Lostmarc'h (Saint-Hernot)
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
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
- 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
- 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
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
High summer, low winter; weekdays often empty and weekends typically have few surfers in off-peak periods.
Winter months (December to February) see the most frequent storm activity and rain.
By sport
What to expect for each.
Rideable for experienced kiters when conditions allow, though this is primarily a surfing spot.
- Kite Sizes
- 7–12 m²
Suitable for wave sailing in cross-offshore conditions for those comfortable with powerful Atlantic swells.
- Sail Sizes
- 4.2–5.3 m²
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
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.
- 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.
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.
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
- 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)
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).
- Swimming officially prohibited
- No motorized watercraft
- Protected dunes area—stay on marked paths
- 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
What's on the beach
- 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.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
Stunning cliffs and the “Tas de Pois” rock formations offering panoramic views of the Iroise Sea.
A UNESCO World Heritage site defensive tower located in the port of Camaret-sur-Mer.
Coastal cliffs and historic peninsula.
The famous customs officer path that circles the entire peninsula with dramatic coastal scenery.
Tas de Pois rock formation and coastal cliffs.
Selection of crêperies and seafood restaurants overlooking the bay.
Village of Kersiguenou nearby.
Boat tours of the sea caves around Morgat and the Cap de la Chèvre.
Spacious sandy beach suitable for families.
From riders who've been here
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.