(NOTE: Reviews may be edited by our content team for the purposes of ensuring accurate and relevant information)
“This is a great spot for beginner and intermediate level surfers, although the waves are quite slow to build and can often be tricky to catch without a lot of paddling. The waves do close out fairly quickly but it can offer decent rides left and right when the conditions are good.
Access is easy with a car park right next to the beach where the road runs past, but it can get a little crowded. There are no cafes or bars near the beach, but Cameret-Sur-Mer and Crozon/Morgat are not far away, both of which have full amenities.”
Mike C from FRANCE - 08 Jun 2015
Goulien Ratings
Overall: 2.0. Based on 7 votes and 2 reviews. Vote
Quality on a good day: 3.7(1 star: Even when the swell and winds are optimum, the waves are poor quality, 5 stars: If conditions are right, the waves will be World Class). |
Consistency of Surf: 3.3(1: Goulien is a fickle surf spot that only works a few times a year. 5: Reliable year-round spot). |
Regional Rating: 3.8(1: Goulien is usually very poor quality compared to other spots in Finistere - Brittany. 5: the best break in Finistere - Brittany). |
Difficulty Level: 2.6(1: Suitable for Groms. 3: Intermediates. 5: Expert tow-in surfers only). |
Onshore Wind: 3.0(1: even a light onshore ruins the surf. 5: Goulien can offer better rides with a light wind behind them). |
Other Options: 3.7(1: If wind or tide conditions are poor at Goulien, it will be poor everywhere nearby. 5: other locations nearby provide a rich variety of wind and swell exposures). |
Wind and Kite Surfing: 3.8(1: An unsuitable spot. 5: Wind and wave conditions at Goulien are often excellent). |
Water Quality: 3.8(1: Known health risks from pollution. 5: Never any pollution). |
Crowds: 3.1(1: Often too crowded. 5: Goulien is an isolated spot where you are unlikely to meet other surfers). |
Access: 4.4(1: Getting to Goulien requires an overland expedition or chartering a boat. 3: A 30 minute walk from the nearest parking. 5: Park a vehicle right by the break). |
Scenery: 4.7(1: An ugly industrial backdrop. 5: A spectacular setting). |
Local Attitude: 3.7(1: Locals are hostile to visitors. 5: Either there are no locals who surf, or else they are accommodating and friendly). |
Accommodation: 2.8(1: No convenient places to stay indoors. 5: A wide variety of accommodation near Goulien for all budgets from hostels to luxury hotels). |
Camping: 4.7(1: Camping at Goulien is not possible. 3: Camping tolerated but no facilities. 5: A nearby camp ground has excellent facilities and a good vibe). |
Entertainment: 4.0(1: Besides the surf and the solitude there is nothing to do when it is flat. 5: Goulien is in such an interesting area to visit that getting wet is a bonus). |
Equipment and Repairs: 3.3(1: Nothing can be sourced, not even wax. 5: Quality surfing equipment can be purchased or hired. Major repairs can be fixed too). |
Eating: 3.2(1: Bring your own food, there isn't even a shop. 5: A wide variety of places to eat and drink at Goulien, from fast food and cafes to fancy restaurants). |
Drinking: 3.7(1: Alcohol is not allowed in the country. 5: There is an excellent pub near Goulien where you can stay or park a camper van overnight). |
“Goulien is a great spot for beginners in the summer and a sheltered spot for big surf days in the winter. The beach is set back far within a huge bay offering great protection when the winds are from the south, blowing out other nearby spots. There is lack of notable banks and the sand profile is quite gentle so the waves tend to rise slowly and can require a lot of paddling to catch when they get big and fat. Long rides are possible but they are not very exciting. The main selling point of Goulien is the shelter it offers particularly when you consider the opposite side of the bay at Kerloch provides shelter from north winds so most directions are covered.
Parking is right next to the beach but it is limited so avoid arriving late at peak times in August.”
Q, VoG from UNITED KINGDOM - 16 Mar 2010
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