La Torche
France · Kitesurf · Surfing
- Best winds E (offshore)
- Level Intermediate · Pro
- Water Waves
- Best months Sep–May
About this spot
At Pointe de La Torche in Finistère, on Brittany's southwestern tip: a long sandy beach with several beach break peaks and the most consistent wave spot in the region. La Torche is open to the regular northwest swells that hit this coast; over the sandbar a long left regularly walls for up to 200 metres, with lefts and rights breaking across the whole width.
Which wind works best here? Offshore easterly wind smooths the waves – the best conditions come when a west-southwest swell meets an east wind. The spot works cleanest at mid tide (roughly 0.5 to 2 metres of range) but offers waves at all tide stages. The prime window runs September to January, when swell direction and consistency line up most reliably; spring, often March, also delivers. La Torche suits advanced surfers and wave kiters and is the classic reference point of Breton wave surfing.
Last updated:
Location
Wind & weather through the year
According to model data for 2021–2025, April is the windiest month: on 20 % of days the wind blows at 12 knots or more from a direction that works at this spot for at least three daytime hours. It then mostly blows from the east. The most reliable period runs from February to April. The least wind is in July (3 %). In the warmer season (water from 15 °C), October brings the most wind days (10 %). The water ranges from about 11 to 18 °C over the year.
| Month | Wind days ≥ 12 kn | Avg wind | Direction | Air | Water |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January |
10 %
| 14 kn | E | 9 °C | 11 °C |
| February |
16 %
| 14 kn | E | 10 °C | 11 °C |
| March |
16 %
| 14 kn | E | 10 °C | 11 °C |
| April |
20 %
| 12 kn | E | 12 °C | 13 °C |
| May |
7 %
| 12 kn | E | 14 °C | 15 °C |
| June |
6 %
| 10 kn | E | 17 °C | 16 °C |
| July |
3 %
| 11 kn | E | 18 °C | 16 °C |
| August |
5 %
| 10 kn | E | 18 °C | 18 °C |
| September |
8 %
| 11 kn | E | 17 °C | 16 °C |
| October |
10 %
| 13 kn | E | 16 °C | 16 °C |
| November |
5 %
| 15 kn | E | 13 °C | 15 °C |
| December |
18 %
| 16 kn | E | 11 °C | 13 °C |
Wind day = at least 3 hours at ≥ 12 kn in daylight (09:00–19:00 local time). Only hours with wind from E (usable according to the spot info) are counted. Model data (ECMWF IFS, approx. 9 km grid) – local venturi and thermal effects can be stronger. Weather data: Open-Meteo.com (CC BY 4.0)
Insider tips
Aim for mid tide with WSW swell and offshore east wind. Look for the long left over the sandbar; most reliable from September to January.
⚠︎ Hazards
Watch out for rocks at Pointe de La Torche and strong currents on bigger swell. The spot is often crowded – mind board control and right of way. Cold Atlantic water, wetsuit needed.
All information without guarantee. Please check locally whether kiting, windsurfing, winging or surfing is currently allowed here – protected areas, swimming zones and seasonal closures change. You go on the water at your own risk.
Frequently asked questions
Is La Torche suitable for beginners?
Not really. According to the spot info, La Torche is a spot for Intermediate · Pro (water: Waves).
Which wind works at La Torche?
Best with wind from E (offshore). In the windiest month (April), model data show the wind mostly blowing from the east.
When is the best time for La Torche?
The best months are considered to be Sep–May. According to the wind statistics, October has the most wind days in the warmer season (water from 15 °C, 10 %); overall April is the windiest (20 %), but the water is cold then.
How warm is the water at La Torche?
Over the year about 11 °C in February to 18 °C in August (model data).
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