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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
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
- 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
- Rocky reef hazards (submerged rocks/shallow reef sections)
- Conditions can become dangerously shallow at dead low tide
- Currents can be strong on bigger swells
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
Quiet on weekdays, moderate crowds during weekends with good conditions.
Winter months often see frequent Atlantic storms.
By sport
What to expect for each.
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).
- 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.
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.
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
- reef
- submerged rocks
- shallow reef sections
- strong currents during high swell
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.
- 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
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).
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
The region is described as wild and authentic, with granite landscapes and a strong outdoor/nature focus.
Part of the famous Sentier des Douaniers, offering hiking along the cliffs.
A dramatic rocky headland and one of the most iconic coastal landmarks in France.
A historic fishing port with a quayside and local markets.
Local seafood restaurant offering views over the bay.
Large aquarium and bird show featuring local marine species and birds of prey.
From riders who've been here
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.