Wing foiling, also known as wingsurfing, is an emerging watersport that combines surfing, kitesurfing, and stand-up paddleboarding. Imagine gliding on the water using a kitesurfing wing and a board specially designed for this practice. It's a unique experience that offers new sensations of gliding!
In Nouvelle-Aquitaine, you're in luck, because the region is renowned for its exceptional watersports spots. Here's why it's a fabulous place to practice wing foiling.
- Diversity of spots: Whether you're a beginner or an expert, you'll find places suited to your level. Lakes are perfect for beginners and those getting the hang of it, while ocean spots are suitable for the more experienced.
- Ideal conditions: The region benefits from regular winds and perfect waves, making wing foiling enjoyable and accessible.
- Family fun: Enjoy your family vacation while discovering this new discipline. The beaches of Nouvelle-Aquitaine offer an ideal setting for learning wing foiling.
- Adaptability: Whatever the weather conditions, you can practice wing foiling. Whether it's calm or windy, the wing will allow you to glide on the water with complete freedom.
So, get your gear ready and set off to discover the magnificent spots of Nouvelle-Aquitaine.
The 12 essential wing foil spots around Bordeaux.
1. Lac de Lacanau
Located less than an hour's drive from Bordeaux.
Club de Voile Lacanau-Guyenne: Nestled between the sea and the forest, this club offers introductory wing foiling lessons. A small beach makes launching easy. The inland body of water remains calm, regardless of conditions. Within this facility, you can learn the basics of this new practice and even try electric foiling, also known as a "magic carpet."
Plage du Moutchic: This is also a starting point for wing foiling lessons in Lacanau. After a safety briefing, you'll head by boat to the ideal learning zone. Take this opportunity to discover the joy of flying above the water.
With these two spots located opposite each other, you can sail all year round, whatever the wind conditions. The best time is spring, when thermals are abundant.
2. Lac de Hourtin
UCPA nautical base in Bombanne: Just an hour's drive from Bordeaux, the UCPA nautical base in Bombanne offers direct access from the car park located just behind the center. The body of water is completely safe. Although the west wind is slightly sheltered, the north or south wind enters perfectly, creating a nice chop when the wind is strong enough.
Wingfoil spot near Hourtin port: This spot is ideally located between La Pointe de Grave and the Arcachon Basin. It offers perfect conditions for learning wingfoiling, with a shallow lake and a sandy bottom. West winds are well-oriented and blow regularly on this spot. The best time to enjoy it is in spring, with abundant thermals, or in winter during depressions.
3. Lac de Cazaux near Arcachon Basin.
Nestled between the Ocean and the Arcachon Basin, this region offers a unique atmosphere. Enjoy the calm waters along the peninsula or embark on an adventure in the heart of the Basin. To organize your foil session departing from Cap Ferret, do not hesitate to contact us.
Le Pyla-sur-Mer: With the famous Dune du Pilat in the background, Pyla-sur-Mer is a magical place for foiling. At low tide, sandbanks emerge in the middle of the body of water, forming lagoons sheltered from waves, ideal for foiling. This is our preferred spot for lessons throughout the year! Pyla-sur-Mer is a seaside resort located at the entrance to the Arcachon Basin.
Lac de Sanguinet: This spot is well known to windsurfers and kitesurfers. The lake always offers a sheltered spot and is a perfect fallback solution if conditions are too complex on the Arcachon Basin. The best time to enjoy it is in spring, with abundant thermals, or in winter during depressions.
But you also have
- Plage des Bardets: To enjoy summer thermals and west flows, Plage des Bardets is particularly suitable. After consulting the locals, you will discover the areas protected by the Landes pines (alias "alios").
- Gaste (west wind): With a south wind, the spot at Sainte Eulalie en Born works well.
- Maguide (east wind): In case of an east wind, Lac de Maguide is a good choice.
- Port de l'Estey: This spot is less exposed to wind, which makes it ideal for a north wind. However, the ideal remains to be able to sail on the ocean for a complete experience.
4. Lac de Biscarrosse
Gastas beach, located on Lake Biscarrosse-Parentis, offers fresh, shallow water, with temperatures reaching 26° to 29°C. It's an ideal spot for beginners, offering optimal safety. As in the entire region, the dominant westerly winds in spring are conducive to wingfoiling.
Most lakes in this region are parallel to the ocean. Thus, if you encounter a north or south wind, you will easily find many places to navigate. In case of a west wind, favor the northern or southern tip, or even the eastern shore of the lake, to benefit from a more consistent wind.
In conclusion, the Bordeaux region offers a multitude of lakes suitable for wing foiling. With a simple launch, you can take off and enjoy this discipline. You just need to observe the wind direction to find the ideal spot near your vacation destination. Whether you are a beginner or experienced, these lakes promise unforgettable moments of wing foiling.
For all confirmed practitioners. You can take a trip to the ocean. Almost every afternoon, the northwest thermal wind can come in and offer magical conditions for wing foiling.
Just be careful of the shore break that can crush your gear and the swimming areas.
If you still have questions on this subject, or for any other request, do not hesitate to contact us!