Pors Carn
- Freeride, Shortboard
- Best for
- Beginner to Intermediate
- Skill Level
- Medium 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Pors Carn is a beach-and-reef break on the Atlantic coast of Brittany, described as reasonably exposed and capable of producing hollow, good-quality waves. Working range is commonly reported starting around 1.0–1.5 m and holding up to around 3 m+, with typical ride lengths around 50 to 150 m depending on swell consistency. Compared with the adjacent iconic area, Pors Carn is often smaller and can be cleaner on bigger days, with the semi-sheltered nature of the bay helping when the swell is larger. Wave shape and quality can change significantly with tide, so low-to-mid tide is frequently highlighted for surfing. Wind-wise, the spot is mainly influenced by Atlantic frontal systems, with prevailing West and South-West components. In spring and autumn, wind reliability is described as moderate to high, and the spot’s best wind months include April, May, October, and November. Summer can bring occasional light sea breezes, but the more consistent lift comes from the region’s Atlantic depressions. Safety is a key consideration: rocks and reefs sit at both northern and southern ends of the bay, with reports of strong currents near the point and rip-current risk. Sources also note hidden reefs at high tide, and emphasize checking the tide and staying precise near the rocks—especially if you’re looking for the cleaner sections near the edges.
- Hollow/peeling surfing with typical rides around 50–150 m
- Works best around December per surf guide data; April/May and October/November for wind
- Good multi-sport bay (kite/windsurf/wingfoil) with sandy center entry but rocky edge hazards
- Produces good surf with hollow/peeling character and typical rides around 50 to 150 m
- More sheltered and often cleaner than the main adjacent beach on big swell
- Good infrastructure/access: large parking and nearby amenities
- Suitable for multiple wind-driven water sports (kite/windsurf/wingfoil) when conditions align
- Inconsistent surf and can be affected by tide/wave shape changes
- Rocks/reefs at the bay edges and hidden hazards at high tide
- Strong currents near the rocky point and possible rip currents
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- W, NW, SW, S, SE
- Wind Range
- 15–25 kts
- Wind Type
- Frontal — Wind is mainly driven by Atlantic frontal systems (regional pattern).
- Reliability
- Moderate to high during autumn and spring.
- Gust Factor
- Moderate gusts
- Best Months
- April, May, October, November
- Recommended Kite Sizes
- 7–12 m²
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Medium waves
- Beach
- Sand — Sandy with rock at edges.
- Beach Size
- Medium
- Waves
- Small — Sources vary: some describe small-to-medium/medium waves; surf can still work up to 3 m+ depending on swell.
- Launch
- Medium — Wide sandy beach area suitable for launching kites and wings, particularly towards the center of the bay.
- Launch Difficulty
- Easy — Launch area described as easy with a sandy center.
Through the year
Very busy during July and August; relatively quiet and spacious during winter months.
Winter months (December to February) frequently experience Atlantic storms.
By sport
What to expect for each.
Wave-riding spot with side-shore conditions in North-Westerly or South-Westerly winds.
- Kite Sizes
- 7–12 m²
Top-tier wave spot in Brittany when wind and swell align, with clean ramps for jumping and down-the-line riding.
- Sail Sizes
- 4.2–5.7 m²
Suitable for wingfoiling when swell is manageable; sandy center offers easier entry, but be cautious of rocky outcrops at the edges.
- Foil Friendly
- Yes
- Min Depth
- 1.5 meters
- Wing Sizes
- 4–6 m²
A sandy beach/reef break that can produce hollow, good-quality surf. It is often smaller and cleaner than the adjacent main point when swell is larger.
- Wave Direction
- Left
- Optimal Swell
- NW, W, SW
- Swell Height
- 1–3 m
- Optimal Tide
- Low, Mid — Also works on rising/falling tides; some sources specifically note low and mid.
- Shelter
- Semi-sheltered — Semi-sheltered compared with the main nearby beach; edges/rocks can still affect conditions.
- Wind Effect
- East and North-East winds provide clean, offshore conditions for surfing.
- Bigger Swell
- Handles larger swells better than adjacent spots, though it can close out in massive conditions.
- Wave Quality
- Good — Regional classic / good wave quality reported.
- Wave Power
- Moderate — Often described as moderate power.
- Wave Shape
- Peeling — Also described as hollow by multiple sources.
- Peel Speed
- Medium
- Ride Length
- Medium — Commonly reported as about 50 to 150 m.
- Typical Ride Length
- 50–150 m
- Ride Length Details
- Rides typically range from 50 to 150 meters depending on swell consistency.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Pors Carn in the full forecast view.
Pors Carn wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 2–25 ktsGusts 41 kts
- Direction
- SW234°
- Strongest day
- Sat, Oct 2425 kts
- Windy days
- 4/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.9–4.2 m9s period
- Temperature
- 9–17 °C
Over the next 7 days, Pors Carn is forecast for daytime winds of 2–25 kts, peaking around 25 kts on Saturday, October 24 with gusts to 41 kts. The prevailing direction is SW. Waves run 0.9–4.2 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
- Reefs
- Rocks
- Stones
- Strong currents near the point
- Rip currents
- Hidden reefs at high tide
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- Seasonal
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — Rescue availability is described as limited.
- Emergency Info
- Emergency services are available in nearby Pont-l'Abbe or Quimper. For emergencies: 112. Maritime emergency number: 196. Medical emergency: 15 (SAMU).
- Localism / Vibe
- Mild — Localism reported as none to mild in different sources.
Rules of the spot
Respect designated swimming zones during summer months; surfers and kiters may use separate areas at peak times. Check the tide because wave shape changes noticeably between low and high tide.
- Kitesurfing may be restricted in summer swimming areas.
- Pors Carn is generally smaller and cleaner than nearby La Torche in a big swell; the north end has rocks so be careful.
- The northern end near the rocks can offer cleaner waves but requires more precision.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Quimper
- Nearest Town
- Plomeur
- Parking
- Large public parking area directly behind the beach at the southern end and near the point at the northern end; also described as a large parking lot at La Torche with instant access (<5 min walk) from parking.
- Public Transport
- Regional bus services connect coastal villages to Quimper; access is also primarily by car.
- Access
- Accessible via the D785 road towards Penmarc'h and Saint-Guénolé; follow signs for Pors Carn or La Torche. From the main city of Quimper, follow signs to Pont l'Abbé; Saint-Guénolé and Penmarc'h (D785) then approach the Plomeur/Pointe de la Torche area and park behind/near the beach; walk access is described as under ~5 minutes from parking.
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- French
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Near — Camping sites, guesthouses, and small hotels available in Plomeur and Saint-Guénolé.
- Food & Drink
- Several crêperies and cafes within walking distance of the beach parking.
- Equipment Rental:
- Surfboards, wetsuits, and SUP boards available for rent at local surf schools; general equipment rental described for surf/wetsuit/SUP and kitesurfing gear through nearby options.
- Gear Storage
- Available seasonally through some local schools.
- Gear Repair
- Basic surfboard repairs available through local shops in the nearby town.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Pors Carn?
The best overall months at Pors Carn are April, May, October, November, December. The best wind months are April, May, October, November.
Which wind directions work at Pors Carn?
Pors Carn works with W, NW, SW, S, SE winds.
What equipment sizes are recommended at Pors Carn?
Recommended equipment sizes at Pors Carn: Kitesurfing: 7–12 m² · Windsurfing: 4.2–5.7 m² · Wingfoiling: 4–6 m². The typical wind range is 15–25 kts.
What skill level is Pors Carn suitable for?
Pors Carn suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Intermediate · Windsurfing: Intermediate · Wingfoiling: Intermediate · Surfing: Beginner to Intermediate.