Foiling in a mountain lake: our addresses

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 is suitable for many board sports: kitesurfing, windsurfing, wakeboarding, wingsurfing…

But where to practice foiling in France? If you are looking for quiet spots, away from the crowds and noise, mountain lakes are an ideal option. Indeed, these bodies of water offer varied conditions adapted to all levels, as well as an exceptional natural setting. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced sailor, you are bound to find a lake that suits you to practice foiling.

The advantages of foiling on a mountain lake

Foiling on a mountain lake has several advantages:

Benefit from a calm and flat body of water, ideal for learning the basics of foiling or perfecting your technique.
Take advantage of a steady and often thermal wind, which allows you to sail often, with a smaller and more maneuverable kite.
Avoid the crowds and stress of crowded spots, and gain safety and serenity.
Discover magnificent landscapes, between mountains, forests and picturesque villages.
Vary the pleasures by practicing different foil sports, according to your desires and the weather conditions.

What sport can you play? Wing foil, dockstart...

Depending on the type of foil you have, you can practice different sports on a mountain lake:

Wing foiling: this involves using an inflatable wing that you hold at arm’s length to propel yourself on the foil. It’s an accessible and fun sport, which doesn’t require a lot of wind or equipment. It allows you to feel the sensation of flying while controlling your trajectory.

The kite foil: It is a more technical and faster sport, which requires a good mastery of the kite and foil, it is the same principle as for kite surfing but with a foil under the board. The kite foil allows you to take advantage of even the light wind and make impressive jumps.

Wake foiling: To go surf foil, you have to use a boat or cable to pull you while holding on the board with a foil. It’s an easy and fun sport, which doesn’t depend on the wind or waves, but still requires something to tow around. It allows you to learn the basics of foiling and work on your balance.

Surf foil: In a mountain lake you can surf foil on the wave of a boat for example. As with wakefoil, you set off with a boat towed by a boat, but in surf foil, you let go of the rope to surf the waves as you wish!

The best spots

Here is our selection of the best spots to practice foiling in mountain lakes:

Spot 1: Lake Annecy - Haute-Savoie

Lake Annecy is the second largest natural lake in France, located at the foot of the Alps. It is a famous spot for foiling, thanks to its thermal wind that regularly blows between 10 and 20 knots. The lake offers clear, clean water, as well as an exceptional panorama of the surrounding mountains. You can practice wing foil, dockstart or wake foil on the lake, respecting the authorized sailing areas. You will also find many services and activities around the lake, such as foil schools, equipment rentals, restaurants, beaches, campsites, etc.

Spot 2: Lac de Serre-Ponçon - Hautes-Alpes

Between the Southern Alps and Provence, you’ll find Lake Serre-Ponçon, the largest artificial lake in Europe. This natural and preserved lake is an ideal place for foiling. The wind is steady and usually blows between 15 and 25 knots. The advantage of sailing in a lake is that if the wind is not there, you can always have fun testing the dockstart or pumping.
In case you are not equipped, the lakeshores are home to kite foil, wingfoil or electric foil schools!

Spot 3: Lake Geneva - Haute-Savoie and Switzerland

Are you looking for a varied spot for foiling? Lake Geneva is made for you. This lake is the largest in Western Europe, and it is shared between France and Switzerland. It is a versatile spot for foiling, thanks to its different winds that blow according to the seasons and the time of day. The lake offers fresh, crystal clear water, as well as a diverse landscape of mountains, vineyards and cities. You can practice wing foil, kite foil or surf foil on the lake but also wakefoil. If you don’t have a boat, you can take advantage of the wakefoil sessions offered by the on-site clubs.

Spot 4: Lac de Sainte-Croix - Var

Lac de Sainte-Croix is a large lake in the Verdon region, located at the exit of the famous gorges. It is a great spot for foiling, the lake offers a large sailing area, as well as a charming Provençal setting. On this lake it is possible to practice wing foil, as well as dockstart or wakefoil.
As with the other lakes, you will find schools and clubs offering foiling equipment for hire to enjoy the pleasures of gliding without any headaches on this magnificent lake.

As you can see, foiling in a mountain lake is a unique and enriching experience. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced skier, you are bound to find a spot that suits you to practice wingfoil, wakefoil or dockstart. So don’t hesitate to explore these exceptional addresses and discover the pleasure of flying above the water!