Mid-June brings a generous run of swell to the Atlantic. Between weather forecasts, heated contests, and cultural events, here’s the factual roundup of waves not to miss for the week of June 15.
Swell & tide forecast: where and when to score from June 15 to 22
A pulse of ocean long-period swell arrives as early as Monday, paired with northeasterly winds that let the sandbanks breathe. An ideal window for early-morning surfing before the thermal wind sets in. The combination of a tide Rising and a 1.8 m swell at 12 s should make several surf spots unmissable.
| Spot | Forecast wave size | Period | Prevailing wind | Tide window |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| La Gravière, Hossegor | 1.8 – 2.2 m | 12 s | NE 10 km/h | Mid-tide ebb |
| Santocha, Capbreton | 1.5 – 1.9 m | 11 s | E 8 km/h | High tide |
| Basque Coast, Biarritz | 1.2 – 1.6 m | 12 s | NE 12 km/h | Rising |
| Centrale, Lacanau | 1.4 – 1.7 m | 10 s | N 15 km/h | Low tide |
Quick gear tip
At La Nord, the peak of the swell calls for an intermediate gun or a beefy step-up. Fine-tuning details are covered in this article: choosing the right surfboard.
Competition results: the surf world is buzzing
Championship Tour – Punta Roca on Fire
The Surf City El Salvador Pro concluded at the right-hand point break with the undisputed dominance of Carissa Moore and Leonardo Fioravanti. The five-time champion claimed a major victory after her maternity break, while the Italian notched a historic first win over rankings leader Italo Ferreira.
French fireworks on the Landes sand
- Bidarteko SC takes the interclub shortboard title and a ticket to the 2027 World Championships.
- In longboarding, Antoine Delpero, Alice Lemoigne, and local youth sweep the podium at Parlementia.
- Santocha crowns Mohamed Anas Addar in open bodyboarding in solid wedges.
Spots to favor this week on the Atlantic coast
Capbreton: Santocha, a multi-craft playground
The bar is lining up perfectly over sand reshaped by the latest winter storms. The biggest sets will be more bodyboard- and kneeboard-friendly, recalling the national contest just held. For stand-up chargers, keep an eye on the growing summer: the sandbanks shift quickly from session to session.
For a look back at historic XXL swells, check out the Capbreton XXL archive.
Lacanau: central sandbank, offshore option
The thermal wind stays light at daybreak. A beach less crowded than usual, offering a steady rhythm of tap-dancing lefts over the north sandbank. Ideal for sharpening your turns before the first summer trials.
Gear & mobility: preparing for the warm season
Must-visit local surf shops
Need tropical wax or a minimalist roof rack? The 2026 retailer selection is listed on Hossegor’s best surf shops, with a neo-eco focus on bio-based resin.
Citroën Ami Surf: electric shuttle between dune and parking lot
The customized micro-vehicle is winning over regulars at the surf spot in the South. Range: 100 km, built-in board rack, no CO₂. More info: Ami Surf Hossegor.
Waves & culture calendar
Upcoming events to fit in between two tides:
- The Tadpoles : 200 kids ages 6 to 14 on the Côte des Basques, celebrating 60 years of the Jo Moraiz school.
- Vivi Rio Pro : Saquarema beachbreak from Friday, French surfers Mignot & Vaast waiting in the wings.
- Rip Curl GromSearch Hossegor late June: European U16 qualifier, details on GromSearch.
- Film release In Waves on July 1: a mix of love and the history of surf, Quiksilver partnership.
What are the best surfing hours this week?
From dawn to 10:30 a.m., then from 6 p.m. onward, when the thermal wind dies down and the tide offers more wall face at La Gravière and Santocha.
Do you need a full wetsuit in June?
The water hovers around 19°C. A 3/2 mm is enough in the morning; a shorty or rash guard in the afternoon for those who do not mind the cool wind.
What type of board should you favor with 1.8 m at a 12 s period?
A performance shortboard 2 to 4 liters above your usual volume, or even a step-up to maintain drive and control in hollow sections.
Are local competitions open to the public?
Yes. Les Têtards, the GromSearch, and the national longboard Open welcome the public free of charge on the beach, with competitor areas marked off.
How can you watch the Vivi Rio Pro live?
The livestream is available on the WSL website and mobile app. The French heats will also be shown at several Hossegor surf cafés.