Ilbarritz
A rock bottom below Ilbarritz castle: it doesn't work often, but when it does it's quiet.
Ilbarritz, on the border between Biarritz and Bidart, mixes sand and rock slabs. It's not often at its best, but with the right swell and tide it produces quality waves with far fewer people than Biarritz.
It's worth keeping an eye on when the surrounding beaches are crowded.
Spot facts
| Wave type | Reef |
|---|---|
| Direction | Lefts and rights |
| Level | Intermediate |
| Best swell | NW, W |
| Best wind (offshore) | SE, E |
| Tide | Low to mid |
| Size | 1–2.5 m |
| Best season | Autumn and winter |
| Crowd | Light |
| Localism | Low |
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 Ilbarritz
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 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
Few people and a calm vibe.
Surfing style
Rock and sand waves.
Hazards
Rocks at low tide.
Map
Shapers near Ilbarritz
Order a board designed for these waves from a local shaper.
Other spots nearby
Biarritz
South of Côte des Basques, under the cliff: more power and fewer people.
Bidart
A Bidart beach at the foot of the cliff, with sand peaks and some rock.
Biarritz
The birthplace of French surfing: soft, long waves, perfect for longboarding.
Biarritz
Biarritz's city beach, in front of the casino and the Hôtel du Palais.
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.