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Aerial satellite view of Kerloch surf break in Finistère, Northwest France, France
Finistère, Northwest France, France

Kerloch

48.252, -4.560
Edited by Tom Jackson
Verified May 2026
Multi-checkedCross-checked against Stormrider and WannaSurf
At a glance
  • Kerloch is a right over beach, mellow right-hand beachbreak turning point on big swell.
  • Beginner to intermediate ability, working 3-8 ft.
  • Peak September to February, water 10-17°C.
Right · BeachBeginner → Intermediate3–8 ftJan – Dec

A marsh-fed beachbreak on the Crozon peninsula that transforms into a legitimate right-hand pointbreak when large winter swells arrive from the SW-NW window. Optimal conditions are SW to NW swell, 2-6ft, with NE offshore winds and mid to high tide. Avoid high tide completely: the backwash is dangerous and the wave shuts down. Best from October through February when Atlantic low-pressure systems push solid groundswell into the bay. Suits beginners to intermediates, and the lineup stays remarkably civil given how visible the spot is from the main road. Bottom: sand. Season: autumn and winter. Consistency: medium. The marsh runoff creates a strong current along the right-side rocks at mid-tide, particularly after heavy rain, so paddle left toward the channel rather than using the current to reach the peak.

Wave fit

Skill suited
Beginner → Intermediate
BegIntAdv
Best months
Jan – Dec
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Character
Mellow right-hand beachbreak turning point on big swell.

Conditions

When it works
NESW
Swell window
SW
SW - NW
Offshore wind
NE
North easterly
Optimum tide
Mid to high tide
Size range
2-6ft
Medium
Hazards
No concerns
Trip planning

Quick facts

Water temp
10° to 17°C
Wetsuit
5/4 + booties + hood (Nov-Mar); 4/3 (Apr-Oct)
What to bring
  • Shortboard 6ft to 6ft 4in for everyday conditions
  • 7ft gun or step-up for big winter swell
  • Longboard for small high-tide sessions in the corner
Lineup
Easy-going
Where it sits

Location

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About this break

What it's actually like

Crowd & Localism

The spot is visible from the road and known to every surfer on the Crozon peninsula, so expect company on the best winter days. That said, the lineup does not run heavy local aggression. Smile, say hello, wait your turn. Dawn patrol after a passing low-pressure system is the reliable move to get waves without the crowd.

Access & Facilities

On the D8 between Crozon and Camaret, the beach sits right alongside the road. Park on the left before the small bridge at the marsh outlet. No facilities on site. Bring water, food, and a full wetsuit: Brittany winters are cold and the water sits around 10-14°C. A 5/4 with booties and hood is standard from November through March.

Nearby Alternatives

When Kerloch is too big or the tide is wrong, check Kersiguennou just further along the same scalloped bay, a sheltered beginner-friendly option in front of the cliffs. La Palue to the south is the most consistent and powerful beachbreak on the peninsula and handles bigger swell with more structure.

10-day swell, wind and tide

Kerloch surf forecast

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Forecast by Windy.app

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Frequently asked

What you need to know before paddling out at Kerloch

What skill level is Kerloch suited for?
Kerloch is a beach bottom, mellow right-hand beachbreak turning point on big swell, break suited for beginner through intermediate surfers. Beginners can give it a go on the smaller end of the size range.
What size does Kerloch work best at?
Working size is 3 to 8 ft. Below 3 ft the swell goes flat. Above 8 ft it tends to close out.
When is the best season to surf Kerloch?
Kerloch fires from September through February. Outside that window the swell window narrows and the lineup goes quiet.
What swell direction does Kerloch need?
Kerloch switches on with a sw - nw groundswell. Offshore winds blow from the north easterly.
What are the main hazards at Kerloch?
Main hazards at Kerloch: no concerns.
What type of wave is Kerloch?
Kerloch is a right-breaking wave over beach. Mellow right-hand beachbreak turning point on big swell.

Sources

  • Stormrider
  • WannaSurf
Kerloch
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