Beach break · Gironde · Beginner → Advanced
Forecast for Tuesday 1 September
Intermediate : Looking good — aim for 6h. — Best window: 6h
Today's score by level (at the day's best, out of 100)
Family resort in the pine forest, with plenty of cycle paths between lakes and forests. At low tide a long beach break opens up with hollow peaks and powerful shore dump. Gets crowded in summer — explore north for quieter peaks.
Surfable all year. Autumn (Sep-Nov) is the best season: powerful swells, water still mild, less crowd.
Good level required. You can stand, paddle and read a peak. When it fires, better know what you're doing.
Easy beach access, parking usually nearby. Ask locally about seasonal currents.
Wear an appropriate wetsuit. Scout the currents before you paddle out. Respect the locals and right-of-way. Check weather and tides.
Hourtin is rather recommended for intermediate surfers. If you're a beginner, prefer a surf school, a small swell and a suitable tide, or look for a more sheltered nearby spot.
The ideal wind at Hourtin comes broadly from East: it's offshore, which helps shape and hold the waves. A strong onshore wind generally degrades conditions.
Around Hourtin, you can also check conditions at Le Pin Sec, Montalivet, Carcans. Compare the scores, wind and swell direction before choosing where to surf.