L'île Aux Vaches (Lervily)

WindsurfingSurfing
Shortboard, Advanced riders
Best for
Expert
Skill Level
Ocean
Spot Type
Quiet
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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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

L'île Aux Vaches (Lervily) at Pointe de Lervily is an exposed right-hand reef/point break known for fast, ledgey waves and very demanding conditions over shallow rocky bottom. The wave is described as not barreling, with a steep, powerful feel that requires speed and technical ability to navigate safely. The spot’s wave quality is repeatedly characterized as top-tier, but also as sensitive to the exact swell/wind combination. Working conditions are reported when a West to West-southwest swell wraps into the point while winds from the North/NE/east side act offshore to groom the face. Riders should expect the wave to be short and ledgey on many days, with longer rides possible when the point is fully working. Hazards are a core part of the spot: sharp rocks, submerged boulders and reef, plus strong currents that can include rips and undertow. Entry and return are described as difficult, and the lineup can be sensitive—priority is strictly given to those deepest on the peak. With no lifeguards indicated, the practical expectation is expert-level self-management and careful observation before entering. On timing, the best surf windows reported center on mid-to-high and rising tides to avoid the shallowest reef sections. For seasons, sources converge on autumn/winter as the most consistent period, with best months often listed across spring to winter depending on the dataset; wetsuit guidance is consistently “spring wetsuit with hood/gloves/boots,” with winter setups needing heavier neoprene and winter accessories.

  • Exposed right-hand reef/point break at Pointe de Lervily
  • Fast, ledgey waves with strong grooming in offshore NE/N/E winds
  • Rips/undertow and sharp rocks make it a high-risk expert spot
  • Rarely crowded due to difficulty
Great for
Surfing shortboardAdvanced riders
What's great
  • Famous, heavy right-hand reef/point break with fast, ledgey waves
  • Offshore wind grooming reported (NE/N grooming)
  • Rarely crowded due to difficulty
Heads up
  • Expert-only, very technical conditions
  • Reef/rock hazards and shallow water increase risk
  • Rips/undertow and strong currents are reported
  • Can be inconsistent; depends strongly on storm/swell/wind setup
  • Limited parking and difficult access to the launch area
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Practical spot guide

Wind, water and seasons

Wind

Direction
N, E, NNE, NE, NNE
Offshore directions
N, NE
Wind Range
15–30 kts
Reliability
inconsistent; moderate depending on winter storm systems
Gust Factor
Moderate gusts — Reported moderate gustiness; also described as inconsistent overall depending on winter storm systems.
Best Months
September, October, November, December, January, February, March
Shadow Zones
Partially sheltered from North winds by the point

Water & beach

Water Type
Ocean
Beach
Rocks
Beach Size
Small
Waves
Big — Sources conflict on size: some describe big wave; others emphasize small-to-consistent working minimums with the spot capable of much larger, infrequent swells.
Launch
Small — Rocky entry by the left side of the island/point and passing waves by the left side; access also described near the lighthouse or via coastal path.
Launch Difficulty
Difficult — Difficult rocky entry and tricky entry/return are repeatedly noted.

Through the year

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best seasonOff-season
Wetsuit Guide
Jan–Dec: spring wetsuit with neoprene hood, gloves and boots + Boots, Gloves, HoodJun, Jul, Aug: 3/2mm for summer (regional baseline)additional accessories not indicated
Crowds by Season

Core local crew when it fires; otherwise rarely crowded.

Storm/Rain Season

Winter months (especially November to February) are reported as frequent storm/high rainfall period.

By sport

What to expect for each.

WindsurfingSkill Level

World-class windsurf spot reported as quite demanding and expert-level. Works with NW-type wind orientation (starboard referenced in one source). Entry/return are tricky; wave doesn’t saturate.

Wave
SurfingBest for this spotSkill Level

Exposed right-hand reef/point break at Pointe de Lervily (L'île Aux Vaches). Fast, ledgey waves over shallow reef demand speed and skill due to shallow hazards; does not barrel. Wave length varies: typically short (<50m) but can reach roughly 50–150m (average) on good/fully working days.

Point break
Wave Direction
Right
Optimal Swell
W, SW, NW
Swell Height
1.5–3.5 m
Optimal Tide
Mid, High, All tides — Best reported on mid-to-high and rising tide to avoid the shallowest parts of the reef.
Shelter
Exposed — Point break with little protection; exposed conditions.
Wind Effect
Offshore from NE produces clean/groomed wave faces; North, Northeast, or East wind orientations are reported as offshore and grooming.
Bigger Swell
Holds up to very large sizes (infrequent) and remains ledgey/heavy on massive swells.
Wave Quality
World class — Described as iconic/heavy and high quality; also reported as regional classic/excellent depending on source.
Wave Power
Powerful
Wave Shape
Mixed — Described as ledgey; also described as hollow.
Peel Speed
Fast
Ride Length
Short — Typically short on average days; can extend to longer rides on fully working days.
Typical Ride Length
50–150 m
Ride Length Details
Average 50–150m; can be short (<50m) on average days; one source describes about 100m typical when fully working.
Forecast

Check the forecast before you go

See wind, waves, weather and session windows for L'île Aux Vaches (Lervily) in the full forecast view.

L'île Aux Vaches (Lervily) wind and wave forecast summary

Wind
2–27 ktsGusts 43 kts
Direction
SW227°
Strongest day
Sat, Oct 2427 kts
Windy days
4/712 kts or more
Waves
1.0–4.4 m9s period
Temperature
9–17 °C

Over the next 7 days, L'île Aux Vaches (Lervily) is forecast for daytime winds of 2–27 kts, peaking around 27 kts on Saturday, October 24 with gusts to 43 kts. The prevailing direction is SW. Waves run 1.0–4.4 m with a period of about 9s. 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

  • rips
  • undertow
  • strong currents
  • rocks
  • reef
  • coral
  • sharp rocks
  • submerged boulders
  • powerful breaking waves
  • distance from shore
Ability Level: Expert
Recommended Safety Gear
HelmetImpact vestBootsGlovesHoodWetsuitLeash

Rescue & support

Rescue & Self-Rescue
Limited — Rescue coverage is reported through SNSM in Audierne; no permanent on-site rescue base is indicated.
Emergency Info
No on-water rescue base indicated at the point; rescue via the SNSM station in Audierne is reported. Nearest major medical facilities are in Quimper. Emergency numbers: 15 (medical), 18 (fire), 112 (EU emergency).
Localism / Vibe
Moderate — Local lineup sensitivity is reported; priority is given to those deepest on the peak.

Rules of the spot

Experienced to expert level only; local lineup priority is strictly given to those deepest on the peak.

Local Tips
  • Need good observation before entering the water; the spot is very technical.
  • Take care of rips/undertow; they can be strong especially on larger swells.
  • Check the lighthouse area for the best perspective on the lineup.
  • Best conditions reported when a West-southwest swell combines with an offshore wind orientation (N/NE grooming).
  • Best surfed on a rising tide to avoid the shallowest parts of the reef.
  • Have a safe access plan: a short walk from the harbor/jetty is typical; boat access is possible but anchor safely.

Getting there & access

Nearest City
Quimper
Nearest Town
Sainte-Evette
Parking
Limited parking near the lighthouse/end of the access road; park near the lighthouse or in front of the Lifeboat station at Sainte-Evette harbor.
Access
Take Audierne toward Sainte-Evette harbor/Lifeboat station; park in front of Lifeboat station and walk on the jetty toward the little island; enter water by the left side of the island and pass waves by the left side again. Also accessible by boat from Audierne or Sainte-Evette harbors with safe anchoring.
Cost Level
Moderate
Local Language
French
Amenities

What's on the beach

Parking
Accommodation
Nearby town — Holiday rentals and small hotels are available in Audierne and nearby areas.
Food & Drink
Restaurants and cafes are located in nearby Audierne and around the Sainte-Evette harbor area.
Equipment Rental:
No rentals available directly at the point; shops are in Audierne and nearby surf hubs.
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 L'île Aux Vaches (Lervily)?

The best overall months at L'île Aux Vaches (Lervily) are September, October, November, December, January, February, March.

Which wind directions work at L'île Aux Vaches (Lervily)?

L'île Aux Vaches (Lervily) works with N, E, NNE, NE, NNE winds. Offshore directions are N, NE.

What skill level is L'île Aux Vaches (Lervily) suitable for?

L'île Aux Vaches (Lervily) suits these riding levels: Windsurfing: Expert · Surfing: Expert.