Technical details of spot

Spot functioning

Access from Préfailles via the D96 to the Pointe Saint-Gildas car park. Carefully identify rocky areas before launching — some sections near the tip are hazardous. Best at mid-tide. Strong tidal currents from the Loire — much stronger at spring tides. Never ride alone.

On the water

Exposed cape with significant tidal currents from the Loire estuary. Rocky areas near the point — sandy sections must be identified. Swell from southwest to northwest. Chaotic sea state when wind opposes tidal current. Atlantic ocean side gives clean swell conditions. Loire estuary side gives choppier, current-dominated water.

Required level

Advanced

Spot opening date

Open all year round

Open year-round. Best season April to October. Southwest to northwest winds most reliable spring and autumn. The cape is a natural monument with walking paths — busy with hikers in good weather.

Wind specificities

The headland creates significant wind acceleration — 15 knots in open water can become 20-25 at the tip. Southwest to northwest are dominant. The cape position gives full Atlantic fetch with long oceanic swell. Very consistent and powerful conditions when it's on. The Loire estuary proximity means wind-over-current effects can be intense.

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