Lafitenia
A long, perfect right, one of Europe's classics.
Lafitenia is a right that peels along the bay over rock and sand. In medium swell it's long and easy to read; in big swell the sections link up and the ride is spectacular.
It has hosted longboard contests and is one of the most beautiful waves on the coast, so it's always busy when it works.
Spot facts
| Wave type | Point break |
|---|---|
| Direction | Right |
| Level | Intermediate |
| Best swell | NW, W |
| Best wind (offshore) | SE, E, S |
| Tide | All tides |
| Size | 1–4 m |
| Best season | Autumn and 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 shortboard or longboard: the wave suits both. A step-up in big swell. How many litres? Work out your volume with the volume calculator.
What to bring to surf Lafitenia
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
It's one of the most contested peaks in the French Basque Country and there's localism. Stay off the peak at first, watch and don't drop in.
Surfing style
Long right with walls.
Hazards
Sea urchins, rocks and crowds.
Map
Shapers near Lafitenia
Order a board designed for these waves from a local shaper.
Other spots nearby
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.
Urrugne / Saint-Jean-de-Luz
One of the world's most famous big waves: a reef 2 km offshore that only wakes up with giant swell.
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.