Le Furoncle (La Cote Basque)

Le Furoncle is an extreme, rarely-working surfing break at La Barre (Anglet), positioned at/near the end of a jetty/breakwater close to the Adour river mouth. It’s only considered viable on massive Atlantic swells, and when it does activate the wave is described as hollow and powerful, breaking as a left-hand section very close to hard structures. Because the break is so exposed and the take-off/landing zone sits near rocks, concrete blocks, and man-made elements, the spot is consistently flagged as expert-only. Strong rip currents and powerful water movement (undertow and river-mouth flow) make this a particularly hazardous environment even when the lineup looks clean. Sources also emphasize that a failed take-off can carry a specific rock-collision risk. Wind expectations center on easterly offshore conditions: east winds are reported as optimal for grooming hollow lefts. The wave is also described as working only with the right swell size and direction (west to northwest swell), and it’s often further noted as being best around low tide or during favorable tide movement. Safety and timing matter: pollution concerns are tied to the nearby river and heavy rain, so water quality checks are strongly recommended after storms. Crowds are typically extremely light or empty, but that should not be taken as a sign of safety—rescue and on-site support can be limited for this specific break, so planning and conservative decision-making are essential.