La Barre surf guide

La Barre is a surf spot located in the Anglet area of France, known for its proximity to the Adour river mouth. It's a popular choice when the other nearby beaches are too windy or closed-out. The beach features a long stretch of sand, and the vibe here tends to be relaxed but can get crowded at times, especially on good days when surfers flock to catch some waves.

The surf at La Barre is quite variable. The optimal swell direction is from the west, and it handles swell sizes starting at 2 feet (about 0.6 meters). You can find both lefts and the occasional right, but the waves can be fat and slopey most of the time. Because the conditions work best with moderate to heavy swells, you’ll want to hit it when there’s enough size. Low to mid tides are preferred, but be cautious as high tides can turn the surf into a gnarly shorepound that’s not fun for most. If you’re an intermediate surfer, this could be a good spot for you, as long as you keep an eye on the conditions.

There’s a rarer left that barrels hard off the northern jetty for those looking for a challenge, but it's more suitable for experts or bodyboarders due to its rips and difficulties. When everything lines up—right swell and wind direction from the east—you might get some decent rides. The sandy bottom makes it a bit more forgiving than other rocky spots around, so surfers new to the area can get a feel for the waves without too much risk.