La Coubre
By La Coubre lighthouse: powerful banks that hold decent size.
In front of La Coubre lighthouse there's a beach with summer lifeguards that is often busy. If you go 2 or 3 km north along the sand tracks you can find empty peaks.
The banks hold up to 3 m, but the currents are dangerous: don't surf alone in the isolated areas.
Spot facts
| Wave type | Beach break |
|---|---|
| Direction | Lefts and rights |
| Level | Intermediate |
| Best swell | W, NW, SW |
| Best wind (offshore) | E, NE |
| Tide | Low to mid |
| Size | 0.8–3 m |
| Best season | Autumn to spring |
| Crowd | Medium |
| Localism | Low |
Surf forecast
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Hour-by-hour forecast for 14 days, with stars for your board and level, and the whole site without ads.
Model forecast for open water a few kilometres offshore: it can't see sandbanks or the shelter of headlands and jetties. The rating (0–5) is worked out from this spot's ideal swell and wind. Use it as a guide and check the sea before paddling out. Data: Open-Meteo (DWD, ECMWF; CC BY 4.0)
Which board to bring
A shortboard; a step-up for big days. How many litres? Work out your volume with the volume calculator.
What to bring to surf La Coubre
The water is around 11 °C in winter and 19 °C in late summer. This is what we'd bring for this spot's water, level and boards.
For winter water at 8–11 °C.
View on AmazonWarm feet in winter and protection on rocks.
View on AmazonKeeps your board from drifting off or hitting someone.
View on AmazonThe classic fish fins: speed in soft waves.
View on AmazonWarm-water wax won't grip in this water.
View on AmazonAmazon affiliate links: if you buy through them, Shapers Europe earns a small commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Localism and vibe
A calm vibe.
Surfing style
Powerful beach break.
Hazards
Dangerous currents and isolated areas.
Map
Shapers near La Coubre
Order a board designed for these waves from a local shaper.
Other spots nearby
La Tremblade (Côte Sauvage)
The best-known access to the Côte Sauvage, between pine forests and dunes.
Saint-Palais-sur-Mer
The alternative when the Côte Sauvage closes out: lefts towards the estuary that sometimes barrel.
Royan
Royan's city cove: it only works in big storms, and then it's easy and pleasant.
Grand-Village-Plage (Île d'Oléron)
A long, quiet beach in south-west Oléron.
All spots in Charente-Maritime →
Indicative information gathered from surf guides and surfers' experience. Conditions change with the sandbanks: check the forecast and ask at the beach.