Technical details of spot

Spot functioning

The spot is practiced from the Ciboure beach or the Socoa area. In south to southwest wind, the bay of Saint-Jean-de-Luz creates a semi-sheltered water surface. Watch out for port navigation and permanent fishing boats in the bay — always stay out of marked channels. Choose a launch area well away from jetties and pontoons. Self-organised spot, no school on site.

On the water

Semi-sheltered water with chop of 0.2 to 0.8m in southwest wind. Sandy bottom inside the bay, rocky near the Socoa jetties. Bay exit currents can be strong during spring tides — monitor carefully. Water is generally calmer than at Erromardi or Les Cavaliers.

Required level

Advanced

Spot opening date

Open all year round

Open year-round. Best conditions: south to southwest wind episodes (Foehn, Atlantic depression). In summer, calmer conditions with lighter thermal breezes. The fishing port is very active year-round — respect areas reserved for navigation.

Hazards

Heavy port traffic — fishing and pleasure boats permanently in the bay. Strong bay exit currents at spring tides. Rocky areas near the Socoa jetties. Kite lines above water close to boats — extremely dangerous. Never cross a marked channel. Spot reserved for experienced riders who know the bay well.

Wind specificities

South to southwest wind enters the bay of Saint-Jean-de-Luz heading north — this is the spot's main wind window. This wind is often offshore on the west-facing Basque beaches, but here it arrives onshore or lateral. Foehn mountain effects can produce strong and unstable south wind conditions. West thermal sea breezes are possible in summer but arrive at a less favourable angle inside the bay.

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