St Leu
St Leu is one of the world's best left-hand barrels—a fast, hollow reef break on Réunion Island that produces some of the most intense tubes in the Indian Ocean. The wave is world-class, but the risk is extreme: Réunion has the highest shark attack rate on Earth, and surfing has been heavily restricted. When conditions align, St Leu delivers jaw-dropping perfection, but the shadow of danger looms over every session. Surfing's ultimate risk-reward equation.
St Leu surf forecast
Model forecast for swell, wind and tide.
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- SW (220°)
- Direction range
- 200° - 240°
- Size range
- 1.2m - 4m
- Ideal size
- 2.5m - 3.3m
- Height multiplier
- 0.90×
- Ideal period
- 18s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- SE (135°)
- Offshore range
- 90° - 180°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- mid to high
- Optimal range
- 0.5m - 1.5m
- Danger below
- 0.3m
Water temp
24°C
Wetsuit
Boardshorts / Rashguard
Difficulty
9/10
Crowd level
7/10
Access: Walk out from the town of St Leu.
Frequently Asked Questions
What tide is best at St Leu?
The St Leu profile favors mid to high tide, ideally between 0.5m and 1.5m on the local tide chart. Compare this preference with the forecast tide and local conditions before choosing a session. The profile flags a low-tide hazard below 0.3m.
What wind direction is offshore at St Leu?
The St Leu profile uses wind from SE (135°) as its preferred direction, with an offshore range of 90° to 180°. Wind speed matters too: light winds outside that range can still produce surfable conditions, while strong offshore winds can make takeoffs difficult.
What swell size and direction work best at St Leu?
The St Leu scoring profile favors swell from SW (200° to 240°), a swell-height range of 1.2m to 4m, and a reference period of 18s. These are model inputs, not guaranteed breaking-wave heights or a promise that the surf will suit every ability.
When is the best time of year to surf St Leu?
The main season at St Leu is May-Sep. A secondary window runs Apr, Oct. Winter SW swells are the most reliable.
How do I get to St Leu?
The spot profile lists RUN as a nearby airport. The estimated road transfer is 40 minutes. Walk out from the town of St Leu.
What kind of wave is St Leu?
St Leu is a reef break, a left-hander. Difficulty is rated 9/10.
Best Season
Peak: May-Sep
Secondary: Apr, Oct
Winter SW swells are the most reliable.
Getting There
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