Ilbaritz Edouard V (La Cote Basque)
- Shortboard, Advanced riders
- Best for
- Intermediate to Advanced
- Skill Level
- Ocean
- Spot Type
- Busy
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Ilbaritz Edouard V is a Basque Coast reef surf spot at the north end of Bidart on the Biarritz border, set above the sandy beach with rocky/reef elements offshore and rocks in the riding zone. Conditions are shaped by the interplay of swells and tide: the spot is consistently referenced as working best around mid tide, with the most favorable swell coming from the west to northwest.
- Best overall season: autumn (especially September and October)
- Preferred swell: West / Northwest
- Mid tide is the go-to timing window
- Rocks and reef hazards are a primary safety consideration
- High consistency during autumn for reef/peelable surf
- Works as an alternative when neighboring Biarritz beaches are overwhelmed by swell
- Clean offshore winds reported from the east
- Rock hazards and a reef-focused bottom increase difficulty and wipeout risk
- Rip currents reported near rocky sections
- Crowds can be heavy around peak periods/weekends
- Can close out or get messy on heavier swells
Wind, water and seasons
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Ocean
- Beach
- Sand — Sand beach with rocky/reef features.
- Beach Size
- Medium
- Waves
- Medium
- Launch
- Medium — Sandy beach with some rocky outcroppings and cliffs backing the shore.
- Launch Difficulty
- Moderate
Through the year
High crowds in July and August; moderate crowds in spring and autumn.
Winter months (December to February) see more frequent storms and rain.
By sport
What to expect for each.
Occasionally used for wingfoiling when conditions are calm, but the surf/rock zones make it challenging for beginners.
- Foil Friendly
- Limited
A reef-and-beach surf area with peaks that can work over a mixed sand-and-rock bottom; rocks and reef hazards make it less forgiving than sand-only beaches.
- Wave Direction
- Both
- Optimal Swell
- W, WNW
- Swell Height
- 1–2.5 m
- Optimal Tide
- Mid — Mid tide is consistently referenced as the preferred window.
- Shelter
- Semi-sheltered
- Wind Effect
- East winds are clean offshore; North/Northwest winds are onshore and choppy.
- Bigger Swell
- Can hold size but starts to close out or become messy in very heavy swells.
- Wave Quality
- Good
- Wave Power
- Moderate
- Wave Shape
- Peeling
- Peel Speed
- Medium
- Ride Length
- Medium
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Ilbaritz Edouard V (La Cote Basque) in the full forecast view.
Ilbaritz Edouard V (La Cote Basque) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 2–16 ktsGusts 26 kts
- Direction
- W274°
- Strongest day
- Sun, Oct 2516 kts
- Windy days
- 1/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.8–3.6 m11s period
- Temperature
- 9–22 °C
Over the next 7 days, Ilbaritz Edouard V (La Cote Basque) is forecast for daytime winds of 2–16 kts, peaking around 16 kts on Sunday, October 25 with gusts to 26 kts. The prevailing direction is W. Waves run 0.8–3.6 m with a period of about 11s. Based on the Wavind model, in the spot’s local time.
Other spots in the area
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
- Rocks
- Submerged rocks
- Rocky reefs scattered along the bottom
- Rip currents
- Crowds
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- Seasonal — Lifeguards are seasonal.
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — Rescue availability is reported as limited for the spot.
- Emergency Info
- Emergency number: 112 (general); also reported emergency numbers include 15 (medical), 17 (police), and 18 (fire).
- Localism / Vibe
- Moderate — Moderate localism reported.
Rules of the spot
Standard surfing etiquette applies; respect local priorities in the lineup.
- Watercraft restrictions may apply during summer months in designated swimming zones.
- Keep an eye on the tide as rocks become more exposed and dangerous at low tide.
- The spot is often less crowded than the main Biarritz beaches but still busy on weekends.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Biarritz
- Nearest Town
- Bidart
- Nearest Airport
- Biarritz Pays Basque Airport (BIQ)
- Parking
- Parking available at the Golf d'Ilbaritz or the dedicated beach parking lots, though they fill up quickly in summer.
- Access
- Accessible via the Avenue Edouard VII or the coastal road between Biarritz and Bidart.
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- French
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Near — Various hotels and seasonal rentals available in both Bidart and Biarritz.
- Food & Drink
- Restaurants and cafes located near the beach and the golf course.
- Equipment Rental:
- Surf rentals available in nearby shops in Bidart and Biarritz center.
- Gear Repair
- Repair shops located in the Biarritz industrial zone and Bidart town.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Ilbaritz Edouard V (La Cote Basque)?
The best overall months at Ilbaritz Edouard V (La Cote Basque) are September, October, November.
What skill level is Ilbaritz Edouard V (La Cote Basque) suitable for?
Ilbaritz Edouard V (La Cote Basque) suits these riding levels: Wingfoiling: Advanced · Surfing: Intermediate to Advanced.