Fort Le Marchant is a sheltered left-hand point that only comes to life in the biggest winter storms, which makes it a rare sight. Swells have to wrap a full 90 degrees onto the point before it breaks over boulders and sand. The take-off is a sketchy, near-vertical drop right in front of the rocks, feeding a fast, hollow section before the wave fattens out into deeper water. Strong currents run through here.
When It Works
The point draws swell from southwest through north to northeast (SW-N-NE), with west (W) swell the best match. It works from 1.2 m / 4 ft to 3 m / 10 ft and stays inconsistent, only firing when one of the biggest winter storms lines up.
Wind and Tide
Look for southwest (SW) offshore wind, which is also the direction that wraps swell onto the point, so the two tend to arrive together. It breaks through mid to high tide, with a rising tide the better call.
Access
There is a car park right next to the fort on the headland, looking down onto the wave.
