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Aerial satellite view of Roches-Noires surf break in Reunion Island, Reunion, France
Reunion Island, Reunion, France

Roches-Noires

-21.045, 55.216
Edited by Tom Jackson
Verified May 2026
Cross-referencedCross-checked against Stormrider
At a glance
  • Roches-Noires is a right over reef, consistent submerged reef right-hander.
  • Beginner to intermediate ability, working 2-10 ft.
  • Peak year-round.
Right · ReefBeginner → Intermediate2–10 ftJan – Dec

A high-consistency submerged reef on Réunion's south coast, Roches-Noires delivers reliable rights across a broad swell window and suits most ability levels. It picks up S through N swells, working best on NE offshores at 2-10ft, and runs across all tides. The wave draws crowds regularly, so expect a competitive lineup most sessions. Bottom: submerged reef. Season: year-round with peak consistency in austral winter. Consistency: high. Dawn patrol is your best shot at uncrowded waves here, given how reliably it fires.

Wave fit

Skill suited
Beginner → Intermediate
BegIntAdv
Best months
Jan – Dec
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Character
Consistent submerged reef right-hander.

Conditions

When it works
NESW
Swell window
S
S - N
Offshore wind
NE
North easterly
Optimum tide
All tides
Size range
2-10ft
High
Hazards
No concerns
Trip planning

Quick facts

Wetsuit
Boardies to 2mm
What to bring
  • Shortboard 6ft to 6ft 6in for average conditions
  • Funboard or mid-length for beginners on smaller days
Lineup
Some pressure on swells
Where it sits

Location

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About this break

What it's actually like

Crowd & Localism

Expect a busy lineup. The spot's high consistency and beginner-friendly character pull surfers in numbers. Intermediate and advancing surfers share the water with learners, which can make priority calls messy. Go early or on weekdays to find breathing room.

Access & Facilities

There is no dedicated parking and no facilities on site. Arrive prepared with water and anything else you need. Check nearby St-Pierre for food and supplies before paddling out.

Nearby Alternatives

The St-Pierre area offers consistent rights along the same stretch of south coast when Roches-Noires gets too hectic. Le Jetty, near the harbour wall, handles similar swell volumes and is worth checking on the same run.

10-day swell, wind and tide

Roches-Noires surf forecast

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Forecast by Windy.app

More breaks in Reunion

If this isn't your wave

All Reunion breaks
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Frequently asked

What you need to know before paddling out at Roches-Noires

What skill level is Roches-Noires suited for?
Roches-Noires is a reef bottom, consistent submerged reef right-hander, break suited for beginner through intermediate surfers. Beginners can give it a go on the smaller end of the size range.
What size does Roches-Noires work best at?
Working size is 2 to 10 ft. Below 2 ft the swell goes flat. Above 10 ft it gets heavy and the lineup thins out.
When is the best season to surf Roches-Noires?
Roches-Noires fires from year-round. Outside that window the swell window narrows and the lineup goes quiet.
What swell direction does Roches-Noires need?
Roches-Noires switches on with a s - n groundswell. Offshore winds blow from the north easterly.
What are the main hazards at Roches-Noires?
Main hazards at Roches-Noires: no concerns. Reef booties are common kit.
What type of wave is Roches-Noires?
Roches-Noires is a right-breaking wave over reef. Consistent submerged reef right-hander.

Sources

  • Stormrider
Roches-Noires
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