Destination wingfoil in Gruissan!

Situated in the heart of the corridors where the Tramontane winds pick up speed, Gruissan is bathed in over 300 days of wind a year. Its relaxed atmosphere and picturesque landscapes make it an ideal playground for wingfoil enthusiasts. The many specialized stores on site offer visitors the opportunity to purchase the necessary equipment and benefit from repair services, guaranteeing a hassle-free experience.

La plage des chalets

The first must-see on our list, Plage des Chalets, provides easier access to our second spot, Plage de la Vieille Nouvelle. Les Chalets is the beach that hosts the legendary Défi Wind, which is now divided into Défi Kite and Défi Wing. At Les Chalets, the wind is often quite unstable due to the urbanization to the windward of the beach, but as soon as you cross to the other side of the seawall… the magic begins. Please note that in summer, launching is forbidden due to the bathing zone. You’ll have to launch in the channels and sail 300 meters away.

Old news

The spot at La Vieille has been a windsurfing mecca for over 20 years, well known for the Defi wind. You’ll be able to sail more than 10 km in a tramontana wind that can reach more than 10 knots between Gruissan and Port-la-Nouvelle. The backdrop with the view of the Canigou… the wild beach… in short, a delight. Please note that for some time now, access to the beach by car has not been possible, or very risky (there’s talk of a 1,500 euro fine). From now on, you’ll have to get there in a different way, either via the canal, or via the Chalets beach.

Mateille is small, it’s a pond, there are lots of beginners and a school, but it feels great! The spot is terribly windy and unstable in the tramontane, but as soon as the “grec”, the wind from the south, comes in, the spot becomes legendary. The sessions are a kind of gathering of friends with the same passion.

At La Nautique, the wind comes in any direction. The spot is safe because it’s a pond. A small chop (which can become quite large) allows you to practice all types of sailing programs. Watch out for the bottom, though, as the pond has long been Narbonne’s “garbage dump”, and the atmosphere is one of boulders and broken tiles on the water’s edge (depending on where you launch).

Mediterranean winds can be powerful and erratic, challenging even experienced practitioners. Depending on your level of expertise, there are two approaches to choosing your wing foil equipment:

For the discerning practitioner:

Opt for a variety of equipment, favoring small boards and foils suited to big conditions. For example, the SROKA team recommends a 4’6″ or 4’8″ Superfly, 3.4 and 5m² V3 wings, a 14mm foil Elite with carbon fuselage, 180cm² stabilizer and three fins to adapt to all conditions, preferably small ones.

For beginners :

Choose equipment that you are familiar with, while remaining aware of potentially strong and unstable conditions. Safety is paramount, especially in offshore winds.