Located in the Hossegor area in France, Capbreton (La Piste/VVF) is an excellent beach break that consistently outputs some fantastic barrels. Not only is the surf good, but the picturesque views of dunes and half-submerged bunkers make this one of the most iconic beaches in France. The waves here are challenging to surf, with powerful sections that break for up to 50 meters (164 feet) over a sand bottom. Be aware of the locals and visiting tube hunters; the lineup can get competitive.
What are the best surf conditions for Capbreton?
It gets good from waist-high to double overhead and handles the size well. We recommend riding a shortboard when it’s smaller and a step-up board as the size increases. This break is suitable for intermediate and advanced surfers who can handle the crowd. The surf here is consistent (7/10) and is usually very crowded (9/10). The best winds are from the southeast. The best swells are from the northwest, west, and north. It works best on mid to low tides but will break on high tide as well.
We recommend wearing a spring suit in the summer when water temperatures rise to 21°C (70°F). In winter, a 5/4 wetsuit is the call when water temperatures drop to 12°C (54°F). See the temperature chart below for more data on this.
