Surf: General: This long stretch of scalloped golden sand has earned a reputation as the best beachbreak in Europe, and one of the best in the world, for its tubes. Thick, meaty shorebreak barrels that'll leave you picking sand out of various orifices for weeks after a solid session. There's a huge trench offshore, not unlike Black's in San Diego, so the swell gets focused on the few miles of sand that make up Hossegor. But the tides in France are extreme (they can vary by 20 feet) and the sandbank that you surf in the morning will probably be a closeout shorepound by lunch. It's also prone to Atlantic flat spells. Tides: medium low Size: head-high to double overhead Wind: E, ESE Swell: NW, W Bottom: Sand Paddling: A lot of work when it is pumping. Spot Rating: World Class beachbreak tubes when it is on. Access: Parking lot at Les Estagnots or park on the road in front of the peak of your choice. Stick to one of the many access trails, though -- the dunes are fragile ecosystems. Crowds: Crowd Factor: Crowded and cosmopolitan; bigger beachbreak generally keeps 'em down though. Local Vibe: The locals surf well and know each other. If they don't know you, bring a healthy dose of humility and respect. Environment: Can be very poor. Hazards: Poundings, strong sideshore currents. Season: October-February