Pontaillac
Royan's city cove: it only works in big storms, and then it's easy and pleasant.
Pontaillac is a sheltered bay at the mouth of the estuary. It doesn't work often, but in big winter swells a clean, easy wave comes in, protected from the wind.
It's a good option for a mellow surf when the open coast is wild.
Spot facts
| Wave type | Beach break |
|---|---|
| Direction | Lefts and rights |
| Level | All levels |
| Best swell | W, NW, SW |
| Best wind (offshore) | N, NE, E |
| Tide | Mid to high |
| Size | 0.5–1.5 m (with 2–3 m outside) |
| Best season | Winter, in big swell |
| Crowd | Medium |
| Localism | Low |
Surf forecast
Loading the forecast…
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 longboard or funboard; a shortboard on the best days. How many litres? Work out your volume with the volume calculator.
What to bring to surf Pontaillac
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 AmazonThe safest, easiest board to learn on here.
View on AmazonKeeps your board from drifting off or hitting someone.
View on AmazonHold and smooth turns for a single fin.
View on AmazonThe three-fin set for a shortboard.
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
Easy waves in a sheltered bay.
Hazards
Rocks at both ends of the bay.
Map
Shapers near Pontaillac
Order a board designed for these waves from a local shaper.
Other spots nearby
Saint-Palais-sur-Mer
The alternative when the Côte Sauvage closes out: lefts towards the estuary that sometimes barrel.
Les Mathes
By La Coubre lighthouse: powerful banks that hold decent size.
La Tremblade (Côte Sauvage)
The best-known access to the Côte Sauvage, between pine forests and dunes.
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.