Surf: ASP contest venue since 1979, this is surf central for the Bordeaux area. The reason? Consistent surf, easily checked from the boardwalk at Plage Centrale before opting for a session at La Nord, La Sud or Super Sud among 14km of beaches ideal with a medium size W-NW swell. Handles more size thanks to the deep scalloped baines around the rock jetties that are there to hold the sand in place. Every bit as good as Landes, especially in summer when it is often bigger in the W windswells. Fast peeling low tide runners or mid to high tide shories tapering into the rips are sometimes separated by a deep trench, or spin all the way through. Like all Biscay beachies, it's fine for beginners when small and friendly, but a real challenge when overhead and bombing, not least because of the wicked rips. Environment: Extremely lively in summer with all surf facilities and good campsites or accommodation. Surf: General: Facing west into the full force of the Atlantic, Lacanau utilizes every passing swell, transforming them - with the aid of a few well-placed groins - into miles of quality, often-barreling beachbreak. Summer months see the lineups heaving with crowds, but swells can be frustratingly small if not absent. This area usually has less surf than Hossegor to the south. However the autumn is the gravy season, when the banks come alive under an onslaught of consistent longer-period swells. The only downside is that if a huge swell hits, there are no sheltered spots to retreat to. Tides: all Size: shoulder high to a few feet overhead Wind: E Swell: NW, W Bottom: Sand Paddling: Average most days but can be a lot of work when it is pumping. Spot Rating: Rippable beachbreak peaks. Access: Simple. Crowds: Crowd Factor: Outside summer, numbers die back. Local Vibe: Ambivalent. Environment: Moderate Hazards: Rip Currents. Season: October-February but rideable year-round.