The best foil and wingfoil spots on the Ile de Ré
The foil is a lift system that allows board sports practitioners to fly above the water. The foil’s wings placed underwater push the limits of different practices and optimize speed. The foil adapts to many board sports: Wingfoil, Wakefoil, Kitesurf foil, Windfoil and even Sup foil!
The Ile de Ré is an ideal place to practice foiling, thanks to its varied weather conditions, its magnificent landscapes and its many water activities. Whether you are a beginner or an expert, you are bound to find a spot adapted to your level and your desire.
In this article, we present the advantages of the Ile de Ré for foiling, the best spots to discover and some tips to make the most of your experience.
The advantages of the Ile de Ré for foiling
Why is the Ile de Ré an ideal place to practice foiling?
The Ile de Ré is located on the Atlantic coast, off the coast of La Rochelle. It enjoys a mild and sunny oceanic climate, with regular winds and high tides. These are the perfect conditions for foiling all year round!
The Ile de Ré also offers a diversity of spots, suitable for all levels and all disciplines. You can choose between wind-exposed beaches, sheltered bays, shallow lagoons, or deeper areas. There are foil spots for all tastes and desires on the Ile de Ré!
Finally, the Ile de Ré is a place steeped in history and charm, with its typical villages, fortifications, salt marshes and unspoilt nature. You can take advantage of your stay to discover the cultural and natural heritage of the island, as well as its gastronomic specialties.
What are some other popular water activities on the Ile de Ré?
The Ile de Ré is a popular destination for water sports enthusiasts. In addition to foiling, you will be able to practice:
- Kitesurfing: the island has several schools and spots famous for learning or improving kitesurfing. You can take advantage of the wind and waves to perform spectacular tricks or simply glide across the water.
- Windsurfing: The Ile de Ré also offers ideal conditions for windsurfing, with varied bodies of water and winds suitable for all levels.
- Wakeboarding: If you like thrills, you can try your hand at wakeboarding. We have a slight preference for wakefoiling but wakeboarding is nice too! To practice wakeboarding, you still need a boat to tow the person in the wakeboard.
- Surfing: Surrounded by beaches, the Ile de Ré also has some beautiful surfing spots, especially on the north coast. You can try your hand at surfing in the waves or
stand-up paddleboarding
on the calmer waters.
The best foil spots on the Ile de Ré
If you are looking for wing foil spots on the Ile de Ré, you are spoilt for choice. But to make it easier for you, here are the three best foil spots on the Ile de Ré:
Spot 1: North Shore
The foiling spot on the North Shore beach is located at the entrance to the island. It is navigable mainly in north-westerly winds and becomes choppy with the entry of the thermal, perfect for the Down Wind! The spot is navigable all day long because there is always water, and the parking lot is at the foot of the spot, what could be more convenient?
If you are a kitesurfing enthusiast, this is the only spot on the Ile de Ré authorized for kitesurfing at any time, so you can enjoy yourself without any headaches.
Spot 2: South Shore
If the wind doesn’t allow you to get your foil out in Rivedoux Nord, you can go to Rivedoux Sud. It’s a great spot with a wind from Northeast to West which is ideal to enjoy a rather flat body of water with swell when there is a big intake. As for Rivedoux Nord, the spot of Rivedoux Sud is navigable all the time.
With these two spots you can foil whatever the conditions!
Spot 3: La Couarde Nord
The beach of La Couarde Nord is a foiling spot located on the north coast of the Ile de Ré, at the level of the Goisil. It is the perfect spot to enjoy a flat body of water in a northwesterly wind.
Be careful, this spot is not accessible all the time. It is navigable only under the following conditions:
- Tidal coefficient greater than 70
- Set between 1h30 before and after high tide
Spot 4: Diamond head, the spot that blows your mind
Diamond Head, on the Ile de Ré, enjoys a mythical reputation among surfing enthusiasts due to its strategic location. Its exposure to the swell makes it a privileged place for surfers, wing foilers and windsurfers in search of optimal conditions.
Located in a great area, Diamond Head offers stunning views of the Whales Lighthouse. This proximity to one of the emblematic symbols of the island gives a special dimension to the experience on the water. Sailing while contemplating the lighthouse creates a unique atmosphere, enhancing the appeal of this spot.
Diamond Head thus becomes an emblematic place where the combination of conditions and the picturesque setting of the Whale Lighthouse offers an unforgettable experience. The optimal conditions and spectacular view make this spot a must for those looking for a memorable adventure on the Ile de Ré.
The spot works in a lot of orientation, but most of the time, the wind comes in from the west with some variations in the southwest and northwest. Summer thermals in the north can be very interesting.
The spot is obviously wave-oriented, south or southwest, it will be flatter but also more windy.
Spot 5: The Lizay
Located some 200 m from the Petit Bec beach, the Lizay is the spot of excellence for surfing, so for wing when you want to jump high or simply surf. The wind enters it from the side, offering ideal conditions to deal with the swell.
It is not suitable for all levels. Beginners abstain.
Spot 6: The Little Beak
Following on from the lizay, a few hundred metres further on, you will find the Petit Bec beach. An ideal spot for kitesurfing since it gives access to a lot of space to take off/land, it will also lend itself perfectly to wingfoil and surf sessions as well as windsurfing.
Spot 7: The Pergola
One of the best known is certainly the pergola, nicknamed the “pergo”, it will offer you magical surfing sessions at sunset.
Be careful, it is important to pay attention to the many rocks and underwater fences that serve to retain the sand.
Spot 8: The Centre Nautique Couardais: The ideal spot for the dockstart
Located in La Couarde-sur-Mer, the Centre Nautique Couardais is THE ideal spot to practice wingfoil dockstart. With its pontoons and access to the water regardless of the tide, riders can safely launch from a platform. In addition, the very flat body of water offers optimal conditions to work on your starting technique.
These 8 spots are suitable for foilers of all levels, who will be able to have fun in varied conditions. If you prefer surfing or SUP foiling, we recommend other spots that will be perfect for these activities such as the Couarde Sud, the Gros Jonc or the Grenettes.
Tips for foiling on the Ile de Ré
Equipment needed for foiling according to its discipline:
To practice foiling on the Ile de Ré, you will need equipment adapted to your discipline and your level. Here are some tips for choosing SROKA equipment for your discipline:
- For wingfoil : To sail in wingfoil on the Ile de Ré we have the wingfoil packs you need! The complete Sky Rider package is perfect for those who want to start foiling and progress quickly, you can choose the size of your board, your wing and the front wing of your choice according to your expectations. For those who are looking for practical and easy-to-carry equipment without compromising on glide and speed, the complete Sroka Air wingfoil pack will make you happy.
If you need more information , read our article on How to choose your wingfoil pack.
- For kitesurfing foil: If you want to fly at high speed around the Ile de Ré, opt for the 950 Speed front wing and the pocket board. This combo gives you speed, control, responsiveness, and lightness.
- For windsurf foil : For windfoil enthusiasts we have the perfect foil, the Wind Foil Freeride Performance. Designed with the best carbon materials on the market, the foil offers exceptional performance and optimal stability.
- For wakefoiling : If you want to enjoy sessions around the Ile de Ré, we recommend the special SROKA wakefoil pack. The pack includes the 2023 Pocket board, which offers you incomparable maneuverability and responsiveness, as well as an S-Foil 1190 Lift or 1350 Lift depending on your preferences and needs.
Safety & Precautions
Foil is a very fun sport but it still requires caution and respect for safety rules. Here are some tips to practice foiling on the Ile de Ré with complete peace of mind:
1/ Check the weather and sailing conditions before leaving and choose a spot adapted to your level and discipline. It is also important to avoid areas that are too crowded or off-limits.
2/ Always wear protective equipment : helmet, foil impact vest, neoprene suit. Check that your equipment is in good condition and properly adjusted before you go into the water. Remember to always use a leash so you don’t lose your board or kite.
3/ Respect other water users : foilers, kitesurfers, windsurfers, surfers, swimmers… It is essential to keep a safe distance to avoid collisions. It is also important to remember to respect priorities and navigation rules.
4/ Finally, be careful and realistic about your abilities: don’t sail alone and stay close to the shore if you are not confident. You don’t have to go far to enjoy yourself, the open sea will be within your reach when you have perfected your skills.
How to plan an unforgettable foiling experience on the Ile de Ré?
If you want to have a great foil experience on the Ile de Ré, here are some tips to plan your stay:
- Choose the ideal period: the Ile de Ré can be visited all year round, but the best seasons for foiling are spring and autumn, when the winds are more regular and there are fewer tourists.
- Book your accommodation: the Ile de Ré has a wide range of accommodation, from campsites to luxury hotels. You will be able to choose according to your budget and your desire. Remember to book in advance, especially in high season.
- Think about transporting your equipment: If you’re going to the Ile de Ré with your own foiling equipment, don’t forget to bring something to transport it properly. Think of inflatable wingfoil packs, they are much more convenient to transport, especially when the car is already full!
- Take lessons or courses: if you are just starting out or if you want to improve your foiling skills, you can take lessons or courses with qualified instructors. You will find several foil schools on the island, which will offer you formulas adapted to your level and your discipline.
- Take advantage of the other activities: don’t limit yourself to foiling, also take advantage of the other activities that the island has to offer. For example, you can go stand-up paddle all around the Ile de Ré which also has beautiful paddle spots. You can also visit villages, museums, markets… or even taste the local specialties, such as oysters, salt or pineau.
Enjoy a great foiling experience on the Ile de Ré
The Ile de Ré is a dream destination for foiling enthusiasts. It offers varied weather conditions, diverse spots and an exceptional setting. Whether you are a beginner or an expert, you are bound to find a spot adapted to your level and your desire.
To make the most of your experience, choose your period, your accommodation, and of course, your equipment. Don’t hesitate to take lessons or courses to learn or improve your foiling skills. And above all, have fun!
If you still have questions about this, or for any other request, please do not hesitate to contact us !
