La Graviere
La Graviere is arguably the world's heaviest beachbreak—a freight-train of a wave that breaks with reef-like power over shifting sand banks in Hossegor, France. The Gouf de Capbreton submarine canyon focuses Atlantic swells directly at this stretch of beach, producing thick, dredging barrels that have humbled many pros. When it's on, the tubes are round and perfect, but the closeouts are savage and the paddle-outs punishing. This is where beachbreak surfing reaches its absolute ceiling.
La Graviere surf forecast
Model forecast for swell, wind and tide.
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- WNW (295°)
- Direction range
- 265° - 330°
- Size range
- 1m - 3.5m
- Ideal size
- 2.1m - 2.9m
- Height multiplier
- 1.08×
- Ideal period
- 14s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- E (100°)
- Offshore range
- 60° - 140°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- low to mid
Water temp
18°C
Wetsuit
3/2mm fullsuit
Difficulty
8/10
Crowd level
8/10
Access: Beach
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of wave is La Graviere?
La Graviere is a beach break in Hossegor, France, with peaks that run both left and right. It's on our list of the world's 100 best waves. It's also a renowned bodyboarding wave.
What's the story behind La Graviere?
Surfing took off in Hossegor in the 1950s, and the French Surf Federation has been headquartered here since 1984. Rip Curl moved its European headquarters to Hossegor in 1980, later followed by Quiksilver, Billabong and Rusty.
What swell works best at La Graviere?
La Graviere picks up swell from the W round to the NNW, and it's best when it's coming straight out of the WNW. It starts working at around 1m and handles up to about 3.5m, with the sweet spot around 2.1 to 2.9m. Period matters too: aim for 14s or longer, as anything under 10s tends to be weak. These are the numbers our scoring uses, so treat them as a guide rather than a promise.
What wind is offshore at La Graviere?
An E wind is dead offshore at La Graviere, and anything from the ENE round to the SE keeps it clean. The morning is typically the best window, roughly 6am to 11am. Light winds from other directions can still be fine; strong offshores can make it hard to get into waves.
What tide is best at La Graviere?
La Graviere is at its best around the low to mid tide.
When is the best time of year to surf La Graviere?
The most reliable run of swell at La Graviere comes Sep to Nov, through the northern autumn. There's a second window in Mar to May too. Autumn (Sep-Nov) is prime. Offshore canyon focuses swell.
How cold is the water at La Graviere?
The water at La Graviere averages around 18°C, so you'll want a 3/2mm fullsuit. It shifts a few degrees through the year, so check the season before you pack.
Is La Graviere good for beginners?
Not really. It's rated 8/10 for difficulty and suits experienced surfers. It gets busy (crowd 8/10), so mind the pecking order. Extremely heavy closeouts. Strong rips when big.
How do I get to La Graviere?
The nearest airport on our list is BIQ, then it's roughly a 25-minute drive. Beach.
What other surf spots are near La Graviere?
The closest breaks we track are La Nord (1.4 km), Les Estagnots (2.9 km) and Les Cavaliers (17 km), handy when La Graviere isn't working.
Best Season
Peak: Sep-Nov
Secondary: Mar-May
Autumn (Sep-Nov) is prime. Offshore canyon focuses swell.
Getting There
Nearby Spots
La Nord
💪 Europe's heaviest beach break • Canyon power • Autumn perfection
Les Estagnots
🌊 Landes power beachbreak • Canyon-enhanced • North of Hossegor
Les Cavaliers
🏖️ Anglet surf strip classic • Sandbar-dependent peaks • French beach culture
Guéthary
🇫🇷 Basque big wave territory • Heavy reef • Respect the locals
Lafitenia
🇫🇷 Intermediate perfection • Long right walls • Basque Country classic
Belharra
🇫🇷 France's giant • 2.5km offshore • Some winters stays silent
Plan a trip around La Graviere
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