Guéthary (Parlementia)
Guéthary's great reef right, one of France's classic big waves.
Parlementia is a long right that breaks over a reef far from shore, in front of the small Guéthary harbour. It isn't especially hollow, but it's very powerful and holds over 5 m: it's one of France's benchmark big waves.
There's also a left, which is dangerous in big swell. On the inside, with less size, shorter and hollower waves form.
Spot facts
| Wave type | Reef |
|---|---|
| Direction | Right |
| Level | Expert |
| Best swell | NW, W |
| Best wind (offshore) | SE, E |
| Tide | All tides, depending on size |
| Size | 1.5–5 m+ |
| Best season | Winter |
| Crowd | Heavy |
| 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 for big days; at the very least a long step-up. How many litres? Work out your volume with the volume calculator.
What to bring to surf Guéthary (Parlementia)
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 AmazonThe three-fin set for a shortboard.
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
The locals are very skilled and know the wave inside out. Keep a low profile, wait a long time and don't go for the best waves of the set.
Surfing style
Big, long reef waves.
Hazards
Long paddle, strong currents and big sets breaking outside.
Map
Shapers near Guéthary (Parlementia)
Order a board designed for these waves from a local shaper.
Other spots nearby
Guéthary
A big-wave left next to Guéthary, even more radical than Parlementia.
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.