Pentrez (Plomodiern)
- Freeride, Shortboard
- Best for
- Beginner
- Skill Level
- Chop, Shallow, Small waves
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Pentrez (Plomodiern) is a wide, sandy, tidal beach in Brittany known for shallow water and a generally safe learning environment due to the large footprint of the bay beach. Conditions are described as choppy with small waves, and both kitesurfing and wind sports are commonly organized around tide timing and wind direction. For kitesurfing, the beach is valued for ample room, shallow flat water (especially at low tide), and straightforward launching over sand. The spot is also noted for good ability for freestyle and freeride progression, with wave riding possible when winds build. Winds are typically strongest with west-to-northwest flow, while the spot can be safer for controlled sessions when using those directions. Surfing is described as a sheltered beach break, often manageable compared with more exposed locations—but still inconsistent. NE offshore winds are reported to groom the swell and support cleaner conditions. Waves are typically soft and crumble, tending toward longer rides for higher-volume longboards, with generally average wave quality overall; on larger swell, the break can close out once swell exceeds about 3 meters. Safety-wise, the tide can shift quickly over the sand, and rocks mark the north and south ends of the beach. During summer, activity zones and possible kitesurfing restrictions may be enforced to protect swimmers, and land yachts may use the beach at low tide—so careful planning around tide times and local rules is important. Overall, rescue is described as limited and lifeguards as seasonal, making it especially important to respect the changing shoreline and keep good situational awareness.
- Very wide sandy tidal beach with lots of space for learning and launching
- NE offshore winds can improve surfing (cleaner grooming of the swell)
- High tide is the preferred timing for better water coverage
- Wide sandy, tidal beach with lots of space for rigging and launching
- Good option for beginner progression thanks to shallow water and choppy, manageable conditions for kitesurfing
- Wind is strongest/most reliable in autumn and spring; NE winds help surf quality
- Surf can be inconsistent even though the break is described as sheltered
- Tidal flats are very dynamic—water access at low tide can be far
- Rocks at the north and south extremities of the beach
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- SW, W, NW, S
- Offshore directions
- NE
- Wind Range
- 12–30 kts
- Wind Type
- Frontal — Atlantic Brittany regime; wind influenced by frontal systems (and locally mixed with thermal/sea-breeze patterns).
- Reliability
- High during autumn and spring.
- Gust Factor
- Steady
- Best Months
- March, April, May, September, October, November
- Recommended Kite Sizes
- 7–12 m²
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Chop, Shallow, Small waves
- Beach
- Sand — Sand beach
- Beach Size
- Tidal
- Waves
- Small — Surf described as small; wave conditions vary and can be inconsistent.
- Chop Level
- Moderate chop — Choppy conditions are a common theme.
- Launch
- Big — Extremely wide sandy beach that provides ample room for rigging and launching at all tide levels.
Through the year
Busy on sunny summer weekends; very quiet and spacious in the off-season.
Late October through March experiences frequent Atlantic storms and higher rainfall.
By sport
What to expect for each.
Works over shallow, choppy water with small waves; a wide sandy beach with ample room and shallow conditions that make it good for beginners and freestyle, while still handling waves in stronger winds.
- Kite Sizes
- 9–12 m²
Popular for slalom and long-distance sailing across the bay; organized chop and small waves in stronger NW or SW winds can provide good jumping conditions.
- Sail Sizes
- 5–7.5 m²
Well-suited for wingfoiling, especially around mid to high tide when there’s enough depth; long runs across the bay support progression.
- Foil Friendly
- Yes
- Wing Sizes
- 4–6 m²
Sheltered beach break with often-inconsistent surf; typically soft, crumbling waves that suit longboards and beginners.
- Wave Direction
- Both
- Optimal Swell
- W, SW
- Swell Height
- 1–2.5 m
- Optimal Tide
- High
- Shelter
- Semi-sheltered — Described as sheltered; still, surf can be inconsistent.
- Wind Effect
- Best with NE offshore winds, which groom the swell.
- Bigger Swell
- Can close out when the swell exceeds 3 meters.
- Wave Quality
- Average
- Wave Power
- Soft
- Wave Shape
- Mushy
- Peel Speed
- Slow
- Ride Length
- Medium
- Typical Ride Length
- 50–100 m
- Ride Length Details
- Waves tend to be soft and crumble rather than hollow, which can lead to longer rides for high-volume boards.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Pentrez (Plomodiern) in the full forecast view.
Pentrez (Plomodiern) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 2–24 ktsGusts 41 kts
- Direction
- SW230°
- Strongest day
- Sat, Oct 2424 kts
- Windy days
- 4/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.3–1.5 m8s period
- Temperature
- 9–17 °C
Over the next 7 days, Pentrez (Plomodiern) is forecast for daytime winds of 2–24 kts, peaking around 24 kts on Saturday, October 24 with gusts to 41 kts. The prevailing direction is SW. Waves run 0.3–1.5 m with a period of about 8s. 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
- Tide moves very quickly across the flat sand
- Rocks at the north and south ends of the beach
- Land yachts frequently use the beach at low tide
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- Seasonal
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited
- Emergency Info
- Emergency services are available in Plomodiern or Châteaulin.
Rules of the spot
Dedicated zones for different activities may be enforced during summer (July-August).
- Kitesurfing may be restricted to certain areas during peak summer to protect swimmers
- Check tide times carefully; at low tide the walk to the water can be long.
- The spot is safest in W or NW winds.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Brest
- Nearest Town
- Saint-Nic
- Parking
- Extensive free parking is available along the seafront road at/near Pentrez.
- Access
- From Brest drive south on N165 to Chateaulin. From here west on D887 and follow signs to Pentrez/Saint-Nic.
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- French
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Camping sites, holiday rentals, and small hotels are available in the immediate vicinity.
- Food & Drink
- Several cafés/creperies are located directly on the waterfront; food options near the beach.
- Equipment Rental:
- Available through local schools for surfing and kitesurfing.
- Gear Repair
- Minor repairs are available through the local kite school.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
A classic Breton outdoor destination with easy access to coastal hiking and nearby village culture.
A historic mountain offering 360-degree panoramic views of the Douarnenez Bay and the Crozon Peninsula.
One of the 'Most Beautiful Villages in France,' known for preserved medieval architecture.
A major regional land-sailing activity that benefits from wide, flat sands at low tide.
A popular beachfront eatery known for local seafood and crêpes.
Rocky beach areas provide good opportunities to explore marine life during low tide.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Pentrez (Plomodiern)?
The best overall months at Pentrez (Plomodiern) are March, April, May, September, October, November.
Which wind directions work at Pentrez (Plomodiern)?
Pentrez (Plomodiern) works with SW, W, NW, S winds. Offshore directions are NE.
What equipment sizes are recommended at Pentrez (Plomodiern)?
Recommended equipment sizes at Pentrez (Plomodiern): Kitesurfing: 9–12 m² · Windsurfing: 5–7.5 m² · Wingfoiling: 4–6 m². The typical wind range is 12–30 kts.
What skill level is Pentrez (Plomodiern) suitable for?
Pentrez (Plomodiern) suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Beginner · Windsurfing: Beginner · Wingfoiling: Intermediate · Surfing: Beginner.