Saint-Leu surf guide
Surf: The famous lefts of St-Leu provide a truly world-class wave when stronger SW swells hit, usually in winter. It starts with a quick drop and open face wall, ideal for carving big turns, before bending sharply round the reef into a couple of bowly, hollow sections that throw out a shallow tube. Needs to be overhead to start linking up for the full 300m ride, but will work in sections when it is smaller. Experienced surfers only, despite the easy paddle-out and be respectful of the local pecking order.
Environment: Horrific spate of 10 shark attacks in 2 years with 3 fatalities has resulted in surfing being banned for a short time in 2013. 90 tiger and bull sharks are being culled inside the marine reserve, and surfers will be fined $50 for surfing outside the shallow lagoon. Needless to say, crowds are at an all time low!