Drive into Hendaye on the main street running next to the wall and the whole bay has peaks along its length. Also a bigger right-hander at the north end of the bay, breaking off the big rocks some way out. Needs to be head-high swell for SW France before this sheltered bay gets working. In storm surf it can be the only place in the area for mere mortals. Not an epic wave but definitely an option.
Can be a good sand bar in the middle of the bay at mid tide. Really only works when it's overhead at Hossegor for example. Surprisingly heavy shorey. Will become ultra-crowded when it's too big elsewhere. Good for beginners. More and smaller waves are guaranteed here and its a long beach so plenty of room for everyone. It is more protected from winds than the ohter beaches. Get there early during French holidays as no-one gets up till afternoon then its a nightmare to find anywhere to park if you can even get to the town! Other times plenty of room
Overview
Atmosphere
I found some of the locals pretty vocal. Cos it's close to a big-ish town many people surf here rather than drive 45 mins or so north to the better basque breaks. Plenty of travelling camper-van types. Plenty of drop-ins as the quality of surfer there is lower than other basque spots. Can be good when the sand-bars produce clean, peeling A-frames. Lots of local groms getting slammed in the shorey.
General
It's OK, but if the rest of the basque coast is rideable, go elsewhere first! Great for beginners, loads of places to hire stuff right on front
Aupa Hendaia
Good place to surf when everything on the cost is soaked.Works well at dusk because of a nice on shore breeze, This makes a quick and tubular wave at any size in summer time.Lots of spanish guys and locals.
comment by anonymous, 2005-09-06 13:13:51
Hendaia? a nice place to live and you can surf almost all year long...
comment by Smokie Bay Surf Club, 2005-07-06 00:46:32
ON DIE EEEEEEE (correct pronunciation)
*bad *****excellentPollution ****Waves * (er bigger waves in my bath tub)Baguettes * (bingo and chicken wing central)Night life * (as I said bingo and chicken wing central)Surf Shops *** (reasonable shops offering lessons, tad pricey)Camping ** (Mr Jerry Attrick is in town, oh yeah, where´s your teeth gone..)
comment by NIC64, 2006-06-26 21:33:51