Le Santocha
Capbreton's beach in front of the groynes, with quality peaks at high tide.
Le Santocha (also spelt Santosha) is one of Capbreton's beaches, south of the channel. Rock groynes split the beach and help fix the sandbanks, which work best at mid to high tide.
It's an alternative to Hossegor when it's too crowded there.
Spot facts
| Wave type | Beach break |
|---|---|
| Direction | Lefts and rights |
| Level | Intermediate |
| Best swell | W, NW, SW |
| Best wind (offshore) | E, SE, NE |
| Tide | Mid to high |
| Size | 0.8–3 m |
| Best season | Autumn and winter |
| Crowd | Medium |
| 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 or fish. How many litres? Work out your volume with the volume calculator.
What to bring to surf Le Santocha
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
There's a local crew that surfs it daily and some reports mention localism. Be respectful and don't turn up as a group.
Surfing style
Sand peaks by the groynes.
Hazards
Rock groynes.
Map
Shapers near Le Santocha
Order a board designed for these waves from a local shaper.
Other spots nearby
Hossegor
Hossegor's friendliest beach, next to the Capbreton channel, with smaller, cleaner waves.
Capbreton
Capbreton's bunker beach: some of the best barrels in France when the banks are right.
Hossegor
Hossegor's big wave: it only switches on with lots of swell and holds over 5 m.
Hossegor
For many, the best beach break in Europe: fast, heavy barrels in very shallow water.
Indicative information gathered from surf guides and surfers' experience. Conditions change with the sandbanks: check the forecast and ask at the beach.