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Barre d'Etel - Etel River Mouth kitesurf spot
France · Bretagne
Overview
Barre d'Étel is an expert-level kitesurf spot at the entrance to the Étel river, one of the most legendary and dangerous tidal passages in Brittany. Violent currents on the ebb, breaking waves on the bar, and very powerful south to southwest conditions. For experienced riders only with perfect local tidal knowledge. The bar has claimed many lives historically. No beginners or intermediates — ever.
Spot forecast for Barre d'Etel - Etel River Mouth
Sunrise 08:39 · Sunset 19:16
Forecasts provided by Open-Meteo
Tides
Heights above lowest astronomical tide, in the spot's local time. Computed 3.6 km from the spot.
- Tuesday 20 October High tide · 3.2 m Low tide · 2.1 m High tide · 3.4 m Low tide · 1.9 m
- Wednesday 21 October High tide · 3.4 m Low tide · 1.9 m High tide · 3.7 m Low tide · 1.6 m
- Thursday 22 October High tide · 3.6 m Low tide · 1.6 m High tide · 4 m Low tide · 1.3 m
- Friday 23 October High tide · 3.9 m Low tide · 1.3 m High tide · 4.3 m Low tide · 1 m
- Saturday 24 October High tide · 4.3 m Low tide · 1 m High tide · 4.5 m Low tide · 0.7 m
Barre d'Etel - Etel River Mouth: when to go?
Rideable days and hours computed for a minimum wind of 7 knots · log in to set your own (foil, twin-tip…)
At least one year of wind data is needed to count the rideable days of this spot. Meanwhile, check the forecast.
Photo gallery of Barre d'Etel - Etel River Mouth
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Technical details of Barre d'Etel - Etel River Mouth spot
The spot works with winds from SSE, S, SSW, SW, WSW, W.
Depending on conditions: SE, WNW.
Spot functioning
Access from Étel or Locoal-Mendon. Sessions only viable around slack water — never on the ebb at spring tides. Know the tidal coefficient and plan your session to arrive at slack and exit before the ebb builds. This spot requires local knowledge — ride with experienced locals the first time. South to southwest wind with incoming tide gives the best conditions. Never ride alone.
Spot opening date · Required level
- Spot opening date
- Open all year round
- Required level
- Advanced
On the water
The bar creates violent breaking waves on the ebb — conditions change very quickly. At slack water in good conditions: powerful south to southwest swell with fast tidal water. Sandy and rocky bottom. The Étel river creates a strong flushing effect. Currents can reach 8-10 knots on spring ebb — completely unrideable and dangerous. Expert only.
Wind specificities
South, south-southeast and southwest are the productive wind directions — aligned with the bar entrance. West also works. The bar geography creates local wind effects. Best in south to southwest with incoming or slack tide. Avoid northwest and north — unfavourable for bar conditions.
Hazards
The Étel bar is one of the most dangerous tidal passages in Brittany. Violent currents on the ebb — particularly lethal at spring tides. Breaking waves on the bar can appear instantly. The passage has claimed many lives historically. NEVER attempt without perfect local knowledge and tidal expertise. No rescue services nearby. Expert riders only.
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