The sheltered bay of Lafitenia, located on the southwest coast of France in the Basque Country, features a classic right-hand point break that can deliver rides of up to 250 yards. The wave is known for its unique makeup with a sand-covered rock reef, which can make conditions a bit variable. Crowds are pretty common, especially during the summer, so expect some wait time to catch your turn in the water. Just a heads up, there's a notable point on the opposite side called Peyo's Left.
The surf at Lafitenia tends to perform best with northwest (NW) and west (W) swells, handling sizes from around 1 meter (3 feet) to 3 meters (10 feet). You’ll want to catch it during low to medium high tides, ideally with a southeast (SE) wind blowing. The wave starts with a steep takeoff that transitions into a longer wall, allowing for some nice carving turns, and then can hollow out a bit on the inside for those looking for cover-up opportunities. It’s often a mixed crowd of intermediate surfers riding shortboards, fishes, funboards, and longboards, making it a friendly spot overall.
Access to Lafitenia is straightforward, and there’s a decent-sized local crew that frequents the waves. Most days require an average paddle out, but when it's pumping, be prepared for a longer trek back up the point. The prime surf season is from October to February, but conditions can be rideable year-round if you know when to go.