Binic (Binic-Étables-sur-Mer)
- Freeride, Foil
- Best for
- Intermediate
- Skill Level
- Shallow, Chop
- Spot Type
- 12–25 kts
- Wind Range
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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Binic is a tidal kitesurfing spot on Brittany’s Côte du Goëlo that works best with North-East to East winds (NE, ENE, and E). With clean, shallow water over sand, the conditions are typically flat to choppy, making it well suited to freeride—especially when you match your launch to the tide stage. Because this beach is strongly tide-dependent, the working area is mainly available from mid-tide down to low tide. High tide can remove much of the usable sandy launch area and leave only a sea wall/littoral edge, so safe landing planning is essential. Currents can also be more noticeable near the harbor entrance. The harbor setting creates specific hazards and localized turbulence: the harbor mole/sea wall and rocks at both ends are primary concerns, and the harbor structure can generate chop/turbulence depending on wind direction. The most consistent wind direction is East/North-East, while westerly and northerly flow can be affected by cliffs and the harbor wall. Access is via the D786 from Saint-Brieuc, using the beach north of the harbor (at Plage du Corps de Garde). There are seasonal kitesurfing restrictions on the main beaches during July and August when lifeguards are present; follow the permitted area guidance and pay close attention to tidal limits and localized hazards before launching.
- East-to-North-East wind directions (NE/ENE/E)
- Tidal sandy beach: works from mid-tide to low tide
- Harbor-mole environment adds technical challenges
- Strong match for North-East to East wind directions.
- Clean water with generally manageable conditions for freeride when timing the tide.
- Sandy launch areas at low to mid tide.
- Tidal access: high tide can leave little or no beach for safe launching/landing.
- Currents near the harbor entrance and seasonal hazards around the harbor structure.
- Seasonal restrictions on where kiting is permitted on main beaches (July–August).
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- NE, E, ENE
- Wind Range
- 12–25 kts
- Wind Type
- Gradient — Predominantly a wind-driven spot (noted as gradient), with conditions tied to North Atlantic weather patterns.
- Reliability
- Moderate; depends on depressions or high-pressure systems over the British Isles.
- Gust Factor
- Moderate gusts
- Best Months
- April, May, June, September, October
- Recommended Kite Sizes
- 9–12 m²
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Shallow, Chop
- Beach
- Sand — Sand is reported for the beach.
- Beach Size
- Tidal
- Waves
- Small — Small waves are reported.
- Chop Level
- Moderate chop — Chop is specifically mentioned.
- Launch
- Big — Large sandy area available at low to mid tide; the beach disappears at high tide against the sea wall.
Through the year
High during summer holidays (July/August); quiet during winter and spring weekdays.
October to March
By sport
What to expect for each.
A technical kitesurfing spot best known for its East-to-North-East wind conditions, offering flat to choppy water that suits freeride (and foil at mid to high tide). The beach is tidal: launch and safe landing depend on the tide stage.
- Kite Sizes
- 9–12 m²
Suitable for freeriding in Easterly winds (kitesurfing is more common).
- Sail Sizes
- 5.5–7.5 m²
Possible at mid to high tide; at low tide the walk to deeper water can be long.
- Foil Friendly
- Limited — Foiling depends on tide stage and available depth.
- Wing Sizes
- 4–6 m²
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Binic (Binic-Étables-sur-Mer) in the full forecast view.
Binic (Binic-Étables-sur-Mer) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 3–23 ktsGusts 40 kts
- Direction
- SW229°
- Strongest day
- Sat, Oct 2423 kts
- Windy days
- 4/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.1–1.3 m5s period
- Temperature
- 8–19 °C
Over the next 7 days, Binic (Binic-Étables-sur-Mer) is forecast for daytime winds of 3–23 kts, peaking around 23 kts on Saturday, October 24 with gusts to 40 kts. The prevailing direction is SW. Waves run 0.1–1.3 m with a period of about 5s. Based on the Wavind model, in the spot’s local time.
Other spots in the area
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
- Harbor mole (sea wall)
- Rocks at both ends of the beach
- Tidal currents
- Limited beach at high tide
- Harbor mole
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- Seasonal — Seasonal lifeguards; supervised beach zone in July–August.
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — Reported limited rescue availability, with summer bathing zones monitored by seasonal lifeguards.
- Emergency Info
- In emergencies: 112 (EU) and 15 (SAMU). Nearest major hospital is in Saint-Brieuc.
Rules of the spot
Navigation, mooring, and anchoring prohibited within 300 m of Les Godelins beach. Kitesurfing is generally prohibited on the main beach (La Banche) during July and August when lifeguards are present; use the area further north. Animals prohibited on the beach from 15 May to 15 Nov.
- Kitesurfing is generally prohibited on the main beach (La Banche) during July and August (lifeguards present).
- Navigation, mooring, and anchoring prohibited within 300 m of Les Godelins beach.
- Restricted launch space at high tide.
- Only ride when the tide is low enough to provide a safe landing area.
- Avoid the harbor entrance.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Saint-Brieuc
- Nearest Town
- Binic-Étables-sur-Mer
- Nearest Airport
- Rennes Bretagne Airport (RNS)
- Parking
- Parking located about 150 m above the beach (near Plage du Corps de Garde and the harbor area).
- Public Transport
- TGV to Saint-Brieuc, then local BreizhGo bus lines connecting to coastal towns
- Access
- From Saint-Brieuc drive north on D786 to Binic, then take the beach north of the harbor.
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- French
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Various hotels and vacation rentals are available within Binic.
- Food & Drink
- Numerous restaurants and cafes are located around the harbor area adjacent to the beaches.
- Equipment Rental:
- No dedicated kitesurf rental on this specific beach.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Binic (Binic-Étables-sur-Mer)?
The best overall months at Binic (Binic-Étables-sur-Mer) are May, June, July, August, September. The best wind months are April, May, June, September, October.
Which wind directions work at Binic (Binic-Étables-sur-Mer)?
Binic (Binic-Étables-sur-Mer) works with NE, E, ENE winds.
What equipment sizes are recommended at Binic (Binic-Étables-sur-Mer)?
Recommended equipment sizes at Binic (Binic-Étables-sur-Mer): Kitesurfing: 9–12 m² · Windsurfing: 5.5–7.5 m² · Wingfoiling: 4–6 m². The typical wind range is 12–25 kts.
What skill level is Binic (Binic-Étables-sur-Mer) suitable for?
Binic (Binic-Étables-sur-Mer) suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Intermediate · Windsurfing: Intermediate · Wingfoiling: Intermediate.