Belharra
One of the world's most famous big waves: a reef 2 km offshore that only wakes up with giant swell.
Belharra breaks over a deep reef off Urrugne, more than 2 km from shore. It needs huge swells, over 6 m, to start breaking, and then produces waves that can exceed 15 m. It only works a few days a year.
It's surfed mainly by tow-in with jet skis and, in recent years, also by paddling. On storm days you can watch the wave from the Saint-Jean-de-Luz coast and the corniche.
Spot facts
| Wave type | Reef |
|---|---|
| Direction | Lefts and rights |
| Level | Expert |
| Best swell | NW, W |
| Best wind (offshore) | SE, E |
| Tide | Depends on the swell; breaks more than 2 km offshore |
| Size | 6 m+ |
| Best season | A few days a year, in winter |
| Crowd | Light |
| 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 big-wave gun or tow board, with full safety gear. How many litres? Work out your volume with the volume calculator.
What to bring to surf Belharra
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 peak for big-wave specialists, who organise themselves with safety teams. It's not a place to improvise.
Surfing style
Giant waves.
Hazards
Extreme size, currents and distance from shore.
Map
Shapers near Belharra
Order a board designed for these waves from a local shaper.
Other spots nearby
Saint-Jean-de-Luz
A long, perfect right, one of Europe's classics.
Guéthary
A hidden reef bay between Guéthary and Lafitenia, best in small, clean swell.
Guéthary
A big-wave left next to Guéthary, even more radical than Parlementia.
Guéthary
Guéthary's great reef right, one of France's classic big waves.
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.