Overview
Parlementia is a deepwater reef at Guéthary, known for a shifty right-hand peak far out from the rocky shoreline. From the terrace it can look cleaner and softer than it feels once you are paddling out.
The main peak is an outside bombora-style reef with a short shoulder, long bottom turns, and open carves. There is also a left off the peak that runs back across the inner reef and can wall up steeply or section and close out. On small to moderate days, faster rights can break over the shallower inside reef shelf.
When It Works
The best swell direction is northwest (NW), with west to north swell also in the window. Parlementia is usable from 0.9 m / 3 ft to 5.5 m / 18 ft and is moderately consistent.
It is rideable year-round, with October to February the main season. On clean northwest swells, the outside peak can hold serious size.
Wind and Tide
The offshore wind direction is east (E), and the wave is sensitive to wind.
Low, mid, and high tide can all work. Smaller swells need a lower tide, while a rising tide is better; once it is overhead, tide matters less.
Local Tips
This is an intermediate-and-up reef with a long paddle and a shifting lineup. Large, long, voluminous boards help surfers get in early on the outside peak, while shortboards come into play on the smaller to moderate inside rights.
Crowds vary. Underhead summer days can be busy with all kinds of boards in the water, while bigger winter swells tend to spread people out. The lineup is somewhat reserved, and the main peak is often well understood by regulars, so respect goes a long way.
Access
Park at the end of town and walk down. There is a small car park with free parking, plus roadside parking, but spaces fill quickly around Chemin Barognenia and the small car parks at the top or in town.
Paddle out from the harbour to avoid the rock slalom at lower tides. The channel just south of the break is easy to spot.
Facilities include restrooms, showers, a surf shop, and a cafe in front of the break.
