When traveling to southwestern Brittany, Finistère sud, you might not expect to discover relaxed flat water spots for wingfoiling. The considerable tidal range sometimes has an enormous impact on spot quality. The Atlantic waves do the rest. However, during a trip to the region in early October, we were able to discover two of these wingfoiling gems.
Plage du Stêr
Plage du Stêr is located southeast of Penmarch. It is the first sandy beach on the south-facing coast. West and east winds blow exactly sideshore here. SW and SE winds blow side-on. There are usually no big waves here. The beach benefits from being framed by reefs to the west, which block the Atlantic swell. You can get out on the water here at all tide levels. The only difference is that the walk across the beach is sometimes longer and sometimes shorter. You only have to walk a few meters into the water and it is deep enough to get on the foil. A small wind wave forms on the water, but it is not a problem. The water is partly turquoise blue. Combined with the light sandy beach, you could imagine yourself in the Caribbean.
Parking is available directly behind the small dune. Part of the parking lot is also accessible to vehicles taller than 1.9 m. However, overnight parking is expressly prohibited and will likely be penalized. There is even a toilet. The wingfoil equipment is set up on a small lawn. In the off-season, the bike racks are ideal for use as wing holders.
Hazards
The spot is actually completely safe. Except at low tide, there are a few rocks lurking below the surface at the entry point. However, these are easy to spot. Anywhere that is dark and not sandy, you should take a few more steps before stepping onto the foil.
Plage de l’Île-Tudy
Another spot in Brittany, Finistère sud, for wingfoiling is Plage de l’Île-Tudy. The sandy beach is located directly in the picturesque village of the same name, Île-Tudy. NE and SW winds blow sideshore here. This spot is also protected from Atlantic waves by its geography. Likewise, the tide level is irrelevant. After only about 10 m, the water is deep enough to start foiling. A little further out, at least when the wind is NE, a small but nice swell builds up, which is great for riding with the foil.
There are parking spaces everywhere along Avenue de la Plage, but only for vehicles under 1.9 m. Larger buses or motorhomes can park on the side streets that lead to the beach road. This is no problem, at least in the off-season. Between the road and the beach is a meadow that is perfect for setting up your wingfoil equipment. Of course, there are also toilets nearby.
Alternatively, the Plage du Teven or Plage de Kermor spots are located along the long sandy beach to the northeast.
After your session, it’s worth taking a stroll through the village at the tip of the peninsula.
Hazards
There are several stone reefs to the left and right of the beach, but they are easy to spot. Some of them are exposed at low tide.
