La Tranche-sur-Mer
Southern Vendée's long right: it only works in storms, and it handles west wind.
La Tranche-sur-Mer faces south, so it only gets waves in very big swell. In return, it works with a west or north wind, which ruins the rest of the coast. The wave isn't hollow and rarely exceeds 1.5 m, but it's a long, regular right.
That's why it's very popular on stormy days and gets crowded.
Spot facts
| Wave type | Point break |
|---|---|
| Direction | Right |
| Level | All levels |
| Best swell | W, NW |
| Best wind (offshore) | N, NW, W |
| Tide | Mid |
| Size | 0.5–1.5 m |
| Best season | Winter, during storms |
| Crowd | Heavy |
| Localism | Medium |
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 longboard or funboard to make the most of the long right; a shortboard if you want to turn. How many litres? Work out your volume with the volume calculator.
What to bring to surf La Tranche-sur-Mer
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
Lots of people on the days it works and some localism according to reports. Wait your turn.
Surfing style
Long, easy right.
Hazards
Crowds on stormy days.
Map
Shapers near La Tranche-sur-Mer
Order a board designed for these waves from a local shaper.
Other spots nearby
Longeville-sur-Mer
Longeville's most powerful peak, very busy when it works.
Longeville-sur-Mer
A powerful beach break, similar to Landes, among pine forests and dunes.
Les Sables-d'Olonne
The Les Sables-d'Olonne spot: a rock peak by the jetty, better than the city beach.
Les Sables-d'Olonne
A beach in a protected natural area, with the best peak over a small rock shelf.
Indicative information gathered from surf guides and surfers' experience. Conditions change with the sandbanks: check the forecast and ask at the beach.