The Surf Window

Hossegor

Landes, France

Beach breakAdvanced

The beach-break capital of Europe, a flat, low-lying stretch of Les Landes coast backed by pine forests where powerful, hollow peaks produce world-class barrels that have defined European surfing for decades.

Typical Conditions

The Surf Window

Swell Window

N
OptimalW (270°)
WindowSSW–NNW (210°–330°)
Size4-8ft

Wind

NE

Offshore

Tide

Any

LowMidHigh

Season

September–November

JFMAMJJASOND

The Wave

Type

Both

Bottom

Sand (very shallow sandbars)

Shape

Fast, hollow, barrelling peaks, arguably the world's best beach-break barrels

Length

75–150m

Skill Level

  • •Who it's for: Advanced–Expert (La Graviere section); Intermediate (outer peaks)
  • •Why: The shallow sandbars create explosive, fast barrels that punish errors severely.

Hazards

  • •Very shallow sandbars, bottom impacts are common
  • •Powerful wipeouts and hold-downs
  • •Crowded, Hossegor is extremely popular with travelling surfers
  • •Rips between peaks

Local Tips

  • •La Graviere is the most intense peak, scout from the beach walk before paddling out.
  • •The WSL Quiksilver Pro France is held here each September, the contest window often produces the best waves of the season.

Location

Map showing the location of Hossegor in Landes, France

43.6570, -1.4401