Pointe Espagnole
The best-known access to the Côte Sauvage, between pine forests and dunes.
Pointe Espagnole is one of the main access points to the Côte Sauvage, a wild beach surrounded by La Coubre forest. The sandbanks work with a west swell and an easterly wind; the peak is usually on the right side of the beach.
The area has very dangerous currents and outside summer there are no lifeguards.
Spot facts
| Wave type | Beach break |
|---|---|
| Direction | Lefts and rights |
| Level | Intermediate |
| Best swell | W, NW |
| Best wind (offshore) | E, NE |
| Tide | Low to mid |
| Size | 1–2.5 m |
| Best season | Autumn and spring |
| Crowd | Light |
| 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 or fish; a funboard in small swell. How many litres? Work out your volume with the volume calculator.
What to bring to surf Pointe Espagnole
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
Few people and a calm vibe.
Surfing style
Wild beach break.
Hazards
Very strong currents; don't swim or surf alone.
Map
Shapers near Pointe Espagnole
Order a board designed for these waves from a local shaper.
Other spots nearby
Les Mathes
By La Coubre lighthouse: powerful banks that hold decent size.
Grand-Village-Plage (Île d'Oléron)
A long, quiet beach in south-west Oléron.
Saint-Palais-sur-Mer
The alternative when the Côte Sauvage closes out: lefts towards the estuary that sometimes barrel.
Dolus-d'Oléron (Île d'Oléron)
Oléron's surf beach, with Les Allassins 300 m away and always a free peak.
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.