Pointe d'En Tal (Houat Island)
- Freeride, Wave
- Best for
- Intermediate
- Skill Level
- Chop, Small waves
- Spot Type
- Moderate
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Pointe d'En Tal is a secluded, sandy spit on Houat Island with crystal-clear water and a large beach area, reached only by ferry from Quiberon followed by a walk to the northwest end of the island. The riding conditions are typically choppy, with small to medium waves that suit freeride and wave-style kitesurfing sessions, and the sandy spit shape can offer multiple riding angles depending on the wind direction. Seasonally, the most reliable window is from May through September, when wind speeds are commonly in the ~12 to 25 knots range. On sunny summer afternoons, light sea-breeze development can reinforce the wind, especially around late afternoon, with conditions still possible under relatively low cloud cover. Wind direction opportunities are broad (N, NE, E, SE, W, and NW), but westerly flow can be turbulent due to the village and cliffs to the west. Safety is a key consideration at this spot. Submerged rocks are present toward the far ends and near rocky coastlines, and stronger tidal currents can occur around the point. In summer, there are swimming zones—while kitesurfing is often tolerated, you must stay well clear of the crowd and follow any seasonal zone or timing restrictions (notably in July and August). Overall, the spot is suited to intermediate riders who are comfortable managing chop, currents, and self-sufficiency logistics. Because the island has limited services for sport gear, plan to bring the necessary equipment and repairs, and be mindful of the ferry schedule to avoid being stranded.
- Crystal-clear turquoise water
- Large sandy spit with room for launching
- Afternoon sea-breeze reinforcement in summer
- Remote island atmosphere
- Crystal-clear, turquoise water with a sandy beach and dunes
- Large beach area with space for rigging and launching
- Good conditions for freeride and foiling, with options depending on wind direction
- Remote, wild character suitable for riders seeking less crowding
- Access is by boat and requires a walk to reach the launch area
- Chop and small-to-medium waves can make sessions busier than flat-water spots
- Rocks/submerged rocks at the far ends and near rocky coastlines
- Tidal currents can be strong around the point
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- N, NE, E, SE, W, NW
- Wind Range
- 12–25 kts
- Wind Type
- Mixed — Mixed Atlantic pattern with thermal sea-breeze reinforcement on sunny summer afternoons
- Reliability
- moderate
- Gust Factor
- Light gusts — Light gusting described
- Best Months
- May, June, July, August, September
- Recommended Kite Sizes
- 9–14 m²
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Chop, Small waves
- Beach
- Sand — Sandy spit with dunes
- Beach Size
- Big
- Waves
- Small — Described as small wave / small-to-medium conditions
- Chop Level
- Moderate chop — Choppy water
- Launch
- Big — Large sandy spit with ample space for rigging and launching at most tide levels
Through the year
Late autumn and winter (October to March) see frequent depressions and storms.
By sport
What to expect for each.
Freeride and wave/foil-friendly riding in choppy conditions with small waves; the sandy spit offers multiple riding angles depending on wind direction.
- Kite Sizes
- 9–14 m²
Freeride and slalom possible in suitable conditions, but logistics can be challenging because gear needs ferry transport and then a walk to the beach.
- Sail Sizes
- 5.5–7.5 m²
Deep-water just off the spit combined with usually clean conditions makes it a good wingfoiling location.
- Foil Friendly
- Yes
- Min Depth
- 1.5m
- Wing Sizes
- 4–6 m²
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Pointe d'En Tal (Houat Island) in the full forecast view.
Pointe d'En Tal (Houat Island) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 3–28 ktsGusts 40 kts
- Direction
- WSW238°
- Strongest day
- Sat, Oct 2428 kts
- Windy days
- 5/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.4–2.4 m9s period
- Temperature
- 11–16 °C
Over the next 7 days, Pointe d'En Tal (Houat Island) is forecast for daytime winds of 3–28 kts, peaking around 28 kts on Saturday, October 24 with gusts to 40 kts. The prevailing direction is WSW. Waves run 0.4–2.4 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
- Tidal currents
- Remote location
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- Seasonal
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited
- Emergency Info
- Nearest hospital is on the mainland (Auray or Vannes). Call 112 for emergencies.
Rules of the spot
In summer, stay well away from swimming zones; kitesurfing may be tolerated but you must keep clear of swimmers and respect any seasonal zone restrictions.
- No motorized vehicles on the island.
- Seasonal restrictions for water sports; kitesurfing may be restricted to specific zones or prohibited during peak hours in July and August to protect swimmers.
- Bring all necessary gear and repairs, as there are no shops on the island.
- Watch the ferry schedule closely to avoid being stranded.
- In summer, be extra mindful of swimming zones and keep well away from the crowd.
- The walk from the port to the point is about 20-30 minutes.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Quiberon
- Nearest Town
- Île-d'Houat
- Parking
- No cars allowed on the island; parking available at ferry terminals in Quiberon.
- Public Transport
- Accessible exclusively by ferry from Quiberon
- Access
- Take a boat from Quiberon (Port Maria) to Île-d'Houat, then walk to the northwest end / point (about 1.5 km; roughly 20-30 minutes).
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- French
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Camping municipal near the beach; small hotels and guesthouses in the village.
- Food & Drink
- Several restaurants, cafés, and a small grocery store in the main village.
- Equipment Rental:
- No specialized wind or water sports rental available on the island.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
Scenic hiking trail circling the island for panoramic Atlantic views.
Traditional Breton fishing village with narrow streets and white-washed houses with blue shutters.
Museum and research center dedicated to marine biology and the island’s history.
Local establishment serving fresh seafood and traditional island dishes.
Expansive white sand beach suitable for swimming, picnicking, and beach games.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Pointe d'En Tal (Houat Island)?
The best overall months at Pointe d'En Tal (Houat Island) are May, June, July, August, September.
Which wind directions work at Pointe d'En Tal (Houat Island)?
Pointe d'En Tal (Houat Island) works with N, NE, E, SE, W, NW winds.
What equipment sizes are recommended at Pointe d'En Tal (Houat Island)?
Recommended equipment sizes at Pointe d'En Tal (Houat Island): Kitesurfing: 9–14 m² · Windsurfing: 5.5–7.5 m² · Wingfoiling: 4–6 m². The typical wind range is 12–25 kts.
What skill level is Pointe d'En Tal (Houat Island) suitable for?
Pointe d'En Tal (Houat Island) suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Intermediate · Windsurfing: Intermediate · Wingfoiling: Intermediate.