Indian Ocean, France
A left-handed reef break in the Indian Ocean.
| Wave height | 5.3 ft (4-6 ft) |
| Swell period | 10 sec |
| Swell direction | 198° |
| Wind | NNE cross/onshore 2.8 kt |
| Tide | mid / optimal |
| Surf score | 79 / 100 |
St Leu is a left-handed reef break on the coast of Reunion, France. On the right day, the ideal swell window runs from S–SSW (170–210°); groundswell with periods around 10–16s gives it the most shape; the wave is comfortably workable up to roughly 15 ft on the face. Best winds are E or SE, with N or S still rideable. Tide influences the wave moderately, so timing the swing helps line up the better sets. The sweet spot in our data sits between roughly 0.3 m and 1.2 m of tide height. Consistency is moderate - good days come in pulses tied to incoming swells. Expect warm, boardshort-friendly water. Expect a moderate crowd, especially on the best days. Logistically, it is about 50 minutes from RUN airport. It rewards strong, confident surfers and is not the right place for a first session of the trip - paddle fitness and wave-reading both matter. Board-wise, locals lean on performance shortboard.
The best window is typically Apr–Oct, when swells from S–SSW (170–210°) are most consistent.
In our data the spot is workable up to roughly 15 ft on the face on the right swell and wind, beyond which it usually becomes unmanageable or closes out.
Not really - it suits advanced surfers and is not the place to learn.