St Leu Surf Guide
Surf spot guide
Ideal Surf Conditions
Swell Direction
SW
Wind
SE, the prevailing trade wind. Sideshore ruffles on the outside, straight offshore on the inside.
Surf Height
Shoulder high to triple overhead. Pushes a big mushy foam ball through the barrel section if too big.
Tide
Can work at all tides, high tide for more hook to the bowl section. Reef is exposed at lowest tides.
St Leu Surf Guide
Your first sight of the wave at St. Leu is likely to be a local, working the outside wall section and getting in a few good whacks as the wave turns the corner of the reef, then stalling for a three-second cover-up before gliding into the channel. The next surfer, another local, does the exact same thing. With the heavy local presence, the big sharks and lots of them, the exorbitant cost of traveling to this isolated outpost of La France in the Indian Ocean, and the significant expense of staying there once you've arrived, is it worth it? After your first long, hollow, bending left at St. Leu, and if the sharks don't get you on the paddle back to the takeoff spot, we think you'll agree - it is.
Ability Level
Intermediate - Advanced
Intermediate to advanced, should have reef surfing experience.
Local Vibe
Doable
Depends - everything from a surely expletive to a welcoming "howzeet brah." Use the basic formula of giving respect to get respect, and never, ever drop in on any of the locals.
Crowd Factor
Moderate
Can get packed, but lots of waves.
Spot Rating
Perfect
World-class lefthander.
Shoulder Burn
Exhausting
Long paddle from shore, long paddle back to the lineup, some current.
Water Quality
Clean
Harbor rubbish.
Hazards
Sharks and shallow coral reef.
Bring Your
Shortboard
Access
Park, and walk in through the casuarinas grove.
Bottom
Coral reef, shallow and sharp.
Best Season
April to October.
Do you have local knowledge about St Leu?
If you have any insights or information to add to this spot guide, drop us a note at [email protected]