Overview
Bidart is a fickle beach setup with sand, uneven reef, and scattered rocks, breaking both left and right. It can be fun on average days and occasionally excellent, but it can also be frustrating.
The central beach is often busy with surf club surfers, and Plage d’Erretegia at the northern edge is popular with longboarders, where rocky fingers can help shape fun waves.
When It Works
Bidart tends to pick up less swell than some nearby beaches, which helps because it can close out easily when it gets bigger. It works best in small to medium swell, with northwest as the optimal swell direction and west to north swell also in range.
It is usable from 0.3 m / 1 ft to 1.8 m / 6 ft. In bigger swell it can close out, though there are occasional memorable days with fast outside walls and fun inside shorebreak hooks.
Spring and autumn are the best seasons, especially around March to May and September to October.
Wind and Tide
The offshore wind direction is southeast, with east-southeast also a workable wind window.
All tides can work, and rising tide is better for the general setup. At Plage d’Erretegia, the beach almost disappears at high tide, so the drop is the better call there.
Local Tips
Bidart suits shortboards, funboards, longboards, fish, bodyboards, and bodysurfing. Beginners do use the area, and there are lots of surf schools, but the rocks deserve attention.
Expect a moderate to busy crowd, with a strong local surf club presence. Keep things respectful and low-key.
Watch for:
- Rocks, especially around low tide.
- Shifty peaks and rips when it gets bigger.
- Suspect water quality near the river, especially after heavy rain.
Access
There is beachfront parking along Rue de la Plage, with a car park with free parking and roadside parking nearby.
Facilities include restrooms, showers, lifeguards, and surf schools.
