The quick answer
For a small swell and light winds, start by checking Côte des Basques. With more size and clean conditions, Milady and Marbella may be better suited to intermediate and advanced surfers. Experienced surfers may consider the reef breaks around Guéthary when a well-directed swell produces long and powerful waves. When the exposed Basque Coast is too big, Hendaye is usually the first sheltered option to check.
This is general guidance rather than a live surf forecast. Tide, wind, currents, sandbanks and swell period can change the quality and difficulty of a spot very quickly. Always watch the ocean before paddling out.
How to read the surf conditions in Biarritz
```A forecast showing only “1 metre” is not enough to choose a surf spot. Two swells of the same height can produce very different waves depending on their period, direction and the exposure of the beach.
1. Swell height
Forecast swell height usually refers to the swell offshore rather than the exact wave height at the beach. An exposed spot will receive more energy than a sheltered bay.
2. Swell period
The period is the time in seconds between waves. A longer period generally means more energy. A 1-metre swell at 14 seconds can be much more powerful than a 1-metre swell at 7 seconds.
3. Wind direction
Offshore wind blows from the land towards the ocean and generally helps keep the waves clean. Onshore wind blows towards the beach and can make the surface choppy and disorganised.
4. Tide
Tide changes the water depth over sandbanks and reefs and can quickly transform a spot. Some waves work better with more water, while others become weak or stop breaking near high tide.
Which surf spot should you choose around Biarritz today?
Small swell and mellow waves
Small and weak waves
Clean, medium-sized swell
Fast and hollow waves
Long-period and consistent swell
Too big at exposed beaches
These recommendations can help you shortlist a spot, but they are not a live surf forecast. A long-period swell may produce sets that are much larger than the forecast average. Always check the actual conditions on location.
Surfing Côte des Basques today
Côte des Basques is often the first spot to check when looking for waves in Biarritz. It may suit a wide range of surfers when the swell is manageable, although crowds, currents and tide must always be considered.
For small or weak waves, choose a board that generates speed and provides good flotation. The Christenson Fish accelerates easily through softer sections. The Channel Islands CI Mid Twin offers more paddling power, earlier entry and smooth glide on longer waves.
At high tide, the usable beach area can become very limited. Check tide times and access conditions before planning your session.
Surfing Marbella or Milady today
Marbella and Milady are more exposed than Côte des Basques. They may catch more swell when the waves are small, but they can become significantly more powerful as swell energy increases.
On a clean, medium-sized swell, these beach breaks can offer fast waves for intermediate and advanced surfers. The Lost Quiver Killer provides the control of a versatile shortboard, while the Album Sunstone suits a fast and flowing approach.
When should you surf in Bidart?
Bidart’s beaches are useful alternatives when the Biarritz sandbanks are not working well or when you want to surf a different beach break. Exposure varies, and several spots can produce fast and powerful waves.
For clean, medium-sized waves, the Album Sunstone or Christenson Lane Splitter can maintain speed through longer sections. In steeper and more technical waves, an experienced surfer may prefer the Lost Quiver Killer or Album Insanity.
When should you surf in Guéthary?
Guéthary is known for reef breaks that can produce long lines when the swell direction and period are favourable. These waves are not suitable for every surfer. The reef, distance from shore, currents and powerful sets require genuine experience.
For an advanced surfer familiar with this type of wave, the Christenson Lane Splitter combines speed and control. The Channel Islands CI Mid Twin provides extra length, paddling efficiency and an earlier entry.
Where can you surf when Biarritz is too big?
When exposed beaches in Biarritz and Bidart are too large, difficult to paddle through or mostly closing out, Hendaye is usually the first sheltered spot to check. Its bay generally receives less swell energy than the exposed Basque Coast.
Hendaye is not automatically easy. Large swells can still generate currents, crowds and challenging waves. Always assess the actual conditions before entering the water.
Which wind is best for surfing in Biarritz?
Offshore wind
A wind blowing from the land towards the ocean generally helps keep the waves clean. Light offshore wind is often favourable. Strong offshore wind can make paddling and take-offs more difficult.
Onshore wind
Wind blowing from the ocean towards the beach usually makes the surface choppy and the waves less organised. A session may still be possible when the wind remains light.
Cross-shore wind
Wind blowing along the coast can create lateral current and move you down the beach. Regularly check your position against a fixed landmark.
Which tide is best for surfing in Biarritz?
There is no single best tide for every Biarritz surf spot. The ideal stage depends on the sandbanks, underwater profile, swell and tidal range.
- Low tide: some waves become faster and hollower, but the water over the bottom is shallower.
- Incoming tide: it may progressively improve certain sandbanks.
- High tide: some waves become weaker or stop breaking. The usable beach area may also become very limited.
- Large tidal range: conditions change more quickly and currents may become stronger.
Which surfboard should you choose for today’s conditions?
Small and mellow waves
Board: Christenson Fish
Its width, flotation and easy speed make it effective through softer sections.
Ability: intermediate to advanced
Small and fast waves
Board: Album Plasmic
Its compact shape helps generate speed and change direction quickly.
Ability: intermediate to advanced
Clean, small to medium waves
Board: Album Sunstone
It provides smooth glide and speed for flowing turns on open wave faces.
Ability: intermediate to advanced
Medium, fast or steeper waves
Board: Lost Quiver Killer
A versatile shortboard offering control, manoeuvrability and performance in varied conditions.
Ability: strong intermediate to expert
Technical waves
Board: Album Insanity
A responsive and precise board designed for fast sections and performance surfing.
Ability: advanced to expert
Powerful waves and long open faces
Board: Christenson Lane Splitter
It combines speed, hold and control through longer turns in more powerful waves.
Ability: advanced to expert
Long waves or extra paddling power required
Board: Channel Islands CI Mid Twin
Its extra length provides easier paddling, earlier entry and smooth glide.
Ability: intermediate to advanced
Get your surfboard delivered wherever it suits you
Book your surfboard online with Rent Surf, then arrange the delivery time and meeting point with us. You can collect your board when you arrive, at your accommodation or close to the surf spot you plan to surf.
After your booking, we’ll contact you by WhatsApp or phone to arrange the address, meeting point and delivery time. This service allows you to travel light and start surfing without wasting time.
Common mistakes when choosing a surf spot
- Checking swell height without looking at the period.
- Selecting a spot based only on an app rating.
- Forgetting that set waves can be larger than the forecast average.
- Paddling out before identifying currents and exit points.
- Surfing an unfamiliar reef without understanding its hazards.
- Choosing a board that is too small or too technical.
- Assuming that a sheltered beach is always easy.
- Ignoring beach flags, local restrictions and lifeguard instructions.
How to choose your spot in five minutes
- Check swell height, direction and period.
- Compare wind direction and strength throughout the day.
- Check how the tide will change during your session.
- Select two possible spots that genuinely suit your ability.
- Watch the waves and currents before entering the water.
When choosing between two spots, select the more accessible option and a board that makes catching waves easier. A session with more suitable waves is usually better than struggling at a spot that exceeds your ability.
Rent the right surfboard for the Biarritz conditions
Rent Surf offers Christenson, Album, Lost and Channel Islands surfboards. Book your board online, then choose the most convenient handover location with us: Biarritz Airport, train station, hotel, Airbnb, holiday home or surf spot. We’ll contact you after booking to arrange the address and time.
View available surfboardsFrequently asked questions about surfing in Biarritz today
Where should I surf in Biarritz today?
For a small swell, start by checking Côte des Basques. With a clean, medium-sized swell, Milady or Marbella may offer more powerful waves. When exposed beaches are too big, Hendaye is often the first sheltered alternative.
What is the best surf spot in Biarritz today?
There is no permanently best spot. Today’s best option is the spot receiving a suitable swell for your ability, with manageable wind and a favourable tide.
Where can I surf small waves in Biarritz?
Côte des Basques is often worth checking on a small swell. The more exposed beaches of Marbella and Milady may also receive extra swell energy.
Where can I surf when Biarritz is too big?
Hendaye is usually the first sheltered alternative to check. Its bay generally receives less swell than exposed beaches, although conditions must still be assessed on location.
What wind is best for surfing in Biarritz?
A light offshore wind is generally favourable because it helps keep the waves clean. Strong offshore wind can make paddling and take-offs more difficult.
Can you surf in Biarritz with onshore wind?
Yes, especially when the wind remains light and the swell is organised. Strong onshore wind usually creates choppy water and lower-quality waves.
What is the best tide for Côte des Basques?
The best tide changes with the sandbanks and swell. An incoming tide may provide a useful window, but the available beach area becomes very limited near high tide.
Which surfboard is best for small waves in Biarritz?
The Christenson Fish offers width and easy speed in small waves. The Album Plasmic is a compact and responsive alternative. The Channel Islands CI Mid Twin provides extra paddling power and early entry.
Which board should I choose for Marbella or Milady?
The Lost Quiver Killer provides control and versatility in fast, medium-sized waves. The Album Sunstone suits smooth, flowing and high-speed surfing.
Which board should I choose for Guéthary?
Experienced reef surfers may choose the Christenson Lane Splitter for speed and control. The Channel Islands CI Mid Twin offers extra paddling efficiency and an earlier entry.
Why is swell period important?
A longer period generally means that the swell carries more energy. At the same forecast height, a long-period swell can create larger and more powerful waves than a short-period swell.
Can Rent Surf help me choose a surfboard?
Yes. After your booking, Rent Surf contacts you to check that the selected board suits your ability, size, surfing style and the expected conditions during your stay.
Where can I collect my Rent Surf board?
After booking, we arrange the handover time and location with you. You may collect your surfboard at Biarritz Airport, Biarritz train station, your hotel, Airbnb, holiday home or close to a surf spot depending on your itinerary.
Can I collect my surfboard directly at Biarritz Airport?
Yes. Book your board online, then send us your arrival date, expected arrival time and flight number. We’ll contact you to arrange the board handover at Biarritz Airport.
Can I collect my surfboard directly at a surf spot?
Depending on your itinerary and our availability, we may arrange a meeting close to your chosen surf spot in Biarritz, Bidart, Guéthary or another agreed area.