LE MAGAZINEOur addresses for mountain lake foil
Our addresses for mountain lake foil
The foil is a lift system that enables board sports enthusiasts to fly above the water. The underwater wings of the foil push back the limits of different practices and optimize speed. The foil can be adapted to a wide range of board sports: kitesurfing, windsurfing, wakeboarding, wingsurfing…
But where can you practice foil in France? If you’re looking for quiet spots away from the crowds and noise, mountain lakes are an ideal option. In fact, these bodies of water offer varied conditions suitable for all levels, as well as an exceptional natural setting. Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, there’s sure to be a lake to suit you foil.
The advantages of foil on a mountain lake
foil on a mountain lake offers several advantages:
- Enjoy a calm, flat stretch of water, ideal for learning the basics of foil or perfecting your technique.
- Take advantage of a steady and often thermal wind, allowing you to sail often, with a smaller, more maneuverable wing.
- Avoid the crowds and stress of overcrowded spots, and gain in safety and serenity.
- Discover magnificent landscapes, with mountains, forests and picturesque villages.
- Vary the pleasures of different sports at foil, depending on what you want to do and the weather conditions.
What sports can you practice? wing foil, dockstart…
Depending on the type of foil you have, you can practice different sports on a mountain lake:
- Wing foil: this involves using an inflatable wing that you hold at arm’s length to propel yourself on foil. It’s a fun, accessible sport that doesn’t require much wind or equipment. It lets you feel the sensation of flying while controlling your trajectory.
- Kite foil: This is a faster, more technical sport, requiring good control of the kite and the foil. It’s the same principle as kite surfing, but with a foil under the board. The foil kite allows you to take advantage of even light winds and make impressive jumps.
- wake foil: surfing foil involves using a boat or cable to pull you along, while holding on to the board with a foil. It’s a fun, easy sport that doesn’t depend on wind or waves, but still requires you to have something to pull you along. It lets you learn the basics of foil and work on your balance.
- Surfing foil: In a mountain lake, you can surf foil on the wave of a boat, for example. As with wakefoil, you set off towed by a boat, but in surfing foil, you let go of the rope and surf the waves as you please!
The best spots
Here is our selection of the best spots for mountain lake foil:
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 well-known spot for foil, thanks to its thermal wind, which regularly blows between 10 and 20 knots. The lake offers clear, clean water and exceptional panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. You can practice wing foil, dockstart or wake foil on the lake, respecting the authorized navigation zones. You’ll 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 Lac de Serre-Ponçon, Europe’s largest man-made lake. This natural, unspoilt lake is an ideal location for foil. The wind is steady, generally blowing between 15 and 25 knots. The advantage of lake sailing is that if the wind isn’t up to scratch, you can always have fun trying out dockstarting or pumping.
In case you’re not equipped, there are kite foil, wingfoil and electric foil schools on the shores of the lake!
Spot 3: Lake Geneva – Haute-Savoie and Switzerland
Looking for a varied spot for foil? Lake Geneva is the place for you. This lake is the largest in Western Europe, and is shared by France and Switzerland. It’s a versatile spot for foil, thanks to the different winds that blow according to the season and time of day. The lake offers cool, crystal-clear water and a diverse landscape of mountains, vineyards and towns. You can practice wing foil, kite foil or surf foil on the lake, as well as wakefoil. If you don’t have a boat, you can take advantage of the wakefoil sessions offered by the local clubs.
Spot 4: Lac de Sainte-Croix – Var
Lac de Sainte-Croix is a large lake in the Verdon region, just outside the famous gorges. It’s a great spot for foil, the lake offers a large surface area for sailing, as well as a charming Provencal setting. On this lake it’s possible to practice wing foil, as well as dockstart and wakefoil.
As for the other lakes, you’ll find schools and clubs offering foil equipment for hire, so you can enjoy the pleasures of gliding on this magnificent lake without any headaches.
As you can see, foil on a mountain lake is a unique and rewarding experience. Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, you’re bound to find a spot where you can practice wingfoil, wakefoil or dockstart. So don’t hesitate to explore these exceptional locations and discover the pleasure of flying over water!
Le Magazine
