Erromardie

KitesurfingWingfoilingSurfing
Shortboard, Longboard
Best for
Intermediate
Skill Level
Small waves
Spot Type
Quiet
Crowd Level

This spot information is AI-assisted and has not been human verified. It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect. Verify safety, access, local rules, and current conditions with official or local sources before riding.

About this spot

About

Erromardie is a Basque right-hand point break near Saint-Jean-de-Luz, known for long, peeling walling waves over a boulder/reef-strewn bottom. The break is described as exposed overall, while the bay setting can provide some shelter variations. When conditions line up, surfers can get rides averaging roughly 50–150 m, with exceptional days extending toward 300 m. The spot is most reliable from autumn into late winter, and multiple sources emphasize that the best window typically involves October through March. Wave performance is tied closely to tide and swell: it generally works at mid and high tide, with a rising tide often recommended to avoid the most hazardous rocks. Optimal swell direction is reported as northwest (with west also working), while wind guidance repeatedly points to East/Southeast winds producing cleaner, more offshore shaping for the wave. Safety is a major theme for this launch. Hazards include reefs, rocks, and large boulders, plus strong rip currents that can form during larger swells and outgoing tides. Local community enforcement of priority rules and moderate localism are also highlighted—plus there are reports of seasonal restrictions such as no-sport zones in summer. For the surf specifically, locals advise timing around mid-to-rising tide to reduce exposure to the most dangerous sections and keeping an eye on shore break risk when exiting. Across other sports, kitesurfing is reported as very rare due to the rocky shoreline and competing surf activity, and it’s generally discouraged during peak surfing hours. Wingfoiling is described as possible but challenging, with difficult launching at low tide and a need for at least mid-to-high tide depth.

  • Long right-hand walling waves over a rocky point
  • Best at mid to high tide with rising tide often improving safety
  • Autumn-to-late-winter swell reliability
  • Offshore-cleaner winds with East/Southeast guidance
Great for
Surfing shortboardSurfing longboardAdvanced riders
What's great
  • Long walling right-hand point break with rides commonly 50–150 m and up to ~300 m on good days
  • Works at mid to high tide, with rising tide often improving access to safer sections
  • Water quality is reported clean
  • Seasonal lifeguards and nearby medical access in the local area
Heads up
  • Dangerous rocky/reef bottom with boulders (especially at lower water)
  • Strong currents can develop, particularly during larger swells and outgoing tides
  • Moderate localism and strict priority expectations during surf hours
  • Consistency can be mixed; best conditions depend on swell and wind timing
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Practical spot guide

Wind, water and seasons

Wind

Direction
S, SSE, E
Offshore directions
SE, E, SSE
Wind Type
Mixed — Offshore-cleaner conditions reported with East/Southeast winds; occasional light sea breezes in warmer months.
Reliability
variable
Gust Factor
Moderate gusts
Best Months
September, October, November
Shadow Zones
Some shelter from high cliffs to the south within the bay.
Thermal Window
Sea breeze · Afternoon · Months: May, Jun, Jul, Aug · Dir: NW, NNE, WNW · Light sea breezes can occur in spring and summer afternoons; regional cluster window commonly reports afternoon/early evening strengthening.

Water & beach

Water Type
Small waves
Beach
Rocks — Mixed rocky shoreline with scattered boulders/rocks.
Beach Size
Tidal
Waves
Small — Sources range from small to medium; can build up to about 2.5 m+.
Launch
Medium — Narrow sandy access with rocks and boulders along the shoreline; rocky navigation required.
Launch Difficulty
Moderate — Launching/entry can be difficult depending on water level due to exposed rocks and underwater reefs.

Through the year

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best seasonOff-season
12–21 °C
Water Temperature
Wetsuit Guide
May–Aug: 3/2mmSep–Apr: 4/3mm + Boots, Hood
Crowds by Season

Can be crowded in July and August; otherwise relatively quiet on weekdays but busier during good swell periods.

Storm/Rain Season

Winter months (December to February) can see heavy Atlantic storms.

By sport

What to expect for each.

KitesurfingSkill Level

Very rarely practiced due to rocky shoreline, limited beach space at high tide, and surf activity. Better suited only for advanced riders on specifically windy days with West winds.

Wave
WingfoilingSkill Level

Possible but challenging due to rocky bottom and wave power; launching is difficult at low tide due to exposed boulders. Safe only at mid to high tide.

Foil Friendly
Limited
Min Depth
Only safe at mid to high tide.
SurfingBest for this spotSkill Level

Exposed Basque right-hand point break that peels over a boulder/reef-strewn bottom, offering long walling rights and mellower lefts. Works best at mid to high tide (especially rising).

Point break
Wave Direction
Right
Optimal Swell
NW, W
Swell Height
1–2.5 m
Optimal Tide
Mid, High — Rising tide preferred to avoid the most dangerous rocks.
Shelter
Semi-sheltered — Point-bay exposure with cliffs providing some shelter from swell/wind variations; still described as exposed overall.
Wind Effect
East or Southeast winds reported to provide cleaner, more offshore conditions for shaping; offshore-from-southeast conditions are noted for better shape and tubularity.
Bigger Swell
Holds up to about 2.5 m+; beyond the top range it can become very heavy and difficult to manage.
Wave Quality
Good — Regional classic / good quality when the swell and wind line up.
Wave Power
Moderate
Wave Shape
Peeling
Peel Speed
Medium
Ride Length
Medium — 50–150 m typical; up to 300 m on good/excellent days.
Typical Ride Length
50–150 m
Ride Length Details
Average rides commonly reported around 50–150 m; exceptional days can extend up to roughly 300 m.
Forecast

Check the forecast before you go

See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Erromardie in the full forecast view.

Erromardie wind and wave forecast summary

Wind
2–15 ktsGusts 26 kts
Direction
WSW255°
Strongest day
Sun, Oct 2515 kts
Windy days
1/712 kts or more
Waves
0.8–4.3 m11s period
Temperature
9–22 °C

Over the next 7 days, Erromardie is forecast for daytime winds of 2–15 kts, peaking around 15 kts on Sunday, October 25 with gusts to 26 kts. The prevailing direction is WSW. Waves run 0.8–4.3 m with a period of about 11s. Based on the Wavind model, in the spot’s local time.

Nearby

Other spots in the area

Safety

What to know before you launch

Safety, access, restrictions, rescue, and local rules can change. Treat these details as informational and confirm them locally before launching.

Hazards

  • reef
  • rocks
  • boulders
  • strong rip currents
  • strong currents
  • localism
  • shore break at high tide
Ability Level: Intermediate
Recommended Safety Gear
HelmetImpact vestBootsLeash

Rescue & support

Lifeguard
Seasonal
Rescue & Self-Rescue
Limited — Rescue availability specifically reported as limited at the spot; wider region reports high coastal coverage with seasonal lifeguards at major beaches.
Emergency Info
Nearest hospital is reported in Saint-Jean-de-Luz; emergency number reported as 112.
Localism / Vibe
Moderate — Moderate localism with priority rules strictly enforced.

Rules of the spot

Priority rules are strictly enforced by the local community; respect local surfers due to moderate localism. Seasonal no-sport zones are reported in summer.

Restrictions
  • Seasonal lifeguard zones
  • No-sport zones in summer
  • Kitesurfing is generally discouraged during peak surfing hours
Local Tips
  • Best surfed on a rising mid-tide to avoid the most dangerous rocks.
  • Right-hand waves are powerful and best at higher tide; lefts are mellower but still limited by the rocky bottom.
  • Watch for rocks under the northern cliff when paddling for right-hand waves.
  • Keep an eye on the shore break when exiting at high tide.
  • Right-hand waves can become very heavy to manage once swell builds beyond the top end.

Getting there & access

Nearest City
Saint-Jean-de-Luz
Nearest Town
Saint-Jean-de-Luz
Parking
Easy parking at the end of the road following signs for Plage d'Erromardie, Chemin d'Erromardie (but it fills up quickly in summer).
Access
Accessible via Chemin d'Erromardie from the northern end of Saint-Jean-de-Luz; follow signs for Plage d'Erromardie. Parking at/near the beachfront fills up quickly in summer.
Cost Level
Moderate
Local Language
French (Basque also spoken locally)
Amenities

What's on the beach

Toilets
Parking
Showers
Restaurant
Camping
Accommodation
Near — Several campsites are reported within walking distance.
Food & Drink
Seasonal beach bars and restaurants overlooking the bay.
Equipment Rental:
Rental shops are available in the center of Saint-Jean-de-Luz.
Learn, rent & more

Schools & services

No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.

Reviews

From riders who've been here

Community observations

Latest reported conditions

Spot questions

Frequently asked questions

When is the best season at Erromardie?

The best overall months at Erromardie are September, October, November.

Which wind directions work at Erromardie?

Erromardie works with S, SSE, E winds. Offshore directions are SE, E, SSE.

What skill level is Erromardie suitable for?

Erromardie suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Advanced · Wingfoiling: Advanced · Surfing: Intermediate.