Avalanche
A big-wave left next to Guéthary, even more radical than Parlementia.
Avalanche is a reef left that only starts working at 2.5–3 m and holds 5–6 m waves. It's more radical than Parlementia and reserved for big-wave specialists.
There are very few people in the water: only those who genuinely have the level.
Spot facts
| Wave type | Reef |
|---|---|
| Direction | Left |
| Level | Expert |
| Best swell | NW, W |
| Best wind (offshore) | SE, E |
| Tide | Low to mid |
| Size | 2.5–6 m |
| Best season | Winter |
| Crowd | Light |
| 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. How many litres? Work out your volume with the volume calculator.
What to bring to surf Avalanche
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 AmazonRock or urchins on the bottom: protect your feet going in and out.
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
It's a specialists' peak. If you have no big-wave experience, watch from the cliff.
Surfing style
Big left-handers.
Hazards
Rocks, size and currents.
Map
Shapers near Avalanche
Order a board designed for these waves from a local shaper.
Other spots nearby
Guéthary
Guéthary's great reef right, one of France's classic big waves.
Guéthary
A hidden reef bay between Guéthary and Lafitenia, best in small, clean swell.
Bidart
A Bidart beach at the foot of the cliff, with sand peaks and some rock.
Saint-Jean-de-Luz
A long, perfect right, one of Europe's classics.
All spots in the French Basque Country →
Indicative information gathered from surf guides and surfers' experience. Conditions change with the sandbanks: check the forecast and ask at the beach.