Capbreton – Le Prévent

Capbreton · Landes · France

Today’s forecast: the current surf forecast for Capbreton – Le Prévent (wave height, swell, wind, tide and a 0–10 rating for every hour of the next 16 days) are only shown on SurfCams. They change every hour, so this text doesn’t contain them. To check today’s surf, open https://surf-cams.com/spot/capbreton-prevent.

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Le Prévent, named after the old preventorium behind it, is a beach boxed in by jetties on both sides, which keeps it relatively sheltered. It is a hollow, fun beach break with lefts and rights that is popular with families and surf schools, and there is nearly always something to ride. In winter it becomes a good sheltered option that can get very crowded. It can turn hollow and strong at low tide on the drop.

Level
Beginners
Break
Beach break, sand
Waves
Lefts and rights
Crowd
Packed
Season
autumn, winter, spring, summer
Boards
Anything from a foam board to a shortboard.

When it works

✓ A 1–2.5 m west to northwest swell from low to mid tide on the falling tide, with an east to northeast wind.

When it doesn't

✕ High tide, or strong onshore wind.

Watch out for

  • crowds
  • rocks
  • rips

Best months

January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December

Local tips

The falling tide toward low is the best window. On weekends and in summer the lineup is packed with schools, so surf early or on weekdays. Some guides warn of strong currents near the groynes, which also bring rocks into play.

Getting there

Park at the free Santocha car park or in the nearby streets (paid in summer) and walk a few minutes to the beach; there are toilets and a water point by the sundial.

Travel notes

How often it works
The jetties protect it, so it stays small and easy when the open beaches are big. That makes it a good spot for beginners and stormy days. On small swells it can be almost flat.
Crowd and vibe
It is packed with surf schools at weekends and in summer, and most people in the water are beginners. Go early or on a weekday.
Camping and vans
The town campsite, Camping La Civelle, is about 1 to 1.5 km away in the forest. Capbreton has a paid motorhome aire nearby. Nearest campsite about 1.5 km away.
Facilities
There are toilets and a water point by the sundial, restaurants, bars and shops nearby, many surf schools, a shuttle stop and lifeguards in July and August.
Water quality
All five of Capbreton's bathing sites are rated excellent in the official French rating (national open data, 2022).

Ideal conditions

Swell
WNW–NW best, WSW–NNW works
Size
1.2–2.5 m offshore swell; starts at 0.6 m, holds to 4 m
Period
8 s minimum, best from 12 s
Wind
Offshore NE–SE; handles onshore up to 12 km/h
Tide
low, mid best, avoid high, on the falling tide
Faces
W (274°)

Live cam

No cam at this spot yet: the forecast and the guide are on the map.

In the guides

Nearby spots

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Sources