to the north, Seignosse stretches its wild beaches with Les Estagnots and Les Bourdaines. Here, the waves grow in size as the tide rises, putting transitions and rowing to the test, especially during the mid-tide ebb sessions.
- Les Estagnots: powerful waves behind the Baïne, for experienced riders only
- Les Bourdaines: a versatile spot, functional at all tides
Capbreton, on the other hand, stands out with three unmissable peaks: La Santocha, La Piste and Le Prévent. Each of them requires mastery of currents, quick adaptation and a sense of placement. La Piste stands out for its solid barrels when the swell lines up. As for La Santocha, between a taut right and a technical left, it plays the emblematic spot card.
| Spot | Special features | Difficulty | Board |
|---|---|---|---|
| Les Estagnots | Long, hollow waves behind the bay | High | Ask for local advice before launching |
| La Santocha | Mythical right towards the blockhouses, more committed left | High | Beware of current and time lag |
| La Piste | Shore break hollow, shallow | Very high | Fallback spot if conditions rise to the north |
| Le Prévent | Right-left peak, strong currents | Confirmed | Vigilance recommended |
The call of the bay: risk management and local tips
Experienced surfers like Hossegor Surf Club and the’Allianz Surf Academy emphasize the need to read the movements of the bay and orientate yourself using natural landmarks. Every session in these waters demands concentration and humility. For more details on cyclonic pressure and spot reaction, find out more about cyclonic swell analysis by local specialists.
Labenne Océan and Soustons Plage: off-season and almost private sessions
To get away from the crowded line-up, head for Labenne Océan. This spot, now a favorite of many surfing enthusiasts seeking a more relaxed atmosphere, often offers neat shore break tubes, perfect for testing boards signed Roxy or Oxbow. Further north, Soustons Plage unfurls its peaks in a sober Landes setting, where the song of the pines rivals that of the waves.
- Labenne Océan: invigorating shore break, tubes in big swells
- Soustons: left-right peaks along the beach, wild atmosphere
- Ideal for an off-season relaxation session
| Spot | Accessibility | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Labenne Océan | Easy (parking, direct access) | Fast shore break, few people out of season |
| Soustons Plage | 5-minute walk from the parking lot | Multi-directional pick, guaranteed peace of mind |
When and how can you enjoy these confidential spots?
Riders in search of deserted peaks prefer these areas from spring to autumn, taking advantage of mild weather and stable sandbanks. Schools such as Cap Surf or Biarritz Paradise Surf regularly organize trips to Labenne to showcase the versatility of its waves. Please note: find out about the formation of sandbanks before each session on the point vague d'Hossegor or consult the spot evolution tips on the future of Hossegor's spots.
The hallmarks of Landes surfing: culture, lifestyle and safety
Hossegor is also an ecosystem where brands and clubs forge a unique spirit. On the sand, the tents Rip Curl, Billabong and Quiksilver are decked out in the colors of the French surfing lifestyle, while riders can take advantage of the services offered by the area's iconic surf schools. From morning yoga on the beach (see yoga and surfing in Hossegor) to the sunset on the dunes, there's a whole art of living that complements gliding.
- Hossegor Surf Club: incubating talent
- Allianz Surf Academy: personalized progress
- Regular events and group coaching
- Board/fins tests and bonus shops Roxy, Oxbow, Soöruz
- Spotlights on the official portal
| Club/Brand | Specific | Recommended address |
|---|---|---|
| Hossegor Surf Club | Supervision, coaching, local competitions | Central beach Hossegor |
| Rip Curl/Billabong/Quiksilver | Shops, contests, events | Downtown/Côte d'Hossegor |
| Allianz Surf Academy | Children/adult courses, team training | Capbreton |
| Biarritz Paradise Surf | Surf trips and introductory courses all along the coast | Biarritz, Hossegor, Capbreton |
| Cap Surf | Surf school, local clusters | Labenne, Capbreton, Hossegor |
Benchmarks, alerts and strategic choices for 2025
Between climate disturbances and recent storm warnings (focus on cyclonic swell), regular weather updates and local alerts are essential. Wise riders adapt their equipment, launching area and riding style to each session, to enjoy as much as to respect the natural powers of the ocean.
- Systematic verification of bench conditions and changes
- Mental and physical preparation for big sessions
- Compliance with line-up and local priorities
By keeping an eye on your limits and informed thanks to the local pros, every session becomes a unique experience. To immerse yourself in the legendary atmosphere, discover Pierre Rollet's exploit on the spot during a historic swell: Pierre Rollet event in Hossegor.
Frequently asked questions about surf spots in and around Hossegor
-
What are the safety rules for beach breaks in Hossegor?
Always respect the hierarchy of the line-up, avoid rowing at the peak in strong currents and watch out for the formation of baïnes. Sturdy helmets and leashes are recommended for big swells. -
What's the best time of year to surf in Hossegor?
Autumn remains the peak season, but winter also offers world-class sessions, particularly at La Nord and La Gravière. For accessible waves, spring and summer are best, early in the morning. -
How to avoid overcrowding on the main spots?
Surf early, explore off-season or try out alternatives like Labenne Océan or Soustons Plage. The diversity of spots along the coast means you can always find a less saturated wave. -
Can beginners learn to surf in the region?
Yes, schools such as Hossegor Surf Club, Cap Surf or Allianz Surf Academy offer suitable courses. La Sud, certain areas of Capbreton and Les Bourdaines are ideal places to start. -
Where can I find real-time information on wave conditions in Hossegor?
Visit the official Hossegor waves website or visit Rip Curl and Billabong surf shops for local updates.
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