Surf: The D652 gets closer to the coast here, allowing easy checking of several peaks. There are waves on both entrances to the lake. North side has fast, hollow peaks on higher tides, but heavy longshore rips at headhigh plus. Port d’Albret on the south side leads into the Soustons stretch and has good shape for kilometers. Handles more size than the breaks to the north. Environment: Locals get twitchy in August as the campsites and holiday apartments fill up, leaving often crowded conditions. Surf schools, shops and rentals available. Watch the rips around the rivermouth. Surf: General: With Messanges to the north and Soustons to the south, Vieux Boucau is slap bang in the midst of a fun, sometimes shifty, sometimes excellent series of beachbreaks. Port d'Albret lagoon and its river running to the sea separates Nord and its often punchy, mid to high tide banks, from the Soustons stretch to the south. Plenty of room to spread out and find your peak. Tides: All tides Size: Waist high to head and a half. Wind: E, ESE Swell: Small to medium NW, W Bottom: Sand Paddling: At head high plus, the longshore drift can be enthusiasm zapping. Spot Rating: A reliable, fun beachbreak with peaks to be found north and south of the river. Access: A couple of large car parks just behind the beach inc. Ave des Dunes. Crowds: Crowd Factor: Popular but quieter than the waves of Hossegor to the south. Local Vibe: Competitive with a strong local crew but traditionally a good vibe thanks in part to the longstanding surf community here. Environment: Good Hazards: Longshore drift, especially near the river and when big. Season: September - February. Early Autumn the water and air temps are still warm, the winter kicks temperatures dip as the size and power of swell picks up.