La Nord
La Nord is Lacanau's contest venue—a quality beachbreak that has hosted the Lacanau Pro since 1979, making it one of Europe's longest-running surf competitions. The wave offers punchy, performance-oriented walls that work across a range of conditions, though it rarely reaches the raw power of the Hossegor zone to the south. The town's surf culture runs deep, with generations of French surfers cutting their teeth on these banks. When it's on, La Nord delivers legitimate QS-level waves.
La Nord surf forecast
Model forecast for swell, wind and tide.
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- WNW (300°)
- Direction range
- 270° - 340°
- Size range
- 0.6m - 3m
- Ideal size
- 1.7m - 2.4m
- Height multiplier
- 0.97×
- Ideal period
- 13s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- E (100°)
- Offshore range
- 60° - 140°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- mid
- Optimal range
- 0.8m - 2.2m
Water temp
17°C
Wetsuit
3/2mm fullsuit
Difficulty
5/10
Crowd level
9/10
Access: Easy beach access. Contest venue infrastructure.
Frequently Asked Questions
What tide is best at La Nord?
The La Nord profile favors mid tide, ideally between 0.8m and 2.2m 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 (100°) as its preferred direction, with an offshore range of 60° to 140°. 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 (270° to 340°), a swell-height range of 0.6m to 3m, and a reference period of 13s. 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-Nov. A secondary window runs Apr-Jun. Hosts Lacanau Pro in August. Autumn best for quality.
How do I get to La Nord?
The spot profile lists BOD as a nearby airport. The estimated road transfer is 60 minutes. Easy beach access. Contest venue infrastructure.
What kind of wave is La Nord?
La Nord is a beach break, a peak with lefts and rights. Difficulty is rated 5/10.
Best Season
Peak: Sep-Nov
Secondary: Apr-Jun
Hosts Lacanau Pro in August. Autumn best for quality.
Getting There
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