Learn to ride the iconic shorebreak at Côte des Basques in Biarritz with a 1.5-hour group lesson. Professional instructors provide gear and guided progress tailored to tides and your level.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
The wind carries salt and the low, rolling sets that define Côte des Basques. You meet on the sand where basalt outcrops frame the bay, trainers handing out lycras and boards while the Atlantic dares you to try. For 90 minutes the lesson moves like the tide: a 30-minute land warm-up to groove your pop-up, then an hour in waist-to-chest-deep water under watchful instructors as the shorebreak teaches timing more than force.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
1.5 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; should be comfortable swimming and treading water for short periods.
Wildlife
History
Côte des Basques helped spark France’s modern surf scene in the 1960s and sits on coastal rock formations shaped over millions of years.
Conservation
Local schools emphasize reef-safe products and beach cleanups; staying within supervised areas reduces trampling of dune vegetation.
Reserve your spot on the Classes DE Surf Collectif DE 1H30 today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Arrive Early to Gear Up
Be at the school 15 minutes before start time to change, size up a board, and warm up with the group.
Check the Tide
Côte des Basques changes with the tide — mornings and mid-ebb often give the most consistent beginner-friendly waves.
Sun Protection Matters
Even on cloudy days, reflected UV off the water can burn; wear reef-safe sunscreen under your lycra.
Listen to Instructors
Instructors adapt each session to conditions; follow shore signals and stay within the supervised area.
Wetsuit or Lycra (provided)
Insulates and protects during the water portion; schools usually supply this.
Board & Leash (provided)
Schools supply beginner-friendly foam boards with leashes to keep you close to the shore.
Reef-safe Sunscreen
Protects skin during exposure and avoids harming coastal ecosystems.
summer
Towel and Lightweight Jacket
Useful for post-session warmth on windy Atlantic beaches.
spring