Sorlock (Kercabellec Coast)
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
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)
- 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.
- 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.
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
High crowds in July and August; peaceful during the off-season.
Winter months from November to February often bring stronger frontal storms (late autumn and winter).
By sport
What to expect for each.
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.
- Kite Sizes
- 9–12 m²
Reported as a dedicated windsurf/wingfoil option with North to North-East component winds; also described as good for freeride with North-West conditions.
- Sail Sizes
- 5.5–7.5 m²
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
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.
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
- bouchots
- bathing-zone-restriction
- Limited beach area for launching/landing at high tide
- Oyster beds in the nearby harbor area
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.
- Bathing zone closed July-August
- Summer navigation/zone rules can be implemented (kite zones; avoid harbor channel).
- Avoid the harbor channel of Kercabellec.
- 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
What's on the beach
- 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).
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 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.