Guéthary
Basque Country, France
Reef breakAdvanced
A legendary right-hand reef break on the French Basque Coast, a long, powerful, open-ocean wave breaking over a deep reef in front of a charming village, producing epic rides in heavy Atlantic swell.
Typical Conditions
The Surf Window
Swell Window
OptimalW (270°)
WindowSSW–NNW (210°–330°)
Size4-8ft
Wind
NE
Offshore
Tide
Mid to high
LowMidHigh
Season
September–November
JFMAMJJASOND
The Wave
Type
Right
Bottom
Deep reef
Shape
Enormous, roping walls, long, powerful performance wave at size
Length
300–500m at size
Skill Level
- •Who it's for: Expert
- •Why: Enormous wave size, deep-water reef, and a long, exhausting paddle out demand elite fitness and ability.
Hazards
- •Very large wave face, 15–20ft faces common in winter
- •Long, exhausting paddle out
- •Cold Bay of Biscay water, 4/3 or 5/4 wetsuit required
- •Powerful shore break at the entry/exit
Local Tips
- •Guethary needs a specific SW–W swell direction to show its best, check the forecast carefully.
- •The village of Guethary is one of the Basque Coast's most charming, excellent restaurants and a relaxed atmosphere.
Location
43.4251, -1.6103