La Nord
La Nord is Hossegor's heavy hitter—arguably Europe's most powerful beach break, where deep-water canyons funnel Atlantic swells into peaks that explode with oceanic force. This is not a wave for the timid: thick lips, heavy holddowns, and a reputation for humbling surfers who've never experienced true European power. The Landes coast's unique bathymetry creates conditions that rival reef breaks in intensity, while the shifting sandbars ensure no two sessions are identical. Autumn is prime season, when clean swells arrive and the summer crowds have departed.
La Nord surf forecast
Model forecast for swell, wind and tide.
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- WNW (290°)
- Direction range
- 260° - 320°
- Size range
- 1m - 3m
- Ideal size
- 1.9m - 2.5m
- Height multiplier
- 1.08×
- Ideal period
- 14s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- E (90°)
- Offshore range
- 45° - 135°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- low to mid
- Optimal range
- 0.3m - 1.5m
Water temp
17°C
Wetsuit
3/2mm fullsuit
Difficulty
6/10
Crowd level
8/10
Access: Beach parking available.
Frequently Asked Questions
What tide is best at La Nord?
The La Nord profile favors low to mid tide, ideally between 0.3m and 1.5m on the local tide chart. Compare this preference with the forecast tide and local conditions before choosing a session.
What wind direction is offshore at La Nord?
The La Nord profile uses wind from E (90°) as its preferred direction, with an offshore range of 45° to 135°. Wind speed matters too: light winds outside that range can still produce surfable conditions, while strong offshore winds can make takeoffs difficult.
What swell size and direction work best at La Nord?
The La Nord scoring profile favors swell from WNW (260° to 320°), a swell-height range of 1m to 3m, and a reference period of 14s. These are model inputs, not guaranteed breaking-wave heights or a promise that the surf will suit every ability.
When is the best time of year to surf La Nord?
The main season at La Nord is Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar. A secondary window runs Apr, Aug. Autumn and winter best. Summer can be flat.
How do I get to La Nord?
The spot profile lists BIQ as a nearby airport. The estimated road transfer is 30 minutes. Beach parking available.
What kind of wave is La Nord?
La Nord is a beach break, a peak with lefts and rights. Difficulty is rated 6/10.
Best Season
Peak: Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar
Secondary: Apr, Aug
Autumn and winter best. Summer can be flat.
Getting There
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