La Piste
Capbreton's bunker beach: some of the best barrels in France when the banks are right.
La Piste is known for the Second World War bunkers on the sand. With a west swell and an easterly wind it can produce high-quality barrels, comparable to Hossegor's on its best days.
It doesn't hold as much size as La Gravière: above 2 m it usually closes out.
Spot facts
| Wave type | Beach break |
|---|---|
| Direction | Lefts and rights |
| Level | Intermediate |
| Best swell | W, NW |
| Best wind (offshore) | E, SE, NE |
| Tide | Low to mid |
| Size | 1–2 m |
| Best season | Autumn |
| Crowd | Heavy |
| Localism | Medium |
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 shortboard for the barrel; a fish when it's small. How many litres? Work out your volume with the volume calculator.
What to bring to surf La Piste
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 AmazonKeeps your board from drifting off or hitting someone.
View on AmazonThe classic fish fins: speed in soft waves.
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
Very busy in season, with some tension at the peak. Respect priority.
Surfing style
Beach-break barrels.
Hazards
Bunker remains on the beach, close-outs and crowds.
Map
Shapers near La Piste
Order a board designed for these waves from a local shaper.
Other spots nearby
Capbreton
Capbreton's beach in front of the groynes, with quality peaks at high tide.
Hossegor
Hossegor's friendliest beach, next to the Capbreton channel, with smaller, cleaner waves.
Hossegor
Hossegor's big wave: it only switches on with lots of swell and holds over 5 m.
Labenne
A quieter beach south of Capbreton, with a powerful shore break.
Indicative information gathered from surf guides and surfers' experience. Conditions change with the sandbanks: check the forecast and ask at the beach.