Pointe du Hourdel (Bay of Somme)
- Freeride, Shortboard
- Best for
- Beginner to Intermediate
- Skill Level
- Flat, Shallow, Small waves
- Spot Type
- 15–25 kts
- Wind Range
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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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 du Hourdel is a tidal, shallow-water spot at the tip of the Bay of Somme near Cayeux-sur-Mer. Conditions are generally clean and can feel flat to choppy, with small waves showing up most clearly at high tide. For surfing specifically, the break is described as gentle over sandbars and best when the tide is high, making it more beginner-friendly than many open-coast beach breaks. Wind performance is centered on WSW to NW directions (including W, WNW and NW). The spot’s wind is often discussed as condition-driven/thermal-reinforced, and the regional picture suggests an afternoon strengthening window (roughly 13:00–18:00). Typical wind strength is described as about 15–25 knots, with moderate gusting. The main safety constraint is the combination of strong tidal currents and rapidly changing depth/space due to the huge tidal range. Currents are highlighted as the key hazard, especially around mid-tide, when water is rushing in or out of the estuary. Practical guidance is to time sessions carefully around high tide (about 2 hours before to 2 hours after) and to double-check local tide tables to avoid being caught by the ebb. Finally, riders must respect the Baie de Somme nature reserve rules and the local seal colony. There are seal exclusion/protection zones with a stated minimum distance of 300 meters, plus designated launch areas and restrictions around the central reserve area—important both for safety and for compliance. Rescue is described as limited, with maritime emergency services reachable via 196 and general EU emergency access via 112.
- Works best around high tide; space/depth vary strongly with the tide
- Key wind directions: WSW–NW
- Currents are the primary hazard
- Seal colony protection rules (300 m minimum)
- Flat to choppy water makes it accessible for progression at the right tide
- Small-wave environment at high tide suitable for gentle wave riding
- Good wind directions for the spot align with WSW–NW winds
- Clean water and basic on-site visitor amenities (parking, toilets, food options)
- Highly tide-dependent (best around high tide); water depth and space change drastically
- Strong tidal currents and sandbank hazards
- Seal colony and protected-zone rules require strict compliance
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- WSW, W, WNW, NW
- Wind Range
- 15–25 kts
- Wind Type
- Thermal — Both sources describe the wind as thermal/condition-driven; best winds align with WSW–NW.
- Reliability
- Good in autumn/spring; summer can depend more on passing depressions (wind source describes seasonal reliability).
- Gust Factor
- Moderate gusts
- Recommended Kite Sizes
- 9–12 m²
- Shadow Zones
- The lighthouse and nearby buildings can create slight turbulence at the launch in specific directions.
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Flat, Shallow, Small waves
- Beach
- Sand — Sand (spot launch area described as pebble and sand near the lighthouse in one source).
- Beach Size
- Tidal
- Waves
- Small
- Chop Level
- Moderate chop — Flat to choppy; can be choppy depending on wind strength.
- Launch
- Small — Tidal beach with shallow water at low tide; launch space varies greatly by tide level, with launching near the lighthouse area.
Through the year
Highest in July and August due to general tourism; riders present year-round on windy days.
Winter months (November to February) often bring heavy storms and rain (regional and spot-level note).
By sport
What to expect for each.
Tidal kitesurfing with shallow flat-to-choppy water and small waves at high tide. Highly dependent on tide timing due to strong currents and changing depth/sandbanks.
- Kite Sizes
- 9–12 m²
Suitable for freeride and slalom (and foil) especially when wind is from West or Southwest.
- Sail Sizes
- 5.5–7.5 m²
Excellent for foiling due to flat water, provided there is enough depth; riding is restricted to the high-tide window.
- Foil Friendly
- Yes
- Wing Sizes
- 4–6 m²
Gentle wave spot with breaks over several sandbars at high tide; suitable for beginners.
- Wave Direction
- Both
- Optimal Tide
- High — Best at high tide.
- Shelter
- Semi-sheltered — Bay/topography provides some shelter, but conditions remain tide- and wind-dependent within the estuary.
- Wind Effect
- Works best with WSW–NW winds.
- Wave Quality
- Good
- Wave Power
- Soft
- Wave Shape
- Peeling — Gentle peeling waves over sandbars at high tide.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Pointe du Hourdel (Bay of Somme) in the full forecast view.
Pointe du Hourdel (Bay of Somme) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 5–29 ktsGusts 45 kts
- Direction
- SW234°
- Strongest day
- Sun, Oct 2529 kts
- Windy days
- 5/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.3–3.5 m7s period
- Temperature
- 7–17 °C
Over the next 7 days, Pointe du Hourdel (Bay of Somme) is forecast for daytime winds of 5–29 kts, peaking around 29 kts on Sunday, October 25 with gusts to 45 kts. The prevailing direction is SW. Waves run 0.3–3.5 m with a period of about 7s. 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
- Strong tidal currents (especially around mid-tide)
- Sandbanks/tidal exposure
- Seal protection zones
- Boat traffic
- Currents (downwind/drift hazard)
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- None — No lifeguards noted at the point; regional context mentions nearby SNSM operations and a watchtower at Le Hourdel.
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — Rescue is described as limited; SNSM stations operate in the vicinity (including nearby Cayeux-sur-Mer and Le Crotoy).
- Emergency Info
- Primary maritime emergency number 196; land emergency numbers: 15 (SAMU), 17 (Police), 18 (Fire). 112 works as the EU emergency number.
Rules of the spot
Strict environmental regulations apply due to the Baie de Somme Nature Reserve. Keep at least 300 meters from seals at all times; use designated launch zones and avoid the central nature reserve area.
- No kitesurfing in the central nature reserve area
- Seal exclusion zones
- Launch only permitted in designated areas
- Only ride roughly 2 hours before to 2 hours after high tide
- Be extremely careful with the ebbing tide; current can pull toward open sea
- Check local tide tables meticulously before heading out
- Watch for currents
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Abbeville
- Nearest Town
- Cayeux-sur-Mer
- Parking
- Parking available at Pointe du Hourdel / large public parking at Le Hourdel (may fill quickly in summer weekends).
- Access
- From Abbeville take D40 northwest, then D3 to St-Valery-sur-Somme, continue to Le Hourdel; short walk to the spot. (Access is also described via D3 or D102 roads.)
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- French
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Various gîtes, hotels, campsites in Cayeux-sur-Mer and nearby coastal villages.
- Food & Drink
- Food and drink available nearby in the Le Hourdel / small port area and at restaurants in/around Pointe du Hourdel.
- Equipment Rental:
- Rental services for kitesurfing/wingfoiling are available through local schools/clubs; no permanent rental center directly at the point in one source.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
The Bay of Somme area is known for wildlife and nature-watching, with major seal-viewing opportunities around the Hourdel area and the bay’s coastal landscapes.
Historic steam train connecting the coastal towns of the bay.
Watchtower, belvedere, seal habitat, and coastal flora.
Museum and information center on the bay.
Renowned bird sanctuary with extensive walking trails.
Medieval town with historic architecture and scenic views over the estuary.
Various local eateries specializing in regional seafood and salt-marsh lamb.
Local eateries in Cayeux-sur-Mer.
The largest colony of harbor seals in France is frequently visible at low tide.
Seal observation at Le Hourdel.
Vapor train touring the bay.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Pointe du Hourdel (Bay of Somme)?
The best overall months at Pointe du Hourdel (Bay of Somme) are March, April, May, September, October, November.
Which wind directions work at Pointe du Hourdel (Bay of Somme)?
Pointe du Hourdel (Bay of Somme) works with WSW, W, WNW, NW winds.
What equipment sizes are recommended at Pointe du Hourdel (Bay of Somme)?
Recommended equipment sizes at Pointe du Hourdel (Bay of Somme): Kitesurfing: 9–12 m² · Windsurfing: 5.5–7.5 m² · Wingfoiling: 4–6 m². The typical wind range is 15–25 kts.
What skill level is Pointe du Hourdel (Bay of Somme) suitable for?
Pointe du Hourdel (Bay of Somme) suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Beginner to Intermediate · Windsurfing: Intermediate · Wingfoiling: Intermediate · Surfing: Beginner.