Tarnos
- Freeride, Shortboard
- Best for
- Intermediate
- Skill Level
- Small waves, Medium waves
- Spot Type
- 12–25 kts
- Wind Range
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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Tarnos is an exposed Atlantic beach/jetty break known for consistently produced waves across the year. Surf is described as sandy A-frame beachbreak, with the southern jetty/mole shaping sandbanks and helping generate punchier, more hollow peaks. Wave energy is generally strong, and the break is positioned to work with a wide range of swell/wave approaches depending on conditions. For surfing, the most consistently referenced swell window is from west to northwest (with some sources also including southwest). Typical wave character is peeling, with rides reported as medium and capable of becoming longer when sandbanks form well under the jetty’s influence. The break is rated good for overall wave quality, and while it is exposed, the jetty/mole is also noted as helping it manage larger swell better than adjacent areas. Wind and foiling/kiting are supported by summer afternoon sea-breeze development, with typical best months running from June through October. NW winds are repeatedly emphasized for the wind sports side, and thermal/sea-breeze ride windows are commonly described for the afternoon to early evening. For kitesurfing, the spot is described as popular when the NW sea breeze sets up, offering a mix of flatter water between waves and usable ramps. Safety is a key consideration. The mole/jetty is explicitly flagged as a hazard because it can create dangerous currents and physical obstructions, and multiple sources also warn about rip currents and strong river-mouth currents. Lifeguards are reported as seasonal, and seasonal swimming zones may affect kitesurfing behavior—so checking current local access and signage is recommended before launching.
- Exposed Atlantic beach/jetty break with consistent swell
- Jetty/mole helps shape sandbanks for more powerful wave faces
- NW sea-breeze dominance supports afternoon wind sports in summer
- Seasonal lifeguards and regulated swimming zones during peak summer
- Consistent Atlantic-facing beach/jetty break
- Works year-round; best season noted in autumn
- Good infrastructure on/near the main beach parking areas
- Exposed conditions and heavier shorebreak
- Mole/jetty area can create dangerous currents and physical obstructions
- Rip currents and strong currents near river mouth/jetty
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- NW, W, SW
- Offshore directions
- E
- Wind Range
- 12–25 kts
- Wind Type
- Sea breeze — Afternoon sea breezes are common in summer, supporting rideable conditions for kitesurfing and wingfoiling.
- Reliability
- Moderate during summer months due to thermal effects.
- Gust Factor
- Light gusts
- Best Months
- June, July, August, September, October
- Recommended Kite Sizes
- 9–12 m²
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Small waves, Medium waves
- Beach
- Sand
- Beach Size
- Big
- Waves
- Medium
- Launch
- Small — Easy self-launch from a wide sandy beach area.
- Launch Difficulty
- Easy — Launch described as easy self-launch on the sandy beach.
Through the year
Highest in July and August; significantly quieter during the shoulder seasons.
Rainy weather most frequent from November to January.
By sport
What to expect for each.
Popular spot for kitesurfing regionally, especially when the NW sea breeze kicks in; reported mix of flat water between waves and decent ramping for jumps.
- Kite Sizes
- 9–12 m²
Suitable for windsurfing, especially wave-riding or bump-and-jump conditions in onshore or side-onshore winds.
- Sail Sizes
- 5–6.5 m²
Increasingly popular for wingfoiling due to depth and consistency of wind; shore entry can be challenging due to shorebreak.
- Foil Friendly
- Yes — Minimum depth reported as 2 meters.
- Min Depth
- 2 meters
- Wing Sizes
- 4–6 m²
Sandy A-frame beachbreak with consistent Atlantic swells. The southern jetty helps shape sandbanks and can produce hollow, punchy peaks.
- Wave Direction
- Both
- Optimal Swell
- W, NW, SW
- Swell Height
- 0.5–2.5 m
- Optimal Tide
- Mid — Wave quality is reported to change notably between low and high tide.
- Shelter
- Exposed — Exposed setup; the southern jetty/mole influences sandbanks and wave formation.
- Wind Effect
- East winds are offshore and provide cleaner conditions.
- Bigger Swell
- Handles larger swells better than adjacent beaches due to sheltering/shaping effect of the jetty.
- Wave Quality
- Good
- Wave Power
- Powerful — Classic Atlantic beach/jetty power with steep, punchy waves.
- Wave Shape
- Peeling
- Peel Speed
- Medium
- Ride Length
- Medium — Can produce long rides when sandbanks are well-formed by the jetty.
- Typical Ride Length
- 50–150 m
- Ride Length Details
- Typical rides can extend to longer sessions when sandbanks are well-formed; one source estimates 50–150 m.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Tarnos in the full forecast view.
Tarnos wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 2–17 ktsGusts 27 kts
- Direction
- W261°
- Strongest day
- Sun, Oct 2517 kts
- Windy days
- 1/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.8–4.1 m11s period
- Temperature
- 9–22 °C
Over the next 7 days, Tarnos is forecast for daytime winds of 2–17 kts, peaking around 17 kts on Sunday, October 25 with gusts to 27 kts. The prevailing direction is W. Waves run 0.8–4.1 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
- Mole (jetty)
- Rip currents
- Jetty/mole currents
- Strong river mouth currents
- Heavy shorebreak
- Heavy local presence at La Digue
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- Seasonal — Seasonal lifeguards reported.
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — Rescue availability reported as limited for the spot itself; seasonal lifeguards are present.
- Localism / Vibe
- Moderate — Heavy locals specifically noted at La Digue.
Rules of the spot
Respect designated swimming zones during the summer months when lifeguards are present.
- Kitesurfing may be restricted in designated swimming areas during peak summer hours.
- Check the tide as wave quality changes significantly between low and high tide.
- Be cautious of the current pulling toward the jetty.
- Avoid La Digue if sensitive to localism; Plage du Métro is more welcoming for progression.
- Wear booties if stepping on sandbar edges.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Anglet
- Nearest Town
- Tarnos
- Parking
- Parking available near both Plage du Métro and Plage de la Digue.
- Access
- Accessible via road with beach-front parking areas; Plage du Métro (Av Julian Grimau) and Plage de la Digue (Rte de la Barre) are reachable by local roads.
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- French
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Near — Various campsites and holiday rentals are available in the Tarnos and Ondres area.
- Food & Drink
- Several seasonal snack bars and restaurants are located near the main parking areas.
- Equipment Rental:
- Rental gear for surfing is available at local surf clubs and nearby shops in the region.
- Gear Repair
- Repair services can be found in nearby areas (reported as Anglet/Soorts-Hossegor industrial zones and local shops).
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 Tarnos?
The best overall months at Tarnos are October. The best wind months are June, July, August, September, October.
Which wind directions work at Tarnos?
Tarnos works with NW, W, SW winds. Offshore directions are E.
What equipment sizes are recommended at Tarnos?
Recommended equipment sizes at Tarnos: Kitesurfing: 9–12 m² · Windsurfing: 5–6.5 m² · Wingfoiling: 4–6 m². The typical wind range is 12–25 kts.
What skill level is Tarnos suitable for?
Tarnos suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Intermediate · Windsurfing: Intermediate · Wingfoiling: Intermediate · Surfing: Intermediate.