The best foil and wingfoil spots on the Ile de Ré

Why is the Ile de Ré an ideal place to practice foil?

The Ile de Ré is located on the Atlantic coast, off the coast of La Rochelle. It enjoys a mild, sunny oceanic climate, with steady winds and high tides. Ideal conditions for year-round foil!

The Ile de Ré also offers a diversity of spots, suitable for all levels and disciplines. You can choose between windy beaches, sheltered bays, shallow lagoons or deeper areas. There are foil spots for every taste and desire on the Île de Ré!

Last but not least, the Ile de Ré is a place steeped in history and charm, with its typical villages, fortifications, salt marshes and unspoilt nature. Take advantage of your stay to discover the island’s cultural and natural heritage, as well as its gastronomic specialties.

What other water sports activities are popular on the Ile de Ré?

The Ile de Ré is a popular destination for water sports enthusiasts. In addition to foil, you can enjoy :

• Kitesurfing: the island boasts several renowned schools and spots for learning or perfecting kitesurfing. Take advantage of the wind and waves to perform spectacular tricks or simply glide across the water.
• Windsurfing: The island of Ré also offers ideal conditions for windsurfing, with a variety of waters and winds to suit all levels.
• Wakeboarding: If you’re a thrill-seeker, you can try your hand at wakeboarding. We prefer wakefoil, but wakeboarding is fun too! To practice wakeboarding, you’ll need a boat to tow the wakeboarder.

• Surfing: Surrounded by beaches, the Île de Ré also boasts some great surfing spots, particularly on the north coast. You can try your hand at surfing in the waves or at stand-up paddle on calmer waters.

The foil spot on Rivedoux Nord beach is located at the entrance to the island. It’s mainly navigable with a north-westerly wind, and becomes choppy with the onset of thermals, perfect for Down Wind! The spot is navigable all day long, as there’s always water, and the parking lot is at the foot of the spot – what could be more convenient?

If you’re a kitesurfing enthusiast, this is the only spot on the Ile de Ré authorized for kitesurfing at all hours, so you can enjoy yourself without any headaches.

If the wind doesn’t allow you to take out your foil at Rivedoux Nord, you can go to Rivedoux Sud. It’s a great spot with a north-easterly to westerly wind, ideal for enjoying a fairly flat stretch of water with swell when there’s a big re-entry. As with Rivedoux Nord, Rivedoux Sud is navigable at all times.

With these two spotlights you can foil in all conditions!

Diamond Head on the Ile de Ré enjoys a legendary reputation among surf enthusiasts thanks to its strategic location. Its exposure to the swell makes it an ideal spot for surfers, wing foilers and windsurfers in search of optimal conditions.

Situated in an ideal location, Diamond Head offers a breathtaking view of the Baleines lighthouse. This proximity to one of the island’s most emblematic symbols lends a special dimension to the on-water experience. Sailing while contemplating the lighthouse creates a unique atmosphere, adding to the appeal of this spot.

Diamond Head has become an iconic spot where the combination of conditions and the picturesque setting of the Baleines lighthouse offer an unforgettable experience. Optimal conditions and spectacular views make this spot a must for those in search of a memorable adventure on the Ile de Ré.

The spot works in many orientations, but most of the time the wind is westerly, with some south-westerly and north-westerly variations. Summer thermals from the north can be very interesting.

The spot obviously faces south or south-west, so it will be flatter but also more windy.

One of the most famous is certainly the pergola, nicknamed the “pergo”, which offers magical surfing sessions at sunset.

Beware of the many rocks and underwater palisades that serve to hold back the sand.

Equipment required for foil according to discipline:

To practice foil on the Ile de Ré, you’ll need equipment adapted to your discipline and your level. Here are some tips for choosing the right SROKA equipment for your discipline:

• For wingfoil: For wingfoil sailing on the Ile de Ré, we have the wingfoil packs you need! The complete Sky Rider pack is perfect for those who want to start foil 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 looking for practical, easy-to-carry equipment without compromising on glide and speed, the Sroka Air complete wingfoil pack is just what you need.
  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 kite and pocket board. This combo offers speed, control, responsiveness and lightness.

• For windsurfers 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 optimum stability.

• For wakefoil: If you want to enjoy sessions around the Ile de Ré, we recommend the special SROKA wakefoil pack. The pack includes the Pocket 2023 board, which offers unrivalled maneuverability and responsiveness, and an S-Foil 1190 Lift or 1350 Lift, depending on your preferences and needs.

See all equipment

Safety and precautions

foil is great fun, but it does require caution and respect for safety rules. Here are a few tips on how to enjoy foil on the Ile de Ré with complete peace of mind:

1/ Check the weather and sailing conditions before setting out, and choose a spot suited to your level and discipline. It’s also important to avoid overcrowded or forbidden areas.

2/ Always wear protective equipment: helmet, impact vest from foil, neoprene wetsuit. Check that your equipment is in good condition and properly adjusted before you take to the water. Don’t forget to always use a leash so you don’t lose your board or kite.

3/ Respect other users of the water: sailors, kitesurfers, windsurfers, surfers, swimmers… It’s essential to keep a safe distance to avoid collisions. It’s also important to respect priorities and navigation rules.

4/ Finally, be cautious and realistic about your abilities: don’t sail alone and stay close to the shore if you’re not confident. You don’t need to go far to enjoy yourself; the open sea will be within your reach once you’ve perfected your skills.