Anse du Brick

WindsurfingWingfoilingSurfing
Shortboard, Longboard
Best for
Beginner to Intermediate
Skill Level
Ocean
Spot Type
Busy
Crowd Level

This spot information is AI-assisted and has not been human verified. It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect. Verify safety, access, local rules, and current conditions with official or local sources before riding.

About this spot

About

Anse du Brick is a sheltered Normandy cove near Fermanville that produces A-frame beach-break peaks over mixed sand and reef. Surf is described as good and typically offers both left and right waves, with conditions improving when the swell and wind line up. For the best surfing, sources consistently point to south wind as the key wind ingredient, producing cleaner/offshore-friendly conditions for the break. The spot is most often associated with strong SW swell combinations and working swell windows around roughly 0.5–2.5m, with reports that it can hold up to about 2m+ depending on conditions. Wave quality is generally characterized as good or fun. Tide matters: the break is commonly reported to work best at low to mid tide, and it’s also noted that a rising tide can be particularly favorable. In terms of timing, the best season for surfing is concentrated in the cooler months—October through March—with December highlighted as a top month for consistent conditions. Safety-wise, expect reef/rock hazards and potential shore-break impacts; one source also mentions rip currents. Rescue availability is described inconsistently (limited vs. no), so treat the area as potentially lacking immediate rescue support and surf with extra caution, especially when the swell is pumping or crowds increase.

  • Sheltered beach-break with both left and right waves
  • South wind is the key for cleaner, offshore-friendly surf
  • Best in the colder season (Oct–Mar), with December singled out
Great for
Surfing shortboardSurfing longboardSurfing bodyboard
What's great
  • Sheltered bay beach break that can deliver fun left and right waves.
  • Works best when south/south-west winds are offshore and when the swell is in the recommended directions.
  • Easy access with parking options and very short walk to the cove.
Heads up
  • Reef/rocks and uneven bottom can make it hazardous, especially on shore-break.
  • Can become crowded on weekends and in summer holidays due to nearby access.
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Practical spot guide

Wind, water and seasons

Wind

Direction
S
Offshore directions
S
Wind Range
10–20 kts
Wind Type
Frontal — Frontal/gradient pattern indicated, with offshore benefit for certain south wind directions.
Reliability
44% blown, 32% clean (as reported by surf-forecast); otherwise described as moderate reliability.
Gust Factor
Moderate gusts — Providers also report moderate gust behavior.
Best Months
December, January, February, March, October, November
Shadow Zones
Sheltered bay setting reduces turbulence from some directions.

Water & beach

Water Type
Ocean
Beach
Sand — Sandy cove with reef/rock elements at edges.
Beach Size
Small
Waves
Small — Also described as starting under 1m and holding to about 2m+ (or up to ~2.5m in some reports).
Launch
Small — Compact bay with central peak; sandy cove with rocks at extremities and scattered reef near edges.
Launch Difficulty
Easy

Through the year

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best seasonOff-season
5–20 °C
Water Temperature
5–22 °C
Air Temperature
Wetsuit Guide
Jan–Dec: 5/4mm + Boots, Gloves, HoodMay, Oct: 4/3mmJun–Sep: 3/2mm
Crowds by Season

Quiet on weekdays but can become crowded on weekends and during summer holidays.

Storm/Rain Season

Winter months see higher frequencies of Atlantic depressions and storms.

By sport

What to expect for each.

WindsurfingSkill Level

Occasionally used by windsurfers; surfing is dominant at this spot.

WaveFreeride
WingfoilingSkill Level

Usable for wingfoiling only when there is enough depth; riders must be cautious around rocky outcrops.

Foil Friendly
Limited — Foil-friendliness described as limited.
Min Depth
1.5 meters
SurfingBest for this spotSkill Level

A-frame peaks over mixed reef and sand in a sheltered Normandy bay, offering left and right waves.

Beach break
Wave Direction
Both
Optimal Swell
SW, W, WNW
Swell Height
0.5–2.5 m
Optimal Tide
Low, Mid — Also noted that it can work especially well on a rising tide.
Shelter
Sheltered — Sheltered cove/bay setting; providers also describe it as semi-sheltered.
Wind Effect
South and south-west winds are offshore and provide cleaner, more groomed conditions.
Bigger Swell
Can handle larger swells up to around 2m+/2.5m depending on source, but may start to close out if the swell is too direct and powerful.
Wave Quality
Good — Wave quality described as good.
Wave Power
Moderate — Also described as 'fun' power in the spot databases.
Wave Shape
Mixed — Some reports specify peeling/mixed characteristics depending on conditions.
Peel Speed
Medium
Ride Length
Short — Reported as short (<50m) normally; about 50–150m on good days.
Typical Ride Length
50–150 m
Ride Length Details
Short (<50m) normally; 50–150m on good days.
Forecast

Check the forecast before you go

See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Anse du Brick in the full forecast view.

Anse du Brick wind and wave forecast summary

Wind
3–25 ktsGusts 43 kts
Direction
SW235°
Strongest day
Sat, Oct 2425 kts
Windy days
4/712 kts or more
Waves
0.1–1.8 m5s period
Temperature
8–17 °C

Over the next 7 days, Anse du Brick is forecast for daytime winds of 3–25 kts, peaking around 25 kts on Saturday, October 24 with gusts to 43 kts. The prevailing direction is SW. Waves run 0.1–1.8 m with a period of about 5s. Based on the Wavind model, in the spot’s local time.

Nearby

Other spots in the area

Safety

What to know before you launch

Safety, access, restrictions, rescue, and local rules can change. Treat these details as informational and confirm them locally before launching.

Hazards

  • reef
  • uneven-bottom
  • shore-break
  • rocks
  • rip currents
Ability Level: Beginner to Intermediate
Recommended Safety Gear
Impact vestLeashBootsGlovesHoodWetsuit

Rescue & support

Lifeguard
Seasonal — Lifeguard presence described as seasonal.
Rescue & Self-Rescue
Limited — Rescue availability is reported as limited by one provider, and as no by another—treat as uncertain.
Localism / Vibe
Mild — Reported mild localism.

Rules of the spot

Standard surfing etiquette applies. Respect locals and any designated swimming areas if present in summer.

Local Tips
  • Check south wind for the cleanest offshore/offshore-friendly conditions.
  • Best surfing tends to be on low to mid tide (and can work best on a rising tide).
  • Avoid summer when conditions are often flatter.

Getting there & access

Nearest City
Cherbourg-en-Cotentin
Nearest Town
Fermanville
Parking
Parking near the beach and the adjacent campsite; free car park mentioned with roadside parking options.
Access
Accessible via the D116 road from Cherbourg heading towards Fermanville; the cove is clearly visible from the road. Instant access (<5 min walk).
Cost Level
Moderate
Local Language
French
Amenities

What's on the beach

Toilets
Changing rooms
Parking
Accommodation
Nearby town — Camping at/near the spot is mentioned; otherwise accommodation in Cherbourg and Fermanville.
Food & Drink
Restaurant overlooking the bay; additional options in Fermanville.
Learn, rent & more

Schools & services

No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.

Reviews

From riders who've been here

Community observations

Latest reported conditions

Spot questions

Frequently asked questions

When is the best season at Anse du Brick?

The best overall months at Anse du Brick are October, November, December, January, February, March. The best wind months are December, January, February, March, October, November.

Which wind directions work at Anse du Brick?

Anse du Brick works with S winds. Offshore directions are S.

What skill level is Anse du Brick suitable for?

Anse du Brick suits these riding levels: Windsurfing: Beginner to Intermediate · Wingfoiling: Beginner to Intermediate · Surfing: Beginner to Intermediate.