Shaka (Plouhinec)

Shortboard, Longboard
Best for
Intermediate
Skill Level
Swell
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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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 this spot

About

Shaka (Plouhinec) is a rugged reef-rocky surfing break in the Quimper Bay (Plouhinec) area, producing both left and right waves/peaks. The wave quality is described as good, and the break is known for consistency when the right swell and wind align—particularly a westerly/southwesterly swell combined with east to east-northeast wind. The spot is reef/rock-based with flat rocks and shallow reef sections, so hazards are a core part of the experience. Sources specifically warn to avoid dead low tide because the reef can become dangerously shallow. On bigger conditions, strong currents can also occur, so surfers should plan their session timing around tide and conditions. Wind is predominantly frontal in the region, with the best surf windows noted in early autumn (September through November). Typical reported wind speeds are around 10–20 knots, with an overall fair reliability and a moderate gustiness profile. East winds are repeatedly highlighted as bringing cleaner offshore conditions for the break. Wave size is described as medium-to-large by local standards for reef surfing: it can start working around 1 meter and hold up to roughly 2 meters or more, with sources also noting it can stay usable up to about 2.5 meters before beginning to close out. Wave rides are commonly reported in the 50 to 150 meter range on good days, with mid tide generally favored.

  • Reef break with both left and right peaks
  • Good wave quality with ordinary/moderate power
  • Best alignment: westerly/southwesterly swell with east wind
  • Good day ride range typically 50 to 150m
Great for
Surfing shortboardSurfing longboardSurfing bodyboard
What's great
  • Reef break with both left and right waves/peaks
  • Good wave quality with ordinary to moderate power
  • Works reliably on westerly swells with east wind
Heads up
  • Rocky reef hazards (submerged rocks/shallow reef sections)
  • Conditions can become dangerously shallow at dead low tide
  • Currents can be strong on bigger swells
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Practical spot guide

Wind, water and seasons

Wind

Direction
E, ENE
Offshore directions
E, ENE
Wind Range
10–20 kts
Wind Type
Frontal — Predominantly frontal Atlantic winds; conditions can also vary with easterly offshore winds and occasional sea-breeze/thermal reinforcement.
Reliability
fair
Gust Factor
Moderate gusts
Best Months
September, October, November

Water & beach

Water Type
Swell
Beach
Mixed — Rocky/rock-dominant with some sandy patches nearby.
Beach Size
Small
Waves
Medium — Reported as medium, working from around 1m and holding up to about 2m+ (up to ~2.5m before closing out).
Launch
Medium — Rocky shoreline with some sandy patches nearby.
Launch Difficulty
Moderate — Reef/rocky access and hazards make entry and management moderate rather than easy.

Through the year

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best seasonOff-season
10–20 °C
Water Temperature
6–23 °C
Air Temperature
Wetsuit Guide
Jun–Sep: 3/2mm or 4/3mmApr–Nov: 4/3mmDec–Mar: 5/4mm + Boots, Hood
Crowds by Season

Quiet on weekdays, moderate crowds during weekends with good conditions.

Storm/Rain Season

Winter months often see frequent Atlantic storms.

By sport

What to expect for each.

SurfingBest for this spotSkill Level

Quality reef break producing both left and right peaks. Best performance is described for westerly swells combined with east wind, and it works optimally around mid to high tide. The wave quality is reported as good, and it can hold up to 2m+ (up to about 2.5m before closing out).

Reef break
Wave Direction
Both
Optimal Swell
W, SW
Swell Height
1–2.5 m
Optimal Tide
Mid, High — Mid and high tide are repeatedly noted as the best positions; dead low tide is particularly hazardous on the reef.
Shelter
Exposed — Reef/rocky shoreline setting with exposed rocks and shallow reef sections.
Wind Effect
East winds provide cleaner offshore conditions; west winds create heavier chop.
Bigger Swell
Holds size well up to about 2.5 meters before starting to close out.
Wave Quality
Good — Good wave quality with ordinary power.
Wave Power
Moderate — Ordinary power / moderate wave energy.
Wave Shape
Peeling
Peel Speed
Medium
Ride Length
Medium — Normal day length is reported as 50 to 150m on good days.
Typical Ride Length
50–150 m
Ride Length Details
Good days commonly provide rides between 50 and 150 meters.
Forecast

Check the forecast before you go

See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Shaka (Plouhinec) in the full forecast view.

Shaka (Plouhinec) wind and wave forecast summary

Wind
2–27 ktsGusts 41 kts
Direction
SW229°
Strongest day
Sat, Oct 2427 kts
Windy days
4/712 kts or more
Waves
0.7–3.9 m9s period
Temperature
9–17 °C

Over the next 7 days, Shaka (Plouhinec) is forecast for daytime winds of 2–27 kts, peaking around 27 kts on Saturday, October 24 with gusts to 41 kts. The prevailing direction is SW. Waves run 0.7–3.9 m with a period of about 9s. Based on the Wavind model, in the spot’s local time.

Nearby

Other spots in the area

Safety

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
  • reef
  • submerged rocks
  • shallow reef sections
  • strong currents during high swell
Ability Level: Intermediate
Recommended Safety Gear
WetsuitBootsLeashKnife

Rescue & support

Lifeguard
None — No lifeguards reported at the spot itself; regional support is limited/seasonal for the wider area.
Rescue & Self-Rescue
Limited — Rescue is described as limited for the wider Quimper Bay (Plouhinec) area.
Emergency Info
Emergency number 112; maritime rescue via 196/CROSS Corsen (nearest major hospital in Quimper).
Localism / Vibe
Mild

Rules of the spot

Standard surfing etiquette applies.

Local Tips
  • Avoid the spot at dead low tide as the reef becomes dangerously shallow.
  • Check the forecast for East or Northeast winds for the cleanest conditions.

Getting there & access

Nearest City
Quimper
Nearest Town
Plouhinec
Parking
Limited parking available in small lots along the coastal road.
Public Transport
Regional bus services connect Plouhinec to Quimper; limited local bus services also connect Plouhinec to Audierne and Quimper (gear transport is easier by car).
Access
Accessible via coastal paths from nearby parking areas near Plozévet or Plouhinec.
Cost Level
Moderate
Local Language
French
Amenities

What's on the beach

Accommodation
Nearby town — Accommodation options include campsites and vacation rentals/gîtes, plus local hotels in Audierne and Plouhinec.
Food & Drink
Local restaurants and cafes are located in the nearby towns of Plouhinec and Audierne.
Equipment Rental:
Available through local surf schools and shops in the Audierne and Plouhinec area.
Gear Storage
Limited storage; primarily offered to students of local schools (based on regional area info).
Gear Repair
Minor repairs available at local surf shops; specialized repairs may require a trip to Quimper or Brest (based on regional area info).
Learn, rent & more

Schools & services

No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.

The area

Off the water

The region is described as wild and authentic, with granite landscapes and a strong outdoor/nature focus.

Best time to visit: May to September for milder weather and family activities; September to November for watersports.
GR34 Coastal Path0km

Part of the famous Sentier des Douaniers, offering hiking along the cliffs.

Pointe du Raz~20km

A dramatic rocky headland and one of the most iconic coastal landmarks in France.

Audierne Harbor~5km

A historic fishing port with a quayside and local markets.

Le Grand Large~2km

Local seafood restaurant offering views over the bay.

L'Aquashow~4km

Large aquarium and bird show featuring local marine species and birds of prey.

Reviews

From riders who've been here

Community observations

Latest reported conditions

Spot questions

Frequently asked questions

When is the best season at Shaka (Plouhinec)?

The best overall months at Shaka (Plouhinec) are September, October, November.

Which wind directions work at Shaka (Plouhinec)?

Shaka (Plouhinec) works with E, ENE winds. Offshore directions are E, ENE.

What skill level is Shaka (Plouhinec) suitable for?

Shaka (Plouhinec) suits these riding levels: Surfing: Intermediate.