Located in Vendee, France, L’Aubraie features a series of reef breaks off a beach, known for its short, hollow left-handers and some less impressive right-handers. The reefs can produce challenging waves that break for up to 50 meters (164 feet), with a mediocre beach break available on the inside. The quality of the waves improves with the tide; the reef works best at high tide, while the beach break can turn into a shoredump with backwash during high tide.
What are the best surf conditions for L’Aubraie?
L’Aubraie is best when the waves are between waist-high and double overhead. A longboard is recommended for smaller waves, while a shortboard is better as the size increases. This break is suited for intermediate and advanced surfers. The surf here is somewhat inconsistent (5/10) and can become crowded, especially in summer (5/10). The optimal winds are from the Northeast, and the best swells come from the Northwest, Southwest, and West. The reef breaks are sharp and challenging, and the spot works on all tides.
In summer, a 3/2 wetsuit is suitable when water temperatures rise to 16°C (61°F). In winter, a 4/3 wetsuit is recommended when temperatures drop to 10°C (50°F). The campsite is open only in summer, so you’ll encounter fewer locals out of season.
