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Le Mascaret in Gironde is a pretty unique surf spot located along the Gironde Estuary. This area is known for its tidal bore, where the meeting of the Garonne and Dordogne rivers creates some interesting surfing opportunities. The best time to catch a wave here is during the biggest spring tides when the river flows are just right. While it may not be your typical beach break, it offers a different kind of experience for those willing to paddle out.
When the conditions align, surfers can enjoy mellow waves that last for over ten minutes. You'll want to be on a buoyant longboard if you plan to catch these waves, which usually break over sand on both left and right sides. The spot handles swell sizes around 1ft (about 0.3 meters) coming from the SouthEast and NorthEast. It’s best ridden during low tide, with a light preference for Southeast winds. Intermediate surfers looking for a chill session can find a place here, but be prepared for some competition, as crowds can easily exceed 100 people. The initial wave can pack quite a punch, sometimes offering up to 10 in a set. However, the following smaller waves, known as "whelps," can be trickier to catch.
There are no facilities at Le Mascaret, so keep that in mind before heading out. The area draws a mix of different water enthusiasts, including surfers, SUP riders, and kayakers. If you're into exploring, you might find some locals using boats to scout secret spots upstream, which can also offer some fun challenges. Just be aware of the strong currents moving at up to 9 knots (14 km/h) and some natural obstacles in the water.