Parlementia

Europe's premier big-wave reef, a brutal paddle off the Basque coast

Parlementia is Guethary's big-wave reef break, located a few hundred metres offshore in the heart of the French Basque Country between Biarritz and Saint-Jean-de-Luz. The exposed reef picks up swell year-round but truly comes alive from October through March when powerful North Atlantic storms send waves up to 5 metres. The takeoff is deceptively mellow compared to spots like Belharra, but surfers need serious paddle speed to get down the face before the wave steepens into a fast, hollow section. The main peak offers a long reforming right and a shorter, fast, hollow left. It is a brutal 20-minute paddle out to the lineup, and only expert surfers should attempt it. Locals are protective, so respect in the lineup is essential. Water temperature drops to around 12C in late winter requiring a 4/3mm wetsuit with boots, while summer sees temps around 20-25C where a 3/2 suffices.

Best months to surf Parlementia

Wave consistency

Moderate

Things to do nearby

• Explore Biarritz's Grande Plage and town centre
• Pintxos bar crawling in nearby Saint-Jean-de-Luz
• Hiking the Basque coastal GR10 trail
• Day trip to San Sebastian across the Spanish border