Technical details of La Palud - Crozon Atlantic Wave Spot spot

Spot functioning

Access: from Crozon/Morgat, take the Cap de la Chèvre road. Turn right just after Montourgard and follow the single track road straight through — car park above the bay (rough track, ~50 spaces, low vehicles may scrape). Steep path down to the beach — carry your equipment down.

The beach can be quite wide at low tide. Two main zones: north half (more protected, used by advanced riders with the "ascenseur" current); south half (more open, main surfing area).

On the water

Beach break exposed full west — catches any Atlantic swell. Best waves at mid to high rising tide (WSW ideal swell angle). Left and right breaks. North end: stronger baïnes rip currents, powerful "ascenseur" current along cliff (used by advanced riders). South end: main surf zone. Rocks and WWII anti-landing obstacles both ends — stay in the central sandy zone. Current can reach up to 8m swell in extreme storms; rideable max ~4m.

Required level

Expert

Spot opening date

Open all year round

Parking

Car park above the bay, rough stony track (deep ruts on sections). Low vehicles will scrape the underside. About 50 spaces. No facilities. Walk down steep path with equipment. In summer, the car park fills quickly on good days.

Hazards

Expert-only spot — never ride here if you are not a confirmed wave rider. Multiple serious dangers:

• Rocks: at both extremities of the beach and the Île Guénéron reef offshore (north). Anti-landing tetrahedral obstacles from WWII are present between the rock and the beach — both north and south sectors have submerged/semi-submerged obstacles.
• Baïnes: strong rip currents mid-tide — can be very violent. Positions change each year.
• "Ascenseur": a powerful lift current along the northern cliff — used by advanced riders but very dangerous.
• Shorebreak: violent at high tide — rocks present at top of beach (galets).
• Swell size: often bigger than it looks from the car park. Can reach 8m in extreme storms, rideable only up to ~4m. Assess conditions from the water's edge, not the car park.
• Swimming forbidden due to currents.
• No rescue services on site. Nearest services: Crozon/Morgat. Ride in groups only.

Wind specificities

La Palud faces due west — the key wind orientations are:

• E / ENE (offshore): ideal — cleans up the waves, creates glassy powerful conditions. Best kitesurf and windsurf configuration.
• N / NNE (side-offshore, starboard tack): excellent for wave kiting — same logic as at Goulien. Waves cleaned up, side-off.
• S / SSE (side-offshore, port tack): works well — S slightly gusty at times.
• NW / NNW / SW / SSW (side to onshore): acceptable in moderate swell, conditions more disorganised.
• W (onshore): avoid in big swell — cannot pass the break. Works only in small swell for boosting.

Wind can gust very strongly in squally weather — conditions can change quickly. Autumn/winter preferred season.

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