Sainte Barbe Saint-Jean-de-Luz

Sainte Barbe is a sheltered beach break located in the Bay of Saint-Jean-de-Luz on France's Atlantic coast, near the Spanish border. The spot faces northwest into a protected bay with moderate wave exposure. The coastline is characterized by sandy beaches backed by dense residential development, with visible breakwaters and groynes providing shore protection. The bay's limited fetch distance restricts swell development, resulting in small average waves (1.33m). The spot works best with northeasterly to easterly winds providing side-shore to side-onshore conditions. Low wind reliability (10.1%) and modest average wind speeds (6.6 knots) suggest this is primarily a summer spot dependent on thermal or pressure system winds. Visible rocky outcrops and coastal infrastructure require careful navigation. The calm, sheltered conditions suit beginners and intermediate kiters seeking protected water and smaller waves. Water temperatures around 15°C indicate a wetsuit is necessary. This location serves local progression riders rather than advanced wave hunters seeking larger swell.