Avalanche.

Avalanche is the big-wave outer reef break off Guéthary on the French Basque coast, known locally as Les Alcyons. It produces long left-handers that unfold across an uneven reef shelf, with walls that can reach 7m and beyond on the biggest NW groundswells. The wave is characterised by a powerful, bowly entry that demands immediate commitment, followed by a slopey, wrapping wall that offers multiple high-line sections before fading into a muscular shoulder. Boils on the face and an active current through the lineup add to the complexity of riding it well. It works across all tides, though low tide sharpens the wave and increases the consequence of errors over the shallow sections. Avalanche rarely breaks - it needs a large, well-organised NW or W swell to light up, and those swells do not arrive often. On the days it does fire, it is one of the most significant waves in western Europe, drawing both paddle surfers with specialist big-wave guns and tow crews. A length and thickness in the board is non-negotiable - the paddle into these waves is as demanding as the ride itself. On smaller functional days, the lineup is shared among a tight crew of experienced Basque locals who know each other well. Visiting surfers should observe carefully before committing to the paddle-out, as the current and reef layout are unforgiving to those unfamiliar with the spot.

Long left across an uneven reef shelf, demanding immediate commitment and specialist guns.