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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
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
- 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.
- 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.
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
Generally quiet on weekdays; can have a few surfers on weekends.
Winter months see frequent Atlantic depressions.
By sport
What to expect for each.
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.
- 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.
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.
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
- powerful shorebreak
- strong waves
- significant rock formations on the sides of the cove and submerged
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.
- 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
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.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
Iconic lighthouse marking the entrance to the Rade de Brest, famous for its stone bridge.
Island fortress accessible via a footbridge, offering historical tours and maritime views.
The famous customs officer’s trail offering extensive hiking with panoramic views of the Iroise Sea.
Local dining option near the coast serving regional Breton specialties.
Ocean discovery center and aquarium located in nearby Brest.
From riders who've been here
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.