France
The Pors Carn beach in Penmarch, Brittany, is a beautiful stretch of 2 km of fine sand located between Saint-Guénolé and the Pointe de la Torche. Exposed to the northwest, it attracts kitesurfing, surfing, and windsurfing enthusiasts in a protected natural setting.
It is a family-friendly spot with a sporty atmosphere, where you can find parking, showers, restrooms, and surf schools. Swimming is supervised in summer, and dogs are allowed outside specific hours.
The view of the Pointe de la Torche and the wild environment make it a popular place for walks and sliding sessions.
The wind data shown here comes from ERA5 (via Open-Meteo) over 4 years, reprocessed to reflect realistic conditions.
👉 Average wind has been calibrated to avoid the usual underestimation of models.
👉 Gusts have been corrected by a median ratio to avoid unrealistic extreme values.
👉 Each day is summarized by the median wind (P50) observed during useful hours (8am–8pm), then classified into wind ranges.
👉 The weighted mode mixes average wind and gusts to best reflect felt wind.
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flatThe beach is oriented northwest, which means that winds from the west and northwest are side-on or side-shore perfect for kitesurfing, offering good power without too much drift. Direct onshore winds from the northwest work well too, but be careful of gusts near the rocky points.
The navigation area extends over the 2 km of beach, with easy access everywhere thanks to the fine sand and gentle slope. At low tide, you can stand for a good distance, ideal for beginners in shallow water; at high tide, the water opens up more widely for freeride sessions.
Launching is done directly on the wide beach, but choose a clear space away from swimmers in summer. The swell is weaker than at the neighboring Torche, making the spot accessible. Local schools like CBCM offer courses in shallow water or open water with a boat.
The ideal conditions are winds of 15 to 25 knots from the west or northwest, side-shore, with a medium tide for good navigation space.
The state of the water varies with the Atlantic swell: moderate chop on windy days, and small waves suitable for surf-kiting. Calmer than the Torche, with a clean sandy bottom.
Currents can be strong in the Baie d'Audierne, especially near the rocky points. They are influenced by the significant tides in the region, with stronger flows at low tide.
Stay vigilant during tide changes to avoid being swept away.
Opt for sizes of 9 to 12 m² in moderate winds of 15-20 knots, and go down to 7-9 m² when it picks up beyond 25 knots.
The dominant wind comes from the northwest and west, regular and steady due to the beach's exposure. It often blows between 15 and 25 knots in season, with sessions possible year-round.
No specific local name, but it is the typical Atlantic wind of Brittany that ensures a good wind score throughout the months.
The climate in southern Finistère is oceanic, with mild temperatures year-round: around 10-15°C in winter and 18-22°C in summer. The seasons are marked by frequent rains, but the winds remain consistent.
The summer months are the most pleasant for riding, with long days and warmer water, while in winter the conditions remain rideable despite the cold.
The depth is gradual with a completely sandy bottom. You can stand up to a good fifty meters from the shore at low tide.
The water is cold in winter around 10-12°C, and rises to 16-18°C in summer. A 5/3 mm wetsuit is recommended year-round, with a neoprene hood and booties in winter.
