Saint-Jean-de-Monts
A huge, gentle beach sheltered by the Île d'Yeu: perfect for learning.
The Île d'Yeu filters the swell reaching Saint-Jean-de-Monts, so the waves are smaller and softer than in the rest of Vendée. The beach is enormous and there's room for everyone.
It's one of the best places in the area for your first lessons.
Spot facts
| Wave type | Beach break |
|---|---|
| Direction | Lefts and rights |
| Level | Beginner |
| Best swell | W, SW |
| Best wind (offshore) | SE, E |
| Tide | All tides |
| Size | 0.5–1.5 m |
| Best season | All year |
| Crowd | Light |
| 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 minimalibu, longboard or funboard: high-volume boards for soft waves. How many litres? Work out your volume with the volume calculator.
What to bring to surf Saint-Jean-de-Monts
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 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, family vibe.
Surfing style
Soft waves for learning.
Hazards
Rip currents in big swell.
Map
Shapers near Saint-Jean-de-Monts
Order a board designed for these waves from a local shaper.
Other spots nearby
Saint-Hilaire-de-Riez
A long left over rock at the Corniche de Sion, ideal for longboarding.
Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie
Saint-Gilles' Grande Plage: soft-breaking waves, good for longboarding and learning.
Brétignolles-sur-Mer
Vendée's most famous wave: powerful rights and lefts over rock slabs.
Brem-sur-Mer / Les Sables-d'Olonne
A wild beach that picks up swell better than its neighbours.
Indicative information gathered from surf guides and surfers' experience. Conditions change with the sandbanks: check the forecast and ask at the beach.