Pinarellu.

Pinarellu is a left-hander that unravels over a mixed uneven reef and sand bottom along Corsica's southeastern shoreline, near the village of Sainte Lucie de Porto Vecchio. The wave needs a solid E to SE swell to switch on - this coastline faces away from the dominant Atlantic and Mediterranean westerly swells, so true surf days are infrequent. When the right swell arrives, the lefts wrap and well up off the reef, running with a fast, steep face and a hollow section or two before tapering toward the sand. Rides stretch to 50-100m on the better sets. The bottom combines boily reef with sandy patches, keeping the wave punchy and honest rather than forgiving. Among Corsican breaks, it carries a reputation as one of the island's better quality setups, which explains why the local contingent turns out in force whenever conditions align. The break works across all tides. Entry is straightforward from the beach but the reef sections are uneven underfoot, and sea urchins are present - water shoes during entry and exit are wise. Localism here is genuine and runs deep; the relatively rare good days concentrate a passionate crew who expect visitors to read the lineup, wait their turn, and carry themselves accordingly. Observe before paddling out.

Rare E swell wraps lefts that hollow over Pinarellu's boily reef, stretching toward sand.