Cenitz
A hidden reef bay between Guéthary and Lafitenia, best in small, clean swell.
Cenitz is a small bay at the end of narrow lanes. It picks up a lot of swell and works best with a small, clean swell and high tide; in big swell it gets messy.
There's a main right and a less consistent left on the south side of the bay.
Spot facts
| Wave type | Reef |
|---|---|
| Direction | Lefts and rights |
| Level | Intermediate |
| Best swell | NW, W, SW |
| Best wind (offshore) | SE, E |
| Tide | High |
| Size | 0.8–2 m |
| Best season | Autumn to spring |
| 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; a longboard in small swell. How many litres? Work out your volume with the volume calculator.
What to bring to surf Cenitz
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 AmazonHold and smooth turns for a single fin.
View on AmazonRock or urchins on the bottom: protect your feet going in and out.
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
Weekends bring crowds and local regulars. Respect priority.
Surfing style
Reef waves in small swell.
Hazards
Rocks.
Map
Shapers near Cenitz
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 big-wave left next to Guéthary, even more radical than Parlementia.
Guéthary
Guéthary's great reef right, one of France's classic big waves.
Bidart
A Bidart beach at the foot of the cliff, with sand peaks and some rock.
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.