Talbosse (Locmaria-Plouzané)

Shortboard, Advanced riders
Best for
Intermediate to Advanced
Skill Level
Ocean, Chop
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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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 this spot

About

Talbosse (also known as Dalbos/Dalbosc’h) is an exposed Brittany beach break near the Petit Minou area, known for generally consistent surf and strong left-hand wave lines (with some rights reported). The spot is heavily influenced by Atlantic swell, and it’s described as short-ride territory—typically under 50 meters—where timing and positioning matter. The wave shape is frequently described as hollow, fast, and powerful, with “regional classic” wave quality. A southwest swell is repeatedly cited as the best direction, and the spot is most often best at low tide (with some guidance also noting rising or falling tide effectiveness depending on the set). On larger swells, the wave can hold size (up to around 2.5+ meters) and become very heavy. Safety is a major consideration: rocks are the central hazard. The take-off area and nearby coastline include rocky cliff features and submerged rock formations, and the combination of hollow waves plus shorebreak power can make conditions technical. Standard surfing etiquette applies in a small take-off zone, and local riding presence can be mild but noticeable. Seasonally, April is highlighted as the best single month for consistent surf and clean conditions, while summer is commonly reported as mostly flat. Water temperatures are cold in winter (around 9–11°C) and warm to mild in late summer (peaking around 16–20°C near mid-August), so wetsuit choice varies by season—spring wetsuits ideally include a hood, gloves, and boots for windy days.

  • Exposed beach break with left-hand waves
  • Hollow, fast, powerful when it lines up
  • Best at low tide with a southwest swell
  • Rocks are the key hazard
Great for
Surfing shortboardAdvanced riders
What's great
  • Fairly consistent surf in the right season, with left-hand waves as the main highlight.
  • When it hits, the waves can be hollow, fast, and powerful with short, intense rides.
  • Low-tide timing is a key advantage for getting the best shape.
Heads up
  • Exposed beach break with significant rock hazards near take-off and submerged rocks.
  • Generally not beginner-friendly due to wave power/shape and rocky environment.
  • Summer can be mostly flat.
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Practical spot guide

Wind, water and seasons

Wind

Direction
N, NW, NE
Offshore directions
N, NW, NE
Wind Range
15–25 kts
Wind Type
Frontal — Atlantic frontal influence with optimal wind coming from North to North-West through North-East; cliff areas can provide some shelter from North winds.
Reliability
medium
Gust Factor
Moderate gusts
Best Months
April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, January, February, March
Shadow Zones
Cliffs may provide some shelter from North winds.

Water & beach

Water Type
Ocean, Chop
Beach
Sand — Sand beach.
Beach Size
Small
Waves
Medium — Works from about 1.0–1.5 m and can hold up to 2.5 m or more.
Chop Level
Moderate chop — Reported as chop-influenced conditions.
Launch
Small — Small sandy beach surrounded by rocky cliffs.

Through the year

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best seasonOff-season
10–20 °C
Water Temperature
Wetsuit Guide
Mar, Apr, May: spring wetsuit + Boots, Gloves, HoodJun–Sep: 3/2mm + Boots, Gloves
Crowds by Season

Generally quiet on weekdays; can have a few surfers on weekends.

Storm/Rain Season

Winter months see frequent Atlantic depressions.

By sport

What to expect for each.

SurfingBest for this spotSkill Level

An exposed beach break on the Brittany coast delivering generally consistent left-hand waves (with some rights reported). Best with a southwest swell and positioned around low tide; the rocky environment makes it a technical, hazard-filled option.

Beach break
Wave Direction
Left
Optimal Swell
SW
Swell Height
1–2.5 m
Optimal Tide
Low — Sources emphasize low tide; some guidance also notes effectiveness from low to mid tide or on rising/falling positions.
Shelter
Exposed — Exposed beach break; rocky cliffs and the cove can offer limited/local shelter, but overall it’s open to Atlantic swell.
Wind Effect
Offshore winds from the North clean up the swell; South winds blow it out.
Bigger Swell
Holds size up to about 2.5 meters or more and can become very heavy on larger sets.
Wave Quality
Good — Regional classic; holds quality when it lines up.
Wave Power
Powerful — Hollow, fast, powerful; technical when it gets hollow.
Wave Shape
Hollow
Peel Speed
Fast
Ride Length
Short — Typically short, intense rides.
Typical Ride Length
0–50 m
Ride Length Details
Normal length is short (<50 m). Hollow lefts can provide short, intense rides.
Forecast

Check the forecast before you go

See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Talbosse (Locmaria-Plouzané) in the full forecast view.

Talbosse (Locmaria-Plouzané) wind and wave forecast summary

Wind
3–27 ktsGusts 42 kts
Direction
SW226°
Strongest day
Sat, Oct 2427 kts
Windy days
5/712 kts or more
Waves
0.4–2.7 m9s period
Temperature
10–16 °C

Over the next 7 days, Talbosse (Locmaria-Plouzané) is forecast for daytime winds of 3–27 kts, peaking around 27 kts on Saturday, October 24 with gusts to 42 kts. The prevailing direction is SW. Waves run 0.4–2.7 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
  • powerful shorebreak
  • strong waves
  • significant rock formations on the sides of the cove and submerged
Ability Level: Intermediate to Advanced
Recommended Safety Gear
WetsuitBootsGlovesHood

Rescue & support

Rescue & Self-Rescue
Limited — Sea rescue coordinated by SNSM in the Brest / Iroise area.
Emergency Info
Nearest major medical facility: CHRU de Brest (Hôpital de la Cavale Blanche). Emergency services: 112 (EU general) and 196 for sea-specific emergencies.
Localism / Vibe
Mild — Local riders are present and take-off space can be limited.

Rules of the spot

Follow standard surfing etiquette; respect local riders in a small take-off zone.

Local Tips
  • Best at low tide (or low to mid tide / rising tide conditions).
  • The spot is exposed and powered; keep a close eye on the rocky take-off zone and conditions.
  • Weekdays are typically empty; weekends can have a few surfers.

Getting there & access

Nearest City
Locmaria-Plouzané
Nearest Town
Locmaria-Plouzané
Parking
Limited parking available near the path leading to the beach.
Access
Instant access (<5 min walk); follow the road to the left after the Petit Minou lighthouse access. Parking is limited near the path leading to the beach.
Local Language
French
Amenities

What's on the beach

Accommodation
Nearby town — Gîtes and hotels available in Locmaria-Plouzané and Plouzané.
Food & Drink
Restaurants and cafes available in surrounding villages.
Learn, rent & more

Schools & services

No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.

The area

Off the water

Phare du Petit Minou0km

Iconic lighthouse marking the entrance to the Rade de Brest, famous for its stone bridge.

Fort de Bertheaume5km

Island fortress accessible via a footbridge, offering historical tours and maritime views.

GR34 Coastal Path0km

The famous customs officer’s trail offering extensive hiking with panoramic views of the Iroise Sea.

Le Moulin de la Rive2km

Local dining option near the coast serving regional Breton specialties.

Océanopolis15km

Ocean discovery center and aquarium located in nearby Brest.

Reviews

From riders who've been here

Community observations

Latest reported conditions

Spot questions

Frequently asked questions

When is the best season at Talbosse (Locmaria-Plouzané)?

The best overall months at Talbosse (Locmaria-Plouzané) are April, March, May. The best wind months are April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, January, February, March.

Which wind directions work at Talbosse (Locmaria-Plouzané)?

Talbosse (Locmaria-Plouzané) works with N, NW, NE winds. Offshore directions are N, NW, NE.

What skill level is Talbosse (Locmaria-Plouzané) suitable for?

Talbosse (Locmaria-Plouzané) suits these riding levels: Surfing: Intermediate to Advanced.