At what age can you start surfing?

Surf schools welcome children from the age of 6, provided they know how to swim.

In summer, the water in the Bigouden region is around 18 degrees. So you need to wear a wetsuit to go in the water. If you’re not so keen on the cold, you can wear a shorty (a wetsuit shortened at the sleeves and legs).

Can I go surfing alone?

If you’re a beginner, it’s best to take one or more lessons with a surf school. Every spot has its risks. On some beaches, there are waves or currents. Sometimes, but this is rarer, pollution can prevent you from swimming.

Is there a specific area for surfing?

You can surf everywhere except in the swimming area. This is indicated by flags. Lifeguards ensure that surfers and other water sports enthusiasts do not remain in the area, which is strictly reserved for swimmers. Finally, before going surfing, take a good look at the water and any rocks. Beware, the presence of rocks varies with each tide.

Surfing on the waves

©Surfers at Pointe de La Torche - Plomeur |T. Poriel

Surfing is a real way of life in the Bigouden region, and can be enjoyed all year round. Our waves are ideal for beginners, but will also satisfy experienced surfers.

To get started, it’s best to contact a surf school. The instructors will teach you the right moves and explain the currents that are generally present on each beach. Once you’ve got the information you need, you can take a course or surf on your own with your own surfboard or with hire equipment.

Published on 2 May 2025

the wave, this little miracle...

The wave is a phenomenon that calls on several meteorological and geographical criteria.

For a wave to be created, the ocean floor must allow the swell to reach the shore, so a certain depth is necessary.

The coast must be exposed to the swells to capture the ocean’s energy, ready to be transformed into a breaker.

The wind also plays a major role, but not in the way you might imagine: a total absence of wind is ideal to let the sea smooth out and express itself perfectly. The onshore wind, otherwise known as the ‘off wind’, can be used to dig into the waves with interesting results. The worst wind will be a sea wind, otherwise known as the ‘off shore wind’, which breaks up the beautiful wave lines.

The good news is that whatever the water, small waves or perfect waves, it’s always possible to have fun, especially when you’re just starting out.

©Surfing at Penhors, in the Bay of Audierne|T. Poriel

The main surf spots

Most of the surf spots are located in the Bay of Audierne, on this stretch of coastline in direct contact with the open sea. The sandbanks allow the swell to form pretty waves, ideal for beginners.

Penhors

Penhors beach is the most northerly spot in the Bigouden region. The waves are accessible to beginners. However, beware of the high tide, which can bring you close to the rocks on the shore. TheESB surf school offers lessons and equipment hire.

Tronoën

Tronoën is the beach that catches all the swells thanks to its westerly orientation. This means waves for experienced surfers as soon as winter approaches… But in summer, it’s the ideal spot, where you can surf almost every day. To combine culture and sport, be sure to stop off at the chapel at Tronoën.

A number of touring surf schools await you there!

La Torche

Without doubt the most popular surf spot in Finistère. The Pointe de la Torche is the venue for regional and national surfing competitions. It’s the perfect beach to feel the surfing energy of our region. The lift is the current that runs alongside the point on the right. Don’t venture there if you’re a novice! This is also where the local champions come to train.

Pors Carn

Pors Carn beach has one major advantage: it combines several different orientations. To the north and in the middle of the beach, the waves are hollow and powerful, while to the south, near the small sheltered harbour, the rollers are less impressive. So it’s a great place to get your first waves. There are a few schools behind the dune.

Surf schools

The best way to learn to surf is to enrol on a week-long course at a surf school, for a number of reasons:

Reading the weather conditions is not always easy when you don’t know the area.
The instructors will take you to the right beaches. They’ll give you all the advice you need to get into the water safely.
Finally, there’s no need to invest in equipment, as surf schools hire out wetsuits and boards for all levels!

Ronan Chatain Technical Director of the Brittany Surf School

Ronan Chatain is one of the pioneers of surfing in the Bigouden region and even in Brittany. Together with his friend Didier Tirilly, he founded the ESB de la Torche, the first surf school to be set up in the Bigouden region.

He was also behind the creation of the preparatory class for the Pôle Espoir, aimed at future champions.

FAQ

At what age can you start surfing?
Surf schools welcome children from the age of 6, provided they know how to swim.
Do I need a suit?
In summer, the water in the Bigouden region is around 18 degrees. So you need to wear a wetsuit to go in the water. If you’re not so keen on the cold, you can wear a shorty (a wetsuit shortened at the sleeves and legs).
Can I go surfing alone?
If you’re a beginner, it’s best to take one or more lessons with a surf school. Every spot has its risks. On some beaches, there are waves or currents. Sometimes, but this is rarer, pollution can prevent you from swimming.
Is there a specific area for surfing?
You can surf everywhere except in the swimming area. This is indicated by flags. Lifeguards ensure that surfers and other water sports enthusiasts do not remain in the area, which is strictly reserved for swimmers.
Finally, before going surfing, take a good look at the water and any rocks. Beware, the presence of rocks varies with each tide.