Lostmarc'h (Saint-Hernot)

KitesurfingWindsurfingWingfoilingSurfing
Shortboard, Longboard
Best for
Beginner
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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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

Lostmarc'h is an exposed Atlantic beach break on the Crozon Peninsula with a sandy takeoff and dramatic cliff framing at both ends. The wave is generally described as regular and powerful, with both left and right directions available, and it’s commonly treated as a regional classic. Wave quality is reported as excellent, with ride lengths typically around 50 to 150 meters and extending to roughly 150 to 300 meters on stronger/good days. Surf performance is most associated with west to northwest / west-southwest swell (often starting to work around 1.0 to 1.5 meters and holding up to around 3 meters or more). Conditions are shaped heavily by exposure: the shore break and on-water energy can be intense, and with very large swells the wave can get heavy and close out more readily. Wind also plays a key role: grooming conditions are described with offshore winds from the East to Northeast. Wind is influenced by Atlantic weather systems with moderate gusts, and cliff effects can create very local wind shadows close to shore depending on offshore direction. Reported best surfing timing varies by source, with references to low/mid tide and good results on a rising mid-tide. Safety is the major constraint. The beach has hazards including rocks at the ends, pollution, localism, and strong rip currents and lateral drift (particularly near the rocky headlands). Swimming is officially prohibited, rescue is described as limited/seasonal, and lifeguards may not be present. Plan around tide timing, check sandbars after winter storms, and keep to observed usage zones—especially if you’re sharing the lineup.

  • Regional-classic surfing with strong, consistent peaks
  • Offshore East/Northeast winds can groom the waves
  • Normal ride length commonly 50 to 150 meters; longer on good days
  • Wild cliff setting with a sandy beach at low tide
Great for
Surfing shortboardSurfing longboardAdvanced riders
What's great
  • Exposed beach-break with powerful, consistent waves
  • Both left and right sections are available
  • Offshore East/Northeast winds can groom the surf
  • Normal ride lengths of about 50–150 m, with longer sets on good days
Heads up
  • Swimming is officially prohibited
  • Rocks at the beach ends
  • Pollution risks
  • Strong rip currents/lateral drift
  • Powerful shore break and shifting sandbars
  • Localism can affect etiquette and access
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Practical spot guide

Wind, water and seasons

Wind

Direction
NE, E, SE
Offshore directions
E, ENE, NE, NNE
Wind Range
10–25 kts
Wind Type
Frontal — Frontal/Atlantic weather systems; offshore grooming when winds arrive from the East to Northeast.
Reliability
High exposure to Atlantic weather systems.
Gust Factor
Moderate gusts
Best Months
March, April, September, October, November
Shadow Zones
High cliffs can create wind shadows very close to shore in certain offshore directions.

Water & beach

Water Type
Ocean
Beach
Sand — Sandy beach; bottom described as sand.
Beach Size
Big
Waves
Medium — Medium waves; starts working around 1.0–1.5 m and can hold up to 3 m+.
Chop Level
Moderate chop — Shore break and Atlantic exposure can create choppy, energetic conditions (varies by wind and tide).
Launch
Big — Wide sandy beach at low tide; becomes narrower significantly at high tide.

Through the year

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best seasonOff-season
10–19 °C
Water Temperature
Wetsuit Guide
Apr, Mar: spring wetsuit + Boots, Gloves, HoodMay–Oct: 3/2mm (typically sufficient for summer)Nov–Feb: 4/3mm or 5/4mm (needed for winter) + Boots, Gloves, Hood
Crowds by Season

High summer, low winter; weekdays often empty and weekends typically have few surfers in off-peak periods.

Storm/Rain Season

Winter months (December to February) see the most frequent storm activity and rain.

By sport

What to expect for each.

KitesurfingSkill Level

Rideable for experienced kiters when conditions allow, though this is primarily a surfing spot.

WaveStrapless
Kite Sizes
7–12 m²
WindsurfingSkill Level

Suitable for wave sailing in cross-offshore conditions for those comfortable with powerful Atlantic swells.

Wave
Sail Sizes
4.2–5.3 m²
WingfoilingSkill Level

Can be challenging due to powerful shore break and shifting sandbars; better suited at higher tides when the swell is manageable.

Foil Friendly
Limited
Min Depth
1.5 meters
Wing Sizes
4–6 m²
SurfingBest for this spotSkill Level

Exposed Atlantic beach break with reasonably consistent surf, offering both left and right waves. Works best on west/Northwest to West/Southwest swells with winds from the East to Northeast.

Beach break
Wave Direction
Both
Optimal Swell
N, NW, W, SW
Swell Height
1–3 m
Optimal Tide
Mid — Also noted as best around low and mid tide, with rising tide favorable.
Shelter
Exposed — Open, cliff-backed beach exposure; strong Atlantic energy and winds impact conditions.
Wind Effect
Offshore winds from the East/Northeast groom the waves.
Bigger Swell
Holds size up to about 3 meters, but can become heavy and prone to closeouts on very large swells.
Wave Quality
Excellent — Regional-classic style quality is reported.
Wave Power
Powerful
Wave Shape
Peeling — Often powerful peaks; described as hollow/powerful, with mixed shape reporting.
Peel Speed
Fast
Ride Length
Medium — Typical rides are 50 to 150 meters; can extend to 150 to 300 meters on good/excpetional days.
Typical Ride Length
50–150 m
Ride Length Details
Normal rides are commonly 50 to 150 m; long rides 150 to 300 m.
Forecast

Check the forecast before you go

See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Lostmarc'h (Saint-Hernot) in the full forecast view.

Lostmarc'h (Saint-Hernot) wind and wave forecast summary

Wind
2–28 ktsGusts 43 kts
Direction
SW231°
Strongest day
Sat, Oct 2428 kts
Windy days
4/712 kts or more
Waves
0.5–2.1 m9s period
Temperature
9–17 °C

Over the next 7 days, Lostmarc'h (Saint-Hernot) is forecast for daytime winds of 2–28 kts, peaking around 28 kts on Saturday, October 24 with gusts to 43 kts. The prevailing direction is SW. Waves run 0.5–2.1 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

  • Rocks at the beach ends
  • Pollution
  • Localism
  • Strong rip currents and lateral drift
  • Powerful shore break
  • Shifting sandbars
  • No lifeguards (or only seasonal lifeguard presence depending on period)
Ability Level: Beginner
Recommended Safety Gear
WetsuitBootsHoodLeashGloves

Rescue & support

Lifeguard
Seasonal — Lifeguard presence is reported as seasonal.
Rescue & Self-Rescue
Limited — Rescue availability is described as limited.
Emergency Info
If needed, call 112 for emergency services; sea rescue is limited. Nearest major medical facilities are in Brest or Quimper.
Localism / Vibe
Mild — Localism is present; keep to respectful priority/spacing to avoid conflict.

Rules of the spot

Surfing is allowed; swimming is officially prohibited. Respect priority/launch-space rules and protected natural-site access (stay on marked paths).

Restrictions
  • Swimming officially prohibited
  • No motorized watercraft
  • Protected dunes area—stay on marked paths
Local Tips
  • Consult tide hours before leaving.
  • Check sandbars as they shift frequently after winter storms.
  • Best surf is on a rising mid-tide.
  • Observe the sea and identify usage zones before committing; arrive without overloading your day.
  • Keep children close, especially near current zones.
  • Respect naturism sectors and avoid intrusive photos.

Getting there & access

Nearest City
Crozon
Nearest Town
Morgat
Parking
Parking at the fishermen's lot (parking des pêcheurs) or the lot at the bottom right before the village; additional surfers-only lots near the dune. Parking can fill quickly at peak summer/good swell periods.
Access
Access via parking near the local water treatment station: parking at the fishermen's lot or the lot just before the village; then a short 5–15 minute walk via footpath (walking route may involve crossing a hamlet and following a path). Driving down toward the beach from dune parking is forbidden but commonly seen.
Local Language
French
Amenities

What's on the beach

Parking
Accommodation
Nearby town — Camping and guesthouses are available in Saint-Hernot and Morgat.
Equipment Rental:
Rental shops are available in Crozon and Morgat, not directly on the beach.
Gear Repair
Basic repair services available in Crozon.
Learn, rent & more

Schools & services

No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.

The area

Off the water

Pointe de Pen-Hir5km

Stunning cliffs and the “Tas de Pois” rock formations offering panoramic views of the Iroise Sea.

Tour Vauban8km

A UNESCO World Heritage site defensive tower located in the port of Camaret-sur-Mer.

Crozon Peninsula

Coastal cliffs and historic peninsula.

GR34 Hiking Trail0km

The famous customs officer path that circles the entire peninsula with dramatic coastal scenery.

Tas de Pois

Tas de Pois rock formation and coastal cliffs.

Morgat Waterfront5km

Selection of crêperies and seafood restaurants overlooking the bay.

Kersiguenou village

Village of Kersiguenou nearby.

Vedettes Sirène Caves Tour5km

Boat tours of the sea caves around Morgat and the Cap de la Chèvre.

Goulien beach

Spacious sandy beach suitable for families.

Reviews

From riders who've been here

Community observations

Latest reported conditions

Spot questions

Frequently asked questions

When is the best season at Lostmarc'h (Saint-Hernot)?

The best overall months at Lostmarc'h (Saint-Hernot) are September, October, November, March, April. The best wind months are March, April, September, October, November.

Which wind directions work at Lostmarc'h (Saint-Hernot)?

Lostmarc'h (Saint-Hernot) works with NE, E, SE winds. Offshore directions are E, ENE, NE, NNE.

What equipment sizes are recommended at Lostmarc'h (Saint-Hernot)?

Recommended equipment sizes at Lostmarc'h (Saint-Hernot): Kitesurfing: 7–12 m² · Windsurfing: 4.2–5.3 m² · Wingfoiling: 4–6 m². The typical wind range is 10–25 kts.

What skill level is Lostmarc'h (Saint-Hernot) suitable for?

Lostmarc'h (Saint-Hernot) suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Advanced to Expert · Windsurfing: Advanced to Expert · Wingfoiling: Advanced to Expert · Surfing: Beginner to Intermediate.