Where to Wingfoil around Bordeaux
Wing foil, also known as wingsurfing, is an emerging gliding discipline that combines surfing, kitesurfing, and stand-up paddleboarding. Imagine sailing on the water using a kite and a board specially designed for this practice. It’s a unique experience that offers new sensations of skiing!
In Nouvelle-Aquitaine, you are in luck, because the region is renowned for its exceptional skiing spots. Here’s why it’s a fabulous place to practice wingfoil.
- Diversity of spots: Whether you are a beginner or an expert, you will find places adapted to your level. The lakes are perfect for beginners and the scrambled people, while the ocean spots are suitable for the more experienced
- Ideal conditions: The area enjoys steady winds and perfect waves, making wingfoiling enjoyable and accessible.
- Family fun: Enjoy your family holiday while discovering this new discipline. The beaches of Nouvelle-Aquitaine offer an ideal setting to learn about wingfoiling.
- Adaptability: Whatever the weather conditions, you will be able to practice wingfoiling. Whether it’s calm or windy weather, the kite will allow you to glide over the water in complete freedom.
So, get your equipment ready and set off to discover the magnificent spots of Nouvelle-Aquitaine
The 12 must-see spots for wing foiling around Bordeaux.
1. Lake Lacanau
Located less than an hour’s drive from Bordeaux.
Lacanau-Guyenne Sailing Club : Nestled between the sea and the forest, this club offers introductory wingfoil lessons. A small beach makes it easy to get started. The inland body of water remains calm, whatever the conditions. Within this structure, you will be able to acquire the basics of this new practice and even try the electric foil, also known as the “flying carpet”.
Moutchic Beach : This is also a starting point for wingfoil lessons in Lacanau. After a safety briefing, we’ll set off by boat to the ideal area for learning. Take advantage of this opportunity to experience the pleasure of flying over the water.
With these two spots located opposite each other, you will be able to sail all year round, regardless of the wind conditions. The best time is spring, when thermals are abundant.
2. Lake Hourtin
UCPA water sports centre in Bombanne : Just an hour’s drive from Bordeaux, the UCPA water sports centre in Bombanne offers direct access from the car park located just behind the centre. The lake is completely secure. Although the west wind is slightly windy, the north or south wind enters perfectly, creating a nice chop when the wind is strong enough.
Wingfoil spot near the port of Hourtin : This spot is ideally located between La Pointe de Grave and the Arcachon basin. It offers perfect conditions to learn wingfoil, with a shallow lake and a sandy bottom. The westerly winds are well oriented and blow regularly on this spot. The best time to enjoy it is spring, with abundant thermals, or winter during depressions.
3. Lake of Cazaux near the Arcachon basin.
Nestled between the ocean and the Bay of Arcachon, this region offers a unique atmosphere. Enjoy the calm waters along the peninsula or go on an adventure in the heart of the Basin. To organize your foil session from Cap Ferret, do not hesitate to contact us.
Le Pyla-sur-Mer : With the famous Dune du Pilat as a backdrop, Le Pyla-sur-Mer is a magical place for foiling. At low tide, the sandbanks emerge in the middle of the water, forming lagoons sheltered from the waves, ideal for foiling. It’s our favorite spot for classes throughout the year! Pyla-sur-Mer is a seaside resort located at the entrance to the Arcachon basin.
Lake Sanguinet : This spot is well known to windsurfers and kitesurfers. The lake always offers a sheltered place and is a perfect fallback solution in case of too complex conditions in the Arcachon Bay. Enjoy it in spring, with abundant thermals, or winter during depressions.
But you also have
- Plage des Bardets : To take advantage of the summer thermals and westerly flows, the Plage des Bardets is particularly suitable. After consulting the locals, you will discover the places protected by the Landes pines (aka “alios”).
- Gaste (west wind): In a south wind, the spot at Sainte Eulalie en Born works well.
- Maguide (east wind): In case of an easterly wind, Lake Maguide is a good choice.
- Port de l’Estey : This spot is less exposed to the wind, which makes it ideal in northerly winds. However, the ideal remains to be able to sail to the ocean for a complete experience.
4. Lake Biscarrosse
The beach of Gastes, located on the lake of Biscarrosse-Parentis, offers fresh and shallow water, with temperatures reaching 26° to 29°C. It is an ideal spot for beginners, offering optimal safety. As in the whole region, the prevailing westerly winds in spring are conducive to wingfoiling.
Most of the lakes in this region run parallel to the ocean. So, if you encounter a north or south wind, you will easily find many places to sail. In case of a westerly wind, favor the northern or southern tip, or even the east coast of the lake, to benefit from a more constant wind.
In conclusion, the Bordeaux region offers a multitude of lakes suitable for wingfoiling. With a simple launch, you can set off and enjoy this discipline. All you have to do is observe the wind direction to find the ideal spot near your holiday destination. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced skier, these lakes have unforgettable wingfoiling in store for you.
For all experienced practitioners. You can take a trip to the ocean. Almost every afternoon, the thermal of the North West can come in and offer you magical conditions for wing foiling.
Just watch out for the shore break that can grind your gear and the swimming areas.
If you still have questions about this, or for any other request, please do not hesitate to contact us !
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