Located in Biarritz/Anglet, France, Ilbarritz is a beach break that can produce some good, rippable waves when conditions align. The waves here require a bit of skill to surf and break for up to 50 meters (164 feet) over a sand bottom. Although it’s better known for golfing and dining, Ilbarritz offers a couple of beaches that can deliver decent surf, even though the reefs may not seem very inviting. On a dropping tide, scattered rocks can occasionally help shape a rideable corner, but more often the waves can be poorly defined and closeout.
What are the best surf conditions for Ilbarritz?
Ilbarritz gets good between waist high and double overhead. A longboard is recommended for smaller waves, while a shortboard is better as the size increases. This break is suitable for surfers of all levels. The surf here is somewhat inconsistent (4/10) and can be quite busy (6/10). The best winds are from the Southeast, and the ideal swells come from the North, Northwest, and West. The break works well on low to mid tides.
Be cautious of the rocks scattered throughout the area. In summer, a spring suit is suitable when water temperatures rise to 21°C (70°F). In winter, a 5/4 wetsuit is recommended when temperatures drop to 12°C (54°F). The site has hosted a large music festival in summer ’11 and is backed by a golf course that has faced issues with local watershed pollution.
