Sorlock (Kercabellec Coast)

KitesurfingWindsurfingWingfoiling
Freeride, Foil
Best for
Beginner to Intermediate
Skill Level
Chop, Small waves, Flat
Spot Type
Busy
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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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

Sorlock is a sandy, bay-style launch on the Kercabellec Coast where riders can find generally clean water and relatively sheltered conditions that suit freeride and foiling—especially when wind direction and tide line up. For kitesurfing, sources emphasize the importance of the tide: the spot is best from mid to high tide, while at low tide the water recedes significantly, reducing usable space. Wind is most often associated with North to West components, while summer thermal effects can reinforce afternoon breezes. Typical seasonal access/open period is described as April through October, with a best season that matches spring-to-autumn conditions. Safety at Sorlock is dominated by shoreline hazards. Multiple sources warn about rocks at the ends of the beach (and nearby structures such as bouchots), and also mention oyster beds in the nearby harbor area. In July and August, there are bathing-zone restrictions and seasonal kite/water zones to separate riders from swimmers; lifeguards are present then. Riders are advised to use the designated left channel/exit in summer and to avoid entering the closed bathing area. Water depth and bottom conditions vary strongly with tide, and additional caution is required for wingfoiling and walking out at lower tides (shallow sandbars can be present near shore). Crowds tend to be higher in July and August and more peaceful outside peak summer months, so arriving early for parking can matter in high season.

  • Freeride and foiling potential in a sheltered sandy bay
  • Seasonal kite zones and bathing-zone restrictions (summer)
  • Tidal changes strongly affect depth and usable riding area
  • Key hazards concentrated at the ends of the beach (rocks)
Great for
Kitesurfing freerideKitesurfing foilWindsurfing freerideWindsurfing foilWingfoil freeride
What's great
  • Generally clean water and a sandy launch area in a sheltered bay.
  • Good conditions for freeriding and foiling depending on tide and wind direction.
  • Seasonal lifeguards and summer kite zones help manage swimmer/rider separation.
Heads up
  • Spot size can be limited, especially at high tide (launch/landing space).
  • Rocks at both ends create a key hazard; extra caution needed at low tide.
  • Tidal changes can significantly alter usable riding area and water depth.
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Practical spot guide

Wind, water and seasons

Wind

Direction
N, NW, W
Wind Range
12–25 kts
Wind Type
Sea breeze — Thermal sea breezes on sunny afternoons in spring/summer; also influenced by Atlantic/Frontal systems in the region.
Reliability
Moderate; can rely on frontal systems or summer thermals.
Gust Factor
Light gusts — Gusts described as light; one source also describes steady conditions.
Best Months
April, May, June, July, August, September, October
Recommended Kite Sizes
9–12 m²

Water & beach

Water Type
Chop, Small waves, Flat
Beach
Sand — Sandy bay/launch.
Beach Size
Small
Waves
Small — Sources describe small-wave conditions (and chop).
Chop Level
Moderate chop — One source describes chop; another describes flat water conditions in sheltered areas—conditions can vary with wind/tide.
Launch
Small — Small sandy beach with channel exit; sandy beach can become narrow at high tide.

Through the year

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best seasonOff-season
9–20 °C
Water Temperature
5–25 °C
Air Temperature
Wetsuit Guide
Jun, Jul, Aug: 3/2mmApr–Mar: 4/3mm or 3/2mmDec, Jan, Feb: 5/4mm + Boots, Gloves
Crowds by Season

High crowds in July and August; peaceful during the off-season.

Storm/Rain Season

Winter months from November to February often bring stronger frontal storms (late autumn and winter).

By sport

What to expect for each.

KitesurfingBest for this spotSkill Level

Small, sandy bay conditions with generally clean water. Works best around mid to high tide; at low tide the water recedes significantly. Suitable for foiling in calmer flat-water conditions in sheltered areas.

FreerideFoilStrapless
Kite Sizes
9–12 m²
WindsurfingSkill Level

Reported as a dedicated windsurf/wingfoil option with North to North-East component winds; also described as good for freeride with North-West conditions.

FreerideSlalomFoil
Sail Sizes
5.5–7.5 m²
WingfoilingSkill Level

Protected bay conditions can support smooth foiling; riders should be mindful of shallow areas at low tide. Increasingly popular due to shelter.

Foil Friendly
Yes — Foil friendly / suited for foil riding (subject to depth at low tide).
Wing Sizes
4–6 m²
Forecast

Check the forecast before you go

See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Sorlock (Kercabellec Coast) in the full forecast view.

Sorlock (Kercabellec Coast) wind and wave forecast summary

Wind
2–23 ktsGusts 41 kts
Direction
WSW243°
Strongest day
Sat, Oct 2423 kts
Windy days
4/712 kts or more
Waves
0.2–1.6 m8s period
Temperature
8–17 °C

Over the next 7 days, Sorlock (Kercabellec Coast) is forecast for daytime winds of 2–23 kts, peaking around 23 kts on Saturday, October 24 with gusts to 41 kts. The prevailing direction is WSW. Waves run 0.2–1.6 m with a period of about 8s. 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
  • bouchots
  • bathing-zone-restriction
  • Limited beach area for launching/landing at high tide
  • Oyster beds in the nearby harbor area
Ability Level: Beginner to Intermediate
Recommended Safety Gear
HelmetImpact vestWetsuitHarnessBootsGloves

Rescue & support

Lifeguard
Seasonal — Lifeguards present in July and August.
Rescue & Self-Rescue
Limited — Sea rescue is managed by SNSM with stations in nearby coastal towns.
Emergency Info
Nearest emergency services located in Guérande (as provided). In France, use 112 for emergencies; dedicated sea rescue number is 196.
Localism / Vibe
None — Sources describe no strong localism barriers.

Rules of the spot

In summer, there are summer kite zones to separate riders from swimmers; avoid the bathing zone during its closure. Use the designated channel/exit in summer conditions.

Restrictions
  • Bathing zone closed July-August
  • Summer navigation/zone rules can be implemented (kite zones; avoid harbor channel).
  • Avoid the harbor channel of Kercabellec.
Local Tips
  • Pay close attention to the rocks at the ends of the beach, especially at low tide.
  • In summer, use the designated left channel/exit and avoid entering the bathing zone.
  • Best conditions noted around mid-tide rising.
  • Check for updated seasonal safety rules from the local kite association before launching.

Getting there & access

Nearest City
Saint-Nazaire
Nearest Town
Mesquer
Nearest Airport
Nantes Atlantique Airport (NTE)
Parking
Public parking next to the beach, but it can fill quickly in summer.
Public Transport
Regional train services can reach nearby Le Croisic or Saint-Nazaire, but a car is recommended for reaching the spot and transporting gear.
Access
From D774 drive to Mesquer, then north to Pointe de Merquel; Sorlock is just before the point.
Cost Level
Moderate
Local Language
French
Amenities

What's on the beach

Toilets
Changing rooms
Parking
Restaurant
Bar
Showers
Accommodation
Nearby town — Several campsites and holiday rentals in Mesquer and Quimiac.
Food & Drink
Restaurants and seasonal snack bars are within walking distance.
Equipment Rental:
No permanent rental shops directly on the beach; visitors usually bring their own gear. Regional equipment rental is available via local schools/clubs in the Mesquer area.
Gear Repair
Repair services available in nearby towns (e.g., Pornichet or Saint-Nazaire as provided).
Learn, rent & more

Schools & services

No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.

Reviews

From riders who've been here

Community observations

Latest reported conditions

Spot questions

Frequently asked questions

When is the best season at Sorlock (Kercabellec Coast)?

The best overall months at Sorlock (Kercabellec Coast) are April, May, June, July, August, September, October.

Which wind directions work at Sorlock (Kercabellec Coast)?

Sorlock (Kercabellec Coast) works with N, NW, W winds.

What equipment sizes are recommended at Sorlock (Kercabellec Coast)?

Recommended equipment sizes at Sorlock (Kercabellec Coast): Kitesurfing: 9–12 m² · Windsurfing: 5.5–7.5 m² · Wingfoiling: 4–6 m². The typical wind range is 12–25 kts.

What skill level is Sorlock (Kercabellec Coast) suitable for?

Sorlock (Kercabellec Coast) suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Beginner to Intermediate · Windsurfing: Beginner to Intermediate · Wingfoiling: Beginner to Intermediate.