La Nord
Hossegor's big wave: it only switches on with lots of swell and holds over 5 m.
La Nord is a big-wave beach. In normal swell it's nothing special, but from 2–2.5 m the Capbreton canyon turns it into a huge, powerful, hollow wave, mostly breaking right, that holds over 5 m.
It works mainly in winter and is one of the few places in Europe where big waves are surfed on a sandbank.
Spot facts
| Wave type | Beach break |
|---|---|
| Direction | Right |
| Level | Expert |
| Best swell | W, NW |
| Best wind (offshore) | E, SE, NE |
| Tide | All tides |
| Size | 2–5 m+ |
| Best season | Winter |
| Crowd | Medium |
| Localism | High |
Surf forecast
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Hour-by-hour forecast for 14 days, with stars for your board and level, and the whole site without ads.
Model forecast for open water a few kilometres offshore: it can't see sandbanks or the shelter of headlands and jetties. The rating (0–5) is worked out from this spot's ideal swell and wind. Use it as a guide and check the sea before paddling out. Data: Open-Meteo (DWD, ECMWF; CC BY 4.0)
Which board to bring
A gun. On a short board you won't catch the wave, and just paddling out is a challenge. How many litres? Work out your volume with the volume calculator.
What to bring to surf La Nord
The water is around 12 °C in winter and 21 °C in late summer. This is what we'd bring for this spot's water, level and boards.
The autumn-to-spring suit for water at 12–16 °C.
View on AmazonWarm feet in winter and protection on rocks.
View on AmazonA shortboard leash won't hold in waves of several metres.
View on AmazonWarm-water wax won't grip in this water.
View on AmazonAmazon affiliate links: if you buy through them, Shapers Europe earns a small commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Localism and vibe
The crew that surfs it big is small and very experienced. Only go if you genuinely have big-wave experience, and respect priority strictly.
Surfing style
Big waves on a beach break.
Hazards
Very strong currents, huge outside sets and long sessions in cold water.
Map
Shapers near La Nord
Order a board designed for these waves from a local shaper.
Other spots nearby
Hossegor
For many, the best beach break in Europe: fast, heavy barrels in very shallow water.
Hossegor
Hossegor's friendliest beach, next to the Capbreton channel, with smaller, cleaner waves.
Hossegor / Seignosse
Between Hossegor and Seignosse: powerful, hollow banks that often host contests.
Capbreton
Capbreton's beach in front of the groynes, with quality peaks at high tide.
Indicative information gathered from surf guides and surfers' experience. Conditions change with the sandbanks: check the forecast and ask at the beach.