Belharra

Belharra is the name of a large, powerful wave that breaks off the coast of the Basque Country, near the town of Saint-Jean-de-Luz in France. It is a reef break that requires extremely large swells to activate, typically during winter storms in the North Atlantic.

Belharra is known for producing massive waves, often exceeding 15 meters (50 feet) in height, making it a sought-after location for big wave surfers. Due to its unpredictable nature and the extreme conditions required for it to break, surfing Belharra is considered a highly dangerous and challenging feat.

The location of the break is a considerable distance offshore, adding to the difficulty and danger of attempting to ride the wave. Surfers are typically towed into the wave using personal watercraft (jet skis).

The name "Belharra" originates from the Basque language, but the exact meaning is debated. It is believed to be related to the area's maritime history and folklore. The break has gained significant international attention in recent years as big wave surfing has increased in popularity and as advances in forecasting technology have made it easier to predict when the wave will break.