Foiling on mountain lakes: our top spots
Foiling is a lift system that allows board sports enthusiasts to glide above the water. The foils placed underwater push the boundaries of different practices and optimize speed. Foiling is adaptable to many board sports: kitesurfing, windsurfing, wakeboarding, wingsurfing, etc.
But where can you practice foiling in France? If you are looking for quiet spots, far from the crowds and noise, mountain lakes are an ideal option. Indeed, these bodies of water offer varied conditions suitable for all levels, as well as an exceptional natural setting. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced rider, you will undoubtedly find a lake that suits you for foiling.
The advantages of foiling on a mountain lake
Practicing foiling on a mountain lake offers several advantages:
- Benefiting from calm and flat water, ideal for learning the basics of foiling or perfecting your technique.
- Enjoying a regular and often thermal wind, which allows you to ride often, with a smaller and more manageable wing.
- Avoiding the crowds and stress of overcrowded spots, and gaining safety and serenity.
- Discovering magnificent landscapes, between mountains, forests, and picturesque villages.
- Varying the pleasures by practicing different foil sports, according to your desires and the weather conditions.
What sports can you practice? Wing foiling, dockstarting, etc.
Depending on the type of foil you own, you can practice different sports on a mountain lake:
- Wing foiling: This involves using an inflatable wing that you hold at arm's length to propel yourself on the foil. It's an accessible and fun sport that doesn't require much wind or equipment. It allows you to experience the sensation of flying while controlling your trajectory.
- Kite foiling: This is a more technical and faster sport that requires good mastery of both the kite and the foil. It's the same principle as kitesurfing but with a foil under the board. Kite foiling allows you to enjoy even light winds and perform impressive jumps.
- Wake foiling: To do wake foiling, you use a boat or a cable to pull you while you stand on a board with a foil. It's an easy and fun sport that doesn't depend on wind or waves, but still requires something to tow you. It allows you to learn the basics of foiling and work on your balance.
- Surf foiling: On a mountain lake, you can surf foil on a boat's wake, for example. Like wakefoiling, you start by being towed by a boat, but with surf foiling, you let go of the rope to surf the waves as you wish!
The best spots
Here is our selection of the best spots for foiling on mountain lakes:
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 renowned spot for foiling, thanks to its thermal wind that regularly blows between 10 and 20 knots. The lake offers clear and clean water, as well as an exceptional panorama of the surrounding mountains. You can practice wing foiling, dockstarting, or wake foiling on the lake, respecting the authorized navigation zones. You will also find many services and activities around the lake, such as foil schools, equipment rentals, restaurants, beaches, campsites, etc.
Spot 2: Lake Serre-Ponçon – Hautes-Alpes
Between the Southern Alps and Provence, you will find Lake Serre-Ponçon, the largest artificial lake in Europe. This natural and preserved lake is an ideal place for foiling. The wind is regular and generally blows between 15 and 25 knots. The advantage of lake navigation is that if the wind isn't there, you can always have fun trying dockstarting or pumping.
If you don't have your own equipment, the shores of the lake are home to kite foiling, wing foiling, and even electric foiling schools!
Spot 3: Lake Geneva – Haute-Savoie and Switzerland
Looking for a varied spot for foiling? Lake Geneva is for you. This lake is the largest in Western Europe and is shared between France and Switzerland. It's a versatile spot for foiling, thanks to its different winds that blow according to the seasons and times of day. The lake offers cool and clear water, as well as a diverse landscape of mountains, vineyards, and cities. You can practice wing foiling, kite foiling, or surf foiling on the lake, as well as wakefoiling. If you don't have a boat, you can enjoy wakefoiling sessions offered by local clubs.
Spot 4: Lake Sainte-Croix – Var
Lake Sainte-Croix is a large lake in the Verdon region, located at the outlet of the famous gorges. It's a great spot for foiling; the lake offers a large navigation area, as well as charming Provençal scenery. On this lake, it's possible to practice wing foiling, as well as dockstarting or wakefoiling.
As with the other lakes, you'll find schools and clubs offering foil equipment rentals to enjoy the thrills of board sports without any hassle on this magnificent lake.
As you will have understood, foiling on a mountain lake is a unique and enriching experience. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced rider, you will undoubtedly find a spot that suits you for practicing wing foiling, wake foiling, or even dockstarting. So don't hesitate to explore these exceptional locations and discover the pleasure of flying above the water!