Mimizan

The North Beach of Mimizan is oriented north-south facing the Atlantic Ocean, making it ideal for side-on to side-shore winds coming from the NW or SW. These directions are the best as they generate a chop water surface with small waves without too much onshore wind that would prematurely break the waves.

Launching is done directly from the wide sandy beach, with a clear take-off area to the north of the spot to avoid the monitored swimming area. The navigation area extends several hundred meters along the beach, but one must remain vigilant about the swimming zones marked by buoys in summer.

Depending on the tides, at low tide the water surface is more chop with short waves, while at high tide it becomes smoother and suitable for freeride. In summer, a thermal rises in the afternoon with the incoming tide, around 10-20 knots. Beware of shifting sandbanks that alter the wave zones.

The spot works well year-round, but optimal sessions are with cross-off wind from the NW that aligns perfectly with the beach.