kitesurfing

Transcription

kitesurfing
2016
www.kitelr.com
KITESURFING
Spots
Occitanie
GUIDE
O u r
p a r t n e r s :
2016
Kitesurfing O
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Being close to the
Mediterranean sea,
the Occitanie is home
of some of the best
spots in Europe, which
is why, this region is
in the world’s top 10
destination for board
sports.
As the birthplace of kiteboarding, our territory is
home to 120 economic
players, 1,000 jobs, over
15,000 practitioners and great champions. Designers
and merchants and stores through schools, all share the
same taste for speed and have woven close links within
the KLR association. In parallel, the FFVL dynamism and,
in particular, the regional league has made our region
the first in France for training.
The region is very involved in the development of the
kite industry and will continue to develop the ecosystem economic attractiveness, sports and tourism, even
stronger. With 200 km of coastline and more 200 days
Kitesurfing : an icon of a
winning sector strategy
Since a few years, the
Montpellier Chamber of
Commerce and Industry
has been encouraging the
emergence of new sectors
and creation of business
groups. This structure building strategy is at the heart
of the territory project
proposed to skateholders,
brought together by the CCI Montpellier.
Born on our local beaches here in Palavas and La
Grande Motte between 1994 and 1996, kitesurfing
really had a unique development and was, since its
creation, exported to beaches around the world. Our
region shines on the international scene thanks to its
champions but also thanks to innovatimg local businesses, which are synonym of excellence all around the
world.
Kiteboarding is now part of a booming industry with
two strongs epicenters in France, around Montpellier
and Leucate. The CCI of Montpellier is proud to have
been a believer of the creation of a dedicated sector,
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of wind and sunshine a year, the practice’s conditions,
for leisure, as the highest level, are optimal. This applies
just as much as kitesurfing, windsurfing, stand up
paddle, kayaking and wakeboarding.
To give more resonance to our action, I wanted develop
this year the Team South of France, with three goals,
enhancing the exceptional character of our territory,
and support our champions
support major sporting events. This team meets ten
athletes (sea and mountain) that
I would like to thank for their commitment as
Ambassadors of the Region and Southern France.
With all the players, opening a new horizon for the
boardsports industry.
Carole Delga,
Former minister
President of the Occitanie / Pyrénées-Méditerranée
region.
even before its birth. Its success, which was going
to lead to many others, was made possible by the
mobilization of all concerned collectivities and the
Regional CCI.
Today, we have to optimize this sector. We want to build
a solid base to promote coherent growth, accompany
professionals in the kitesurf sector to go from small
local business to a measured industrialization, structure
the discipline on our coastline while communicating on
the quality of what our region has to offer.
Our territory has now to turn towards the sea, an
underexploited source of wealth and employment.
On a more global angle, kitesurfing has to expand
its exemplary nature. Once the talents and live forces
recognized, the creation of new sectors has to become
a priority to place the nautical sector in the heart of
a new and powerful economy, to which the CCI of
Montpellier is working fervently.
Guide des
Spots
P.2 Spots Guide
André Deljarry,
President of the CCI
Vice president of the CCIR Languedoc-Roussillon.
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Occitanie, kitesurf land
If kitesurfing was born in our region, it is first because of
our 215km of beaches, our perfect coastline and the great
winds blowing. With this in mind and with the help of our
partners, municipalities and the kitesurfing federation, the
sector has mobilized to make the practice more comfortable and more pleasant throughout our coast. Open this
guide and you will find tips, adresses and many information
that can answer your questions and your needs.
Florian Masoni,
President KLR, Moana Shop.
Guide des
Spots
The kitesurfing spot
guide has become an
institution, an essential
tool for the development of the kiteboarding
destination
in
Languedoc-Roussilon
Midi-Pyrénées.
We can not say enough
that the ‘’Spot’’ is the
keystone of the entire
Kitesurfing industry. As
such, no stakeholder, private or public, involved in
the kitesurfing territorial dynamics can do without
paying special attention to the sustainability and
development of dedicated practice spaces.
It’s a fact the uses of natural gems such as the
beaches and lagoons of Languedoc-Roussillon MidiPyrénées are numerous and everyone can find his
place while respecting the environment and the
regulations.
Recent events demonstrate us that in the dynamics
of the socio-economic sector, the cohesion of the
stakeholders is the only way to bring out innovative
propositions.
State services. territorial authorities, specialized
businesses, associations, kitesurf enthusiasts... have
now initiated a cooperative approach, evidence of
converging interests and especially of a maturity of
the discipline and its promoters.
Today, the mayors of coastal towns are not only
aware of the requirements of our discipline but,
much more, they request the opening of new kitesurfing areas and rely for that on the expertise of the
KLR and/or the FFVL through its territorial authorities.
I say it again, the complementarity of the institutions is a force and I particularly want to commend
the sustainability and strenghtening of win-win
relationships between the KLR association and
the Ligue de Vol Libre du Languedoc-Roussillon
Midi-Pyrénées.
Yves Gilles,
Yves Gilles, President of the Ligue de Vol Libre du
Languedoc-Roussillon Midi-Pyrénées.
Spots Guide P.3
Kitesurfing O
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Content Cover Photo: Hugo Badaroux - Rider: Timothé Berlioz.
Below Photo: Robin Christol - Rider: Yoann Rozycki.
Guide
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p6/ Riding Spots map
p8/ Safety and beach etiquette
p10/ Weather
p12/ 66 Canet zone Sud
p14/ 66 Canet Pont des Basses
p16/ 66 Barcares 3 Colonnes
p18/ 66 Barcarès Bassin des Dins D’Illes
p22/ 11 Leucate La Franqui Plage des coussoules
p24/ 11 La Palme - étang
p26/ 11 Gruissan
p28/ 11 Narbonne Plage
p30/ 11 Saint Pierre la Mer Plage
p32/ 34 Agde la Tamarissière
p34/ 34 Sète 3 Digues
p36/ 34 Sète le Pont Levis
p38/ 34 Frontignan étang d’Ingril
p40/ 34 Frontignan Plage
p42/ 34 Villeneuve-Lès-Maguelone
p44/ 34 Carnon Petit Travers
p46/ 34 La Grande Motte Grand Travers
p48/ 34 La Grande Motte Port
p52/ 30 Le Grau-du-Roi le Boucanet
p54/ 30 Port Camargue Plage-Nord
p56/ 30 Port Camargue Plage-Sud
PUBLISHING DIRECTOR
Hervé André-Benoit
PRODUCTION DIRECTOR
Joseph VILLEFLAYOUX
joseph@stanceplanet.com
EDITOR IN CHIEF
Clémentine BONZOM
clem@stanceplanet.com
P.4 Spots Guide
EXECUTIVE PRODUCTION
César VANDAMME
cesar@stanceplanet.com
ARTISTIC DIRECTION
”JWEL” Orsatti Cyril
bmxup@mac.com
PHOTOGRAPHERS
Hugo Badaroux, Robin Christol, Romain
Jean, Laurent Uroz, André Diepoix, Jean
Bellondrade, Olivier Blondel, Gonthier
Goulven, Manu Morel.
THANK YOU TO
Christophe Tavlaridis (Tourist Office of
Leucate), Arnaud Lacauste (School of
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Spots
the guide
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Wind direction
d
Symbols
Dominant
winds
Public showers
Camping
Secondary
winds
Required levels
Other Sports
p62/ Wakeboard / Surf /
Sup / Windsurf.
EDITION
Stance Kiteboarding attitude
10 Passage Nina Ricci
34090 Montpellier
Guide
des
UNDERSTANDING
O
kitesurf ebkite), Eric Wyss et Yves Gilles
(FFVL), Hervé Jacquet (city of fleury),
Valerie Salles (Mondial du vent), city
of La Grande Motte, Florian Masoni,
Jacques Freydrich (Takoon), Marc
Montgaillard, Seb Garat, Benjamin
Dupont, Valentin Garat, Arnaud
Pitman, MUC Aviron, city of Leucate,
Mondial du vent, Thibaut Razeyre,
Charlotte Consorti, Olivier Roussel,
Geoffrey Mascarell, Paul Serin.
COPYRIGHT
All rights reserved. Published articles
engage the only responsibility of their
authors.
Level 1: Level,
pleasure and vacation
1
Level 2: Average,
first rides
2
Level 3: Advanced,
sport
3
Level 4: Experts, early
stages of extreme sport
4
Level 4: Pros,
full extreme sport
Free Camping
Camper van/RV parking
First Aid station
Snack / Restaurant
Public washrooms
5
Departments color Code
Pyrénées-Orientales (66)
Aude (11)
Hérault (34)
Gard (30)
Spots Guide P.5
Kitesurfing O
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Guide
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Canet Pont des Basses
2
Canet Zone Sud
3
Barcarès 3 colonnes
4
Barcarès Bassin des Dins D’Illes
Lozère
Agde la Tamarissière 10
Sète 3 Digues 11
Sète le Pont Levis 12
Frontignan Etang D’Ingril 13
5 Leucate Les Coussoules
Gard
6 Etang de la Palme
Frontignan Plage 14
Villeneuve-Lès-Maguelone 15
7 Gruissan
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Narbonne Plage
9
Saint Pierre la Mer plage
Carnon Petit Travers 16
La Grande Motte Grand Travers 17
Herault
La Grande Motte port 18
Le Grau-du-roi 19
Aude
10
12
11
13 14
15
16 17 18
19
20
21
Port Camargue Plage Nord 20
Port Camargue Plage Sud 21
9 8
7
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Official kitesurfing zones
as set by the Federation
Française de Vol Libre
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P.6 Spots Guide
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Pyrénées-Orientales
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Spots Guide P.7
Kitesurfing O
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Adapt your safety equipment.
A quick release system is mandatory.
Guide
©Robin Christol
Wearing a helmet and a safety vest is
recommended.
A helmet is required is using a board leash.
It is recommended to wear a wetsuit.
Make sure you can control and master your kite
on land before going on the water.
Let’s not forget that kitesurfing can be a dangerous sport, especially when not taking the
elements into consideration or when being reckless. Here’s a non-exhaustive list safety rules
and recommendations for your safety and the one of others:
SAFETY
Don’t be alone
Ride with a friend. It is recommended to ride
with a person who can, in the eventuality of an
incident, go find help but also help launch and
land your kite safely.
Respect the rigging, launching and landing areas.
Keep a safe downwind distance between you and
any person or object, which will vary depending
on the weather conditions and your line length.
Secure down all the kites on the ground, to avoid
any undesired launch. It is preferable to detach
your lines when you are not using your kite.
Respect the other beach goers and users. Respect
the riding and swimming areas.
Kite within two nautical miles of an accessible
coastline.
Kitesurfing within a 300m zone should be done
with caution and in all case at a speed under
5 knots, unless of a derogation given by the
Maritime Prefecture.
Kitesurfing is forbidden within swimming area
boundaries and most generally in any other zone
P.8 Spots Guide
dedicated to another activity.
Analyze the site before rigging, launching and
riding.
Ask the local riders or organization about any rules
specific to an area.
Respect the right of way and other navigation
rules.
Respect the public
Get information about the riding conditions and
their evolution
Get information about the local weather forecast
and its evolution, and adapt your riding and gear
choice according to this information.
Double check all your gear before launching
(appropriate rigging, lines properly installed, no
knots or fraying in the lines).
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Always connect your kite safety leash before
launching.
Make sure you have the appropriate amount of
space downwind before launching.
Never attach your board leash before launching
the kite.
Make sure you have a public liability insurance
that covers kitesurfing with sufficient coverage for
personal physical accident risk (without third party
liability).
Always test your quick release system on land
before launching your kite.
The FFVL technique and safety commission built a national reference guide: ‘’kitesurf, safety and rescue
at sea’’ (in French). It has for mission to normalize and reference safety matters in kitesurfing.
You can download it on the following link: http://kite.ffvl.fr/node/2799
The Kitesurfing independence card
Kitesurfing
is a sport booming and
evolving. His practice is either under the supervision
of professionals (schools and clubs) or the free
leisure. In both cases, practitioners may be led to
rent equipment or buy. To date, there is no way to
identify the level practitioners.
With this autonomy Kitesurf card issued by
professional instructors KLR members, they now
offer a tool that will certify a level recognized by
all professional Area: school, clubs but also surf
shop. You will be able to be advised on the choice
of equipment according to your level and your
expectations, purchase equipment for your practice
or simply rent it.
Do not ride if the kite is hard to control on land.
Ride with a wind direction that will allow you to
come back to your starting point or on an area of
the beach where a landing point was planned.
Buy gear that is adapted to your competences.
Don’t overestimate yourself. Choose your kite size
according to your riding level, your weight and
weather conditions.
Spots Guide P.9
Kitesurfing O
Spots
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Guide
WEATHER CORNER
The different winds in Occitanie
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Tram
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We differentiate the winds according to their direction and the
weather conditions generating them. They are illustrated on a wind
rose. The two principal ones are the Tramontane and the Mistral,
even though the latter looses a lot of its power at the the Rhone
Rivermouth. The Mistral is oriented more North East and you can
start feeling its influence around Montpellier. The windiest area,
thanks to the Tramontane, is the Audois and Catalan littoral. The
shape of the direction diagram illustrates the transition between
the Gard, where the Mistral is still dominating from the North,
Montpellier, where it turns more North East, the Aude and the P.O.
Where the Tramontane imposes its North West power.
O c c i t a n
What makes the wind?
The important regional winds are mostly due to
the circulation of air masses between the anticyclones (High Pressure) and depressions (Low
Pressure). The wind flows from the high-pressure
zones towards the low-pressure zones. Its force
and strength will be proportional to the difference in pressure, and modulated by the relief,
which can accentuate its effects. In the Northern
Thermal Breeze
The thermal breeze is a location specific wind
generated by the difference of temperature
between the sea and the coastland. At night,
the land cools down quicker than the sea and
the cold air slides towards the sea (land breeze).
In the morning hours, this flux stops then switches around due to the quicker warming of the
land. The hot air climbs above the littoral, the flux
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hemisphere, the fluxes are diverted during their
trajectory because of the earth’s rotation. It’s the
Coriolis force. The aire gets further from the anticyclone, clockwise and fills the depression zone
counterclockwise. The Tramontane and Mistral
periods are due to a high pressure on the ‘’near
Atlantic’’ with a depression on the Mediterranean
Sea (Gênes Gulf).
coming from the sea gets in place to complete
the local cycle. The intensity of the wind varies
according to the sun and the temperature difference between the land and the sea. Be careful
not to miss the ‘’last shuttle’’ and think about
coming back on land before the winds dies in the
afternoon!
Real time wind observations
M
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Get connected. A few different websites offer to
visualize the wind live, like Wins Up, WindGuru and
one last free one, Wisuki. If you are passionate about
the weather and want to know more, go take a look
at Meteociel.fr or InfoClimat.fr (in French) and why
not install a weather station connected to the web
and share your wind data?
rin
©Robin Christol
Marc Montgaillard
Hydrologik Ingénierie
La météo du FISE
alerte.meteo@gmail.com
P.10 Spots Guide
Spots Guide P.11
Kitesurfing
Spots
Canet Zone Sud 2
O c c i t a n i e - 2 0 1 6
Pyrénées-Orientales (66)
Guide
Just a few meters away from the Pont des Basses is Canet Zone Sud. This spot takes advantage
of the same conditions than Pont des Basses, which are a strong thermal wind in the summer
months, strengthened by the East winds and some heavy, gusty Tramontane in the winter
months. Once the Tramontane winds are in place, this spot isn’t good for kiting anymore, since
both the wind and the current go off-shore. But in the summer months and just like any good
thermal wind spot, the wind is on-shore, slightly side, with choppy waters and sometimes with a
little wind swell. A breakwater, located on the right hand side of the spot, allows cleaner waves
to form, which is ideal for using them as kickers. A kite zone is set for the busier summer months.
If you want to ride in the area this summer, Canet should be on your list!
Extra Points
A bird watching trail, the aquarium, the toy, car and
boat museums, and the Europa Olympic Training Center
(Olympic pool)
Club FFVL : Canet Kite Club
Wind
direction
Best wind
South-South-East
(Tramontane)
A word from a champ Thibaut Razeyre: “The Canet Zone Sud spot is perfect for
beginners, . It is on a piece of land owned by the city of Canet en Roussillon but managed by Saint Cyp
Gliss 66. The conditions are similar to the Pont des Basses spot (there are only a few hundred meters
between the two spots). They both work only with on-shore winds, since the spots are in the sea. When
the wind is off-shore, riders go more towards the ponds in Barcares or Leucate for a safer ride.”
Facilities
2
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Contact
Tourist Office - Canet en Roussillon: 04 68 86 72 00
www.ot-canet.fr
Statistics of wind ©windfinder
Getting there
On the highway, take Exit 41 (Perpignan Centre/Canet/Barcares or Perpignan-North/Salses/Le
Barcarès. When you get to Canet, go towards St Cyprien. When you will have gone past the camping on your right, you will be on a long straight line with the sea on one side and the ponds
on the other which is Route D81A. The Pont des Basses kite zone is between the Canet Zone and
Saint Cyprien, just before the roundabout and the bridge, about 1km away from Canet.
P.12 Spots Guide
Month
jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Average
Probability winds
> 12 knots (%)
30
27
53
37
37
31
32
31
28
35
62
34
36
T° Average air
11
14
14
17
20
24
27
25
22
17
19
11
18
Direction
dominant winds
Spots Guide P.13
Kitesurfing
Spots
Canet Pont des Basses 2
O c c i t a n i e - 2 0 1 6
Pyrénées-Orientales (66)
Guide
Canet en Roussillon is one of the spots in the Occitanie region that takes
the most advantage of thermal winds. During the summer months, as soon
as the difference in temperature between the land and the sea is important enough, a Southerly wind starts to blow and increases in strength
as the day goes through. It can even gain in strength with the help of a
South East wind and can then reach the 25-30 knots. The water is generally
choppy, and a small wind swell can pick up, creating nice kickers or small
playful waves. When the wind is off-shore (coming from the North West),
it is extremely strong and gusty and it is hence not advised to ride without
a safety boat. A kite zone is determined during the busiest months of the
summer. If you want to ride in the area this summer, Canet is a go-to!
Extra Points
A bird watching trail, the aquarium, the toy, car and
boat museums, and the Europa Olympic Training
Center (Olympic pool).
©André DIEPOIX
W E B C A M
QR code generated on http://qrcode.littleidiot.be
A word from a champ Thibaut Razeyre: “The Pont des Basses is THE spot in the
Eastern Pyrenees region. It’s a kite area managed by the Canet Kite Club and is mostly for good riders.
The spot works better with South East winds (thermal or storm driven). The wind comes in side-on.
The thermal is pretty strong here (between 15 and 25 knots) with some small kickers about 1m, 1m50,
perfect for a little starboard/right hand session! The breakwater gives some structure to the water and
allows the waves to peel on a few meters.”
Another champion’s word
Benjamin Dupont: “‘’This spot works really well
with the South East Wind, coming from the sea. The wind gets in side-on, starboard and builds nice little
waves that can get up to 1m50 or 2m, when the wind is really strong. There is a nice right forming just
beside the breakwater, breaking in 2 sections, which allows riding 3 or 4 rollers in a row on the good
days. In the summer, the thermal comes in nicely between 3pm and 6pm, and blows around 15-20
knots, sometimes even more. The area is filled with tourists during the summer months, so watch out for
swimmers in the kite zone...”
Getting there
On the highway, take Exit 41 (Perpignan Centre/Canet/Barcares or Perpignan-North/Salses/Le
Barcarès. When you get to Canet, go towards St Cyprien. When you will have gone past the camping on your right, you will be on a long straight line with the sea on one side and the ponds
on the other which is Route D81A. The Pont des Basses kite zone is between the Canet Zone and
Saint Cyprien, just before the roundabout and the bridge, about 1km away from Canet.
P.14 Spots Guide
Wind
direction
Best wind
South-South-East
(Tramontane)
Facilities
2
5
Tourist Office - Canet en Roussillon: 04 68 86 72 00
www.ot-canet.fr
Statistics of wind ©windfinder
Month
Contact
jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Average
Probability winds
> 12 knots (%)
30
27
53
37
37
31
32
31
28
35
62
34
36
T° Average air
11
14
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17
20
24
27
25
22
17
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11
18
Direction
dominant winds
Spots Guide P.15
Kitesurfing
Spots
Guide
Barcarès 3 Colonnes 2
O c c i t a n i e - 2 0 1 6
Pyrénées-Orientales (66)
Originally a windsurf spot, the spot of 3 Colonnes has now been taken
over by kiteboarders. When the wind comes from the sea (southerlies),
some nice waves form and allow the wave riders to come get some
turns on nice faces. But when the Tramontane takes over, the water
becomes flat and riding becomes tricky, since the wind blows off-shore;
Slalom and speed riders still come to enjoy the spot.
Extra Points
©Olivier Blondel
©Andre DIEPOIX
Museum of the Man of Tautavel,
Salses fortress, Cathare Country
Castle, Roman Abbayes.
Wind
direction
Best wind
South-East (waves)
(South-East)
(Tramontane)
Club FFVL : SliderPark
A word from a champ Clem Bonzom: “The advantage of riding at 3 Colonnes
is when the South wind comes in the forecast, you can be sure that this place is going to be windy!
It’s more of a place to play with your surfboard than for training in freestyle, but it’s nice to switch
things up once in a while!”
Getting there
On the A9 highway, take exit 40 (Leucate), and then take the D627 then the D83, towards Barcares.
Once in the city, head toward the port and park in the parking lot south of the port, just beside the
breakwater.
P.16 Spots Guide
Facilities
3
5
Contact
Tourist Office - Port-Barcarès: 04 68 86 16 56
www.vacancesportbarcares.fr
Statistics of wind ©windfinder
Month
jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Average
Probability winds
> 12 knots (%)
44
51
59
46
46
52
48
45
42
48
48
48
48
T° Average air
11
12
14
18
21
24
28
26
23
19
14
11
18
Direction
dominant winds
Spots Guide P.17
Kitesurfing
Spots
Barcarès Bassin des Dins D’Illes 2
O c c i t a n i e - 2 0 1 6
Pyrénées-Orientales (66)
Guide
Behind Leucate is a whole area of ponds, some of which are allowed to kiteboarding.
The pond of D’Ille Dins at Barcarès are part of this rule. Divided into different areas,
the benefit of the pond is that it is conducive to practice novice riders, because,
whatever the wind direction, there is still a side that works. North of the basin, we
have the famous park the Dosses, which mainly by tramontane wind can be ride to its
flat off-shore zone, when the wind turns to the sea, the water becomes choppy and
is taken assault by windsurfers. In the South and East of the basin are areas schools
(UCPA and Surfone in the East).
Wind
direction
Best wind
North/North-West
Facilities
2
Contact
Tourist Office - Port-Barcarès: 04 68 86 16 56
www.vacancesportbarcares.fr
Statistics of wind ©windfinder
Month
Getting there
From Perpignan take the A9 exit Rivesaltes, then the RD 83. From Narbonne take A9 exit
Leucate, then the RD 625 and RD 83. Take exit 15, avenue des Dosses, for Park Dosses and
Surfone parking, or exit 14 for Eole and parking UCPA.
P.18 Spots Guide
jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Average
Probability winds
> 12 knots (%)
44
51
59
46
46
52
48
45
42
48
48
48
48
T° Average air
11
12
14
18
21
24
28
26
23
19
14
11
18
Direction
dominant winds
Spots Guide P.19
professionals
d
e
p
a
kitesurf in
r
Pyrénées-Orientales(66)
Happy Mind
Canet en Roussillon
Event and receptive agency, specialized in
board sports and event creation.
Phone number : 06 88 83 33 35
Postal code: 66140 - Canet en Roussillon
Sky Fly
Barcarès
The SkyFly Kitesurf School offers a one-of-akind structure to learn to kite faster, thanks
SkyFly.
Phone number: 06 75 42 26 91
Postal code: 66420 Barcarès
Adress : 22 avenue Cap de Front
Website: http://www.sky-fly.com
CBCM Kitesurf & Stand Up School
St Cyprien Plage
French Kitesurf, SUP and windsurf school in the
Eastern Pyrénées, just beside Perpignan. Open
everyday from April to December
Phone number: 06 14 64 11 52
Postal code: 66750 - St Cyprien Plage
Adress : Résidence Port Cipriano - Boulevard
Desnoyer - Local 71
Website: http://cbcmboarderclub.org
Kitoo
St Cyprien Plage
French kitesurf school in the Eastern Pyrénées,
Perpignan, Canet, Barcarès, open from April to
December.
Phone number: 06 86 71 50 82
Postal code: 66750 - St Cyprien Plage
Adress : 75 Bd Desnoyer - Résidence Cypriano
Website: http://www.kitoo.com
t
m
e
professionals
n
t
Aude(11)
Narbonne Kite Passion
Narbonne
The kitesurf and SUP school welcomes you
everyday from April to November on the Bages
pond, just outside of Narbonne.
Phone number: 06 79 82 72 53
Postal code 11100 Narbonne
Adress : 12 rue des Nautiquards
Website: http://www.narbonnekitepassion.com
Tendance Kite
Sigean
Kitesurf school in Sigean, open from April to
November.
Phone number: 06 62 09 17 03
Postal code: 11130 Sigean
Adress : 1089 Port Mahon
Website: http://tendancekite.com
Adrenaline DW CBCM
Leucate
French kitesurf school opens from April to
November. Kitesurf, windsurf, stand up paddle
rentals. Technique surf-shop and Beach-Wear
in La Franqui from March to November. Online
shop.
Phone number : 06 72 97 39 08 / 04 68 45 70 05
Postal code: 11370 Leucate
Adress: 19, Avenue de la Mediterranee
Website : http://directwind-leucate.fr
Chinook
Leucate
Kitesurf and windsurf shop, new and used gear.
Phone number: 04 68 40 17 17
Postal code: 11370 Leucate
Adress : rue Malagaito sud Belacel, centre
commercial Leucate
Website: http://www.chinook-leucate.com
Guide des
Haute Garonne (31)
Fun & Fly - Sport Away
Toulouse
Custom trips, kitesurf, windsurf, stand up
paddle, surf.
Phone number: 05 67 31 16 11
Postal code: 31200 - Toulouse
Adress : 2 rue Louise Weiss
Website: http://www.fun-and-fly.com
Kitesurf Leucate - KSL
Leucate
Association of the Leucate kitesurf clubs and
schools
Phone number: 06 19 95 98 02
Postal code: 11370 Leucate - La Franqui
Adress : 8 Les Coussoules Basses
Website: http://www.kitesurfleucate.com
Spots
Kite Pulsion
Leucate
French kitesurf school located on the Plage les
Coussoules in La Franqui. Open year-round.
Phone number: 06 82 31 49 20
P.20 Spots Guide
d
e
kitesurf in
Guide des
p
a
r
t
m
e
n
t
Spots
Postal code: 11370 Leucate
Adress : Coussoules basses
Website: http://www.kitepulsion.com
Naish Pro Center
Leucate
Surf shop, board sports specialist : kitesurf,
windsurf, SUP, wake, kayak.
Phone number: 04 68 40 05 36
Postal code: 11370 Leucate
Adress : Centre commercial Carrefour
Website: www.naishprocenterleucate.com
Surf One
Leucate
Kitesurf, windsurf, wakeboard, SUP and surf
shop, new and used gear, online shop.
Phone number: 04 68 40 92 11
Postal code: 11370 Leucate
Adress : 2, Avenue de Septimanie
Website: http://www.surfone-leucate.com
Unikite Leucate
Kitesurf and SUP school in Leucate and Barcares
as well as on the Palme pond.
Phone number: 06 86 88 37 88
Postal code: 11370 Leucate
Adress : A 02, 1 rue de la Nature Villa - Les
jardins de Venus
Website: http://www.unikite.fr
DOLL KITEBOARDING
Leucate
Kiteboards, wakeboards, skimboards and trophy
fabric shop. New and used gear.
Tél : +33/6 22 28 17 36
Postal code : 11370 Leucate
Adress : 11, Zone d’Activités
Website : www.dollkiteboarding.com
Pôle Nautique Gruissan
Gruissan
Pole Nautique Gruissan is for all kitesurf, windsurf, catamaran, SUP and kayak lovers.
Phone number: 04 68 49 33 33
Postal code: 11430 Gruissan
Adress : 50, avenue de la jetée
Website : http://www.polenautique-gruissan.com
EB Kite
La Palme
Kitesurf school in Leucate, La Franqui. Offers
camps and and private lessons to learn to kite.
Phone number: 06 13 83 10 43
Postal code: 11480 La Palme
Adress : Les cabanes de la Palme
Website: http://www.ebkite.com
Glisse & Kite
Saint Pierre la Mer
School kite, board, optimist, Paddle.
Phone number: 04 68 49 22 31
Postal code: 11560 Saint Pierre la Mer
Adress : Base de Loisirs, Pissevaches
Website: http://glisseetkite.com
Aude
LEUCATE VOILERIE
Leucate
Kite repair, conception and repair kit.
Tél : 04 68 48 83 59
Postal code : 11 370 Leucate
Adress : 14 Zone Activité
Website : http://www.leucatevoilerie.com
Addicted 2 Kite
Gruissan
Kitesurf school at Narbonne Plage just beside
Gruissan. Open from April to November.
Phone number: 0671170806
Postal code: 11430 Gruissan
Adress : 11 avenue de Narbonne - Résidence
Les Portes du Rivage
Website: http://www.addicted2kite.com
Pyrénées-Orientales
Spots Guide P.21
Kitesurfing
Spots
Leucate Les Coussoules 2
O c c i t a n i e - 2 0 1 6
Aude (11)
Coussoles spot is located in La Franqui in the commune of Leucate, and
Guide The
it is the most well known spot for windsurfing and kiteboarding in the area.
It’s in La Franqui that the FFVL decided to locate their unique Centre National
d’Excellence Kitesurf which is a gathering place for all the French teams in the
sport, on top of welcoming all the young up and coming riders in a sport-study
program. This center of excellence is the bearer of a double project – a sport
project and a school and professional insertion project for athletes.
The Tramontane blows there on a great part of the year (the wind stats are amongst
the 3 most important in Europe) and can sometimes be very strong. In that case, if
there is no safety boat at sea, the spot is not recommended to beginners since the
current and the wind go off-shore. Many kitesurfing zones are set up to give an easy
access to the water, even through summer. The southerly winds are most favorable
to learning and practice, since they are steadier and not as strong as the Tramontane
and their orientation brings you back towards the beach. The beach is quite big.
Résidence Hôtelière
KLR Hosts
approved
LEUKOS
151 av General De Gaulle
11370 Leucate village
Piscine - kitchenette - terrasse
Tél : 04 68 40 20 20
wwwleukos-hotel.fr
The Leucate Castle and its amazing view; the Cliff and
Cape Leucate; Shellfish and Oyster tasting and selling
at the Mas des Ostreiculteurs de Leucate; The Maison
de l’Étang, which is a great source of information
about environment preservation awareness, especially
for boardsports lovers…
Club FFVL : Kitesurf Leucate
A word from a champ Charlotte Consorti : “ La Franqui is THE ultimate flat water
spot! It is perfect for speed riding because the wind is strong. It’s an amazing feeling to go along the
shore for kilometers at full speed! In the summer, there is a kite safety zone, thanks to the KSL association,
which means you can practice freestyle without fearing of ending up off-shore. ”
Wind
direction
On highway A9, take exit 40 towards La Franqui and follow the indications for La Franqui. Once in La
Franqui, follow the indications for Les Coussoules then Parking Plage. Parking is free year-round for
vehicles less than 2m. There is a paying area for RVs and campers.
P.22 Spots Guide
Best wind
North-West
South-East
www.lefun-camping.com
Tél : (33) 04.68.45.71.97
Facilities
5
2
Contact
Tourist Office - Leucate: 04 68 40 91 31
www.tourisme-leucate.fr
Statistics of wind ©windfinder
Month
Getting there
Le fun camping
KLR Hosts
approved
Extra Points
jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Average
Probability winds
> 12 knots (%)
44
51
59
46
46
52
48
45
42
48
48
48
48
T° Average air
11
12
14
18
21
24
28
26
23
19
14
11
18
Direction
dominant winds
Spots Guide P.23
KLR Hosts
approved
KLR Hosts
approved
Guide
Located east of Leucate, la Palme is a small beach resort right on the water,
on the side of a pond perfect for kiting and windsurfing. The local schools go
there to give lessons: the dominant wind being the Tramontane, the spot on the
seaside is fully offshore. There is a small beach all the way up the pond where
you can rig your gear. The shallowness of the pond allows walking upwind for
a few meters before starting to ride, if the wind is on shore (Tramontane). The
Tramontane winds come in pretty gusty. The only advantage of this spot is that
you can always get back to shore, not matter the wind direction. The down side
is that it is very busy, having a lot of beginners and schools. When the South
East winds come in, the pond becomes like a magical lagoon, off-shore and flat,
which will make all the freestylers very happy.
VVF VILLAGES
Location de bungalows
59 Rue de la Barbacane 11130 SIGEAN
Tél: +33 04 68 48 33 57
sigean@vvfvillages.fr / www.vvf-villages.fr
Aude (11)
Extra Points
The St Pancrase Chapel; the Anciens
Salins; the Lavoir; the “Désiré
PECH” Square; Saint Jean Church.
Olivier Rouxel : « La Palme can be an amazing spot depending on the wind direction.
I rarely go there when the Tramontane is blowing because there are so many schools and
beginners and that the wind is a bit gusty (avoid this spot with straight North or straight
South winds). But when the wind is coming from the South East, it’s one of the best
freestyle spots in the world!»
Wind
direction
Best wind
North-West
La Poussada, Eco-gites ***
1
South-East
Contact
Tourist Office - La Palme: 04 68 48 56 88
www.lapalme-tourisme.com
Statistics of wind ©windfinder
Month
Getting there
Take highway A9, exit 39 for Port la Nouvelle / Sigean. Follow la Palme then once in La Palme, follow
indication for Port la Nouvelle. 500m after the village of La Palme, turn right on the trail. Park on the
right hand side along the pond. Parking is forbidden past the sign.
P.24 Spots Guide
Facilities
Vue mer - piscine
www.lapoussada.com
Tel : 06 08 06 15 50
©Robin Christol
Spots
La Palme 1
O c c i t a n i e - 2 0 1 6
©Unikite
Kitesurfing
jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Average
Probability winds
> 12 knots (%)
44
51
59
46
46
52
48
45
42
48
48
48
48
T° Average air
11
12
14
18
21
24
28
26
23
19
14
11
18
Direction
dominant winds
Spots Guide P.25
Kitesurfing
Spots
Gruissan 5
O c c i t a n i e - 2 0 1 6
Aude (11)
Guide
KLR Hosts
approved
Thanks to its super flat ladscape, Gruissan is one of the spots in the area where the Tramontane is the most regular. It blows a good part of the year, not to say 300 days a year. But it is a
spot that you need to work for, since you need to take a pretty torn down road to get there,
especially if it has been raining a lot. Before getting to the sea, you drive by a small pond, the
Grazel, where kite schools give lessons. You need to keep going on the road then cross the
beach (with the sea on your left) to get to the place where the pond meets the sea. Here you
are, on of the of the best spots in the country! When the Tramontane is blowing, it blows fully
off-shore, which makes the water perfectly flat – a rare sight in the region. Watch out though
if you are not 100% confident riding in off-shore conditions and never ride alone!
A word from a champ,
Geoffrey Mascarell: «On my “home
spot”, Gruissan, as soon as they call for
a bit of tram’ winds you can be sure it’s
going to be stronger than predicted.
You although need to have a solid riding level in kiting to have fun on this
spot since it’s an off-shore spot, without
safety measures, with some super flat
water. It’s perfect for freestyle, slalom,
speed… you can do any type of riding
except for waves, of course! It’s also
one of the rare wild beaches you can
still access by car, all the way to the
water. Be mindful of this beautiful
environment please, because it is pure
happiness! Have fun!»
Wind
direction
Club FFVL : Gruissan Kite Band
Getting there
From highway A9, take the exit for Narbonne-Plage and follow “Gruissan” and go towards the
beaches, Camping de Gruissan. Keeping the camping on your right hand side, go on the road
towards the beach. The spot is on the right hand side at the port’s mouth. It is one of the best spots
in the Aude region.
P.26 Spots Guide
Best wind
North/North-West
(at sea)
(on the pond)
Facilities
5
2
Contact
Tourist Office - 04 68 49 09 00
www.gruissan-mediterranee.com
Statistics of wind ©windfinder
Month
jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Average
Probability winds
> 12 knots (%)
44
51
59
46
46
52
48
45
42
48
48
48
48
T° Average air
11
12
14
18
21
24
28
26
23
19
14
11
18
Direction
dominant winds
Spots Guide P.27
Kitesurfing
Spots
Guide
Narbonne Plage 2
O c c i t a n i e - 2 0 1 6
Aude (11)
Along the Mediterranean coast, the city of Narbonne is obviously not spared
by favorable winds for kiteboarding. Thus, the spot of Narbonne Plage has an
official area for the more advanced level riders because the prevailing wind
(Tramontane) is Side Off, and even if the spot has a safety boat, you have to be
careful. Caution also when launching the kite because the tram is not deemed
to be the most consistent wind of the earth. Who says Off Shore said obviously
flat water, which can be however transformed with beautiful waves when the
wind is blowing from the southeast sector.
Wind direction
Best wind
North-West
East/South-East
Facilities
5
2
Contact
Tourist Office - Narbonne:
http://www.narbonne-tourisme.com
Statistics of wind ©windfinder
Month
Getting there
From the A9 highway, take the Narbonne-Est exit, follow the D168 in the direction of the D332.
The kite space is next to Aquajet.
P.28 Spots Guide
jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Average
Probability winds
> 12 knots (%)
44
51
59
46
46
52
48
45
42
48
48
48
48
T° Average air
11
12
14
18
21
24
28
26
23
19
14
11
18
Direction
dominant winds
Spots Guide P.29
Kitesurfing
Spots
Guide
Saint-Pierre-La-Mer 1
O c c i t a n i e - 2 0 1 6
Aude (11)
A word from a champ
The spot of Saint Pierre la Mer features a 300 meters area dedicated to kiteboarding,
marked at sea (and on land). It is open from early April to late October and is
secure and
watched by the instructors of the kite school. The prevailing wind is the Tramontane,
which creates flat water. By Southeast or a thermal wind, the wind is so regular and
forms nice waves, the spot also has a pond which, with this wind’s orientation, is
accessible to less experienced riders.
Valentin Garat: “Saint-PierreLa-Mer is a spot that works with all wind orientations (more or less ...) The
Tram is the prevailing wind, often blowing hard on this spot. With a Tram,
the wind is offshore, with good flat water in the ocean, but the wind is
often very irregular. The southeast is more rare, but when it’s there,
the conditions can be really perfect in the beautiful pond Pissevache, right
next to the sea, with a very steady wind plus flat water. It’s almost like
Brazil... almost...“
Extra Points
The kite school orrganizes all-included
packages (lodging+kite lessons). It is
hte first kite school to propose tandem
kite rides since 2014.
Club FFVL : Sports Nautique Kite
Wind direction
Best wind
South-East
KLR Hosts
approved
North-West,
AGENCE DU GOLFE
9 av. Pierre Brossolette – 11560 ST PIERRE LA MER
Transactions - locations saisonnières
location à l’année
04 68 75 20 12 - www.agencedugolfe.fr
Getting there
From the A9 highway take exit 36 Vendres / Béziers Ouest, take direction Sérignan,
then Lespignan and Fleury and Saint Pierre la Mer. Once in Saint Pierre follow direction to the
sailing school. Park on the large car park opposite the school.
P.30 Spots Guide
Facilities
1
5
Contact
Tourist Office - Saint-Pierre-La-Mer:
04 68 49 60 89 / www.communefleury.fr
Statistics of wind ©windfinder
Month
jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Average
Probability winds
> 12 knots (%)
41
46
42
45
38
32
35
31
31
33
35
32
36
T° Average air
8
10
13
16
19
24
26
26
22
18
13
9
17
Direction
dominant winds
Spots Guide P.31
Kitesurfing
Spots
Hérault (34)
La Tamarissière is a spot on the sea where some big waves can shape
up if the wind comes from the South. The spot also works well with
westerly winds, where a breakwater makes the water super flat and
the spot becomes perfect for freestyle. But when the wind turns
North, it becomes offshore and very gusty.
©Robin Christol
Guide
Agde la Tamarissière 2
O c c i t a n i e - 2 0 1 6
Extra Points
Nautical activities around the marina and
nautical center; Amusement park for kids
(Aqualand, Captain’Jako, Aquarium, Club
Mickey, Dino Park, Luna Park), Museums,
Golf, Casino, Naturist center.
A word from a champ local Paul Serin: “It’s a spot
that can be awesome in South East winds, with very good conditions for
wave riding: the lefts are awesome for a goofy footer like me! It’s a great
spot, I love riding there when the conditions are good!“
Wind
direction
From highway A9, take exit 34 for Agde. Once in Agde, follow the Tamarissière beach (Tamarissière
Road), the spot is located on the beach, just to the right of the Hérault Rivermouth. You can use
the parking spots available beside the beach.
P.32 Spots Guide
West
Facilities
2
South-East
Contact
Tourist Office - Agde: 04 67 31 87 50
www.capdagde.com
Statistics of wind ©windfinder
Month
Getting there
Best wind
jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Average
Probability winds
> 12 knots (%)
27
34
28
25
20
19
18
15
12
34
36
27
24
T° Average air
8
8
12
15
18
20
24
25
22
17
13
9
15
Direction
dominant winds
Spots Guide P.33
Kitesurfing
Spots
Hérault (34)
Even if the city of Sète is bordered by kilometers of ponds, one of the
official spot is at 3 Digues (which means 3 dykes). It’s a spot on the
sea with an authorized riding zone during the summer. It works with
many different wind directions, mostly the ones coming from the sea
(From South West to South East) and will make any rider looking for
space and a nice place to cruise around happily. It may not be the
freestylers’ favorite riding spot since the water is often choppy. The
spot isn’t recommended for North winds since the gusty winds blows
offshore.
The spot of 3 Digues have a nice and big beach with plenty of space
to rig, but keep an eye on swimmers and beach goers in the summer.
©Robin Christol
Guide
Sète les 3 Digues 2
O c c i t a n i e - 2 0 1 6
Wind
direction
Best wind
South-West
to
South-East
Facilities
2
Contact
Extra Points
No wind? Go ride at Kithau Wake Park in Marseillan; visit the
famous city of Sètes (jousts, naval cemetery…); go oyster tasting
in Bouzigues.
Getting there
From Highway A9, take exit 33 towards Sète. Keep going until you get to Sète and once in the
city, go towards Marseillan on road D2 along the sea. Park on the big parking lot in front of the
sea. The access is on beach 54.
P.34 Spots Guide
Tourist Office - Sète: 04 99 04 71 71
www.ot-sete.fr
Statistics of wind ©windfinder
Month
jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Average
Probability winds
> 12 knots (%)
27
34
28
25
20
19
18
15
12
34
36
27
24
T° Average air
8
8
12
15
18
20
24
25
22
17
13
9
15
Direction
dominant winds
Spots Guide P.35
Kitesurfing
Spots
Guide
Sète le Pont Levis 2
O c c i t a n i e - 2 0 1 6
Hérault (34)
The Pont Levis Spot (meaning draw-bridge) is a staple riding spot in
the area. Flat water, working in many wind directions, will allow you
to ride in a safe environment. It is possible to ride in every wind direction, except for East winds (because of Mount St Clair). The North
West wind are fully on-shore; you hence have to be careful because
there are a lot of obstacles downwind and the wind is often pretty
strong. In West winds, a nicely shaped wind swell forms, making a
nice playground just past the sand bank called the “Toc”.
The only downside is getting to the water: it will be your warm up
session! You have to walk on the dyke to get to the Sèche and then
rig on the sand bank forming the lagoon. The riding is in the Thau
pond and it’s an easy spot to ride, thanks to the depth of the water
and the on-shore winds.
©Romain Jean
Tip: take some booties with you: there are urchins in the summer!
And beware: with the installation of a Heliport for the Sète Hospital
on the Pont Levis activity area there is a zone forbidden to kitesurfing, please respect it (you will see the signs on the spot).
Wind
direction
Best wind
North/North-West
Facilities
2
North-East/South-West
Contact
Extra Points
No wind? Go ride at Kithau Wake Park in
Marseillan; visit the famous city of Sètes
(jousts, naval cemetery…); go oyster tasting
in Bouzigues.
Getting there
Getting out of Sète by the N112 towards “Marseillan Le Cap D’Agde”, when you get to the big
roundabout beside a big building (the one before last before getting out of the city), follow indications for “Pont Levis ULM”, keep going straight for 60m, cross the train track then follow for
“ULM”. You can park on the first parking spot on your right after the bridge.
P.36 Spots Guide
Tourist Office - Sète: 04 99 04 71 71
www.ot-sete.fr /
Statistics of wind ©windfinder
Month
jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Average
Probability winds
> 12 knots (%)
27
34
28
25
20
19
18
15
12
34
36
27
24
T° Average air
8
8
12
15
18
20
24
25
22
17
13
9
15
Direction
dominant winds
Spots Guide P.37
Kitesurfing
Spots
Frontignan étang d’Ingril 2
O c c i t a n i e - 2 0 1 6
Hérault (34)
Guide
Among the many ponds that make up our region, there is one that is particularly more
popular. The pond Ingril, located between Frontignan Plage and Les Aresquiers is ideally
placed for all the riders who come from the side Montpellier or Sète. The wind blows
very often and is rather strong. The most favorable winds come from the North West
sector.The wind then on-shore, is rather regular. Be careful when you launch away from
the small beach and putting your feet in the water. Once the water away quickly from
the edge remember the road is not far away. If you are not lazy and you ascend to the
top of the pond, know that a pretty little flat area is awaiting for you ...
Northeast wind sector also work, but are very gusty in general. As for the South winds,
they are disturbed by the house line that separates the pond to the sea, it is necessary
to use very large extension to benefit the most laminar wind possible. The strong traffic,
shallow water areas, pebbles, the narrowness of the beach and the road nearby, make
this spot a place where we must constantly remain vigilant.
Wind
direction
Best wind
North-West,
Facilities
2
North-East
Contact
Tourist Office - Frontignan:
http://www.frontignan-tourisme.com
Getting there
From Montpellier, exit the highway at St Jean de Vedas, take direction Sète, then Aresquiers.
Continue the road lined by a pond on the right and left with the sea, continue to the roundabout,
you will find a small parking lot on the right, you have arrived. Coming from Narbonne or any other
place further west, exit at Sete, then head Frontignan and Frontignan Plage, we are left with the
pond on the left, it is then necessary to continue to the roundabout, with the parking on the left.
P.38 Spots Guide
Statistics of wind ©windfinder
Month
jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Average
Probability winds
> 12 knots (%)
24
31
26
24
23
18
20
14
14
32
34
27
23
T° Average air
9
9
13
15
18
21
24
25
22
18
13
10
16
Direction
dominant winds
Spots Guide P.39
Kitesurfing
Spots
KLR Hosts
approved
Guide
Frontignan plage 2
O c c i t a n i e - 2 0 1 6
Hérault (34)
You want to escape the crowds? Then go to Frontignan Plage. Far from
the effervescence of Montpellier beaches, the resort of Frontignan has
many qualities for kitesurfing. The wind blows regularly and several wind
orientation work, the best of which is the thermal wind, or the Southwest,
a steady wind that blows Side-On. The Southeast also works well, watch
the waves can be relatively consistent, as well as current. North winds will
meanwhile blows Off Shore so in this cases it is unwise to navigate without
the presence of a safety boat.
Les Tamaris
Camping ouvert du 25/03 au 09/10
-15%
kite surfeurs
promo KLR
Wind
direction
Best wind
North/North-West
South-West
Camping Les TAMARIS - 34110 FRONTIGNAN-PLAGE
Tél. +33(0)411 32 90 00 /lestamaris@sandaya.fr
South-East
www.sandaya.fr
Getting there
From Montpellier, exit the highway at St Jean de Vedas, take direction Sète, then Aresquiers. Take
the beginning of the road bordered by a pond on the right and the sea left to a park on the left,
on the first car parking after the bridge. Coming from Narbonne or any other place further west,
exit at Sete, then head Frontignan and Frontignan Plage, we are left with the pond on the left,
it is then necessary to continue until the beginning of the road and turn right before the bridge.
P.40 Spots Guide
Facilities
5
1
3
Contact
Tourist Office - Frontignan:
http://www.frontignan-tourisme.com
Statistics of wind ©windfinder
Month
jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Average
Probability winds
> 12 knots (%)
24
31
26
24
23
18
20
14
14
32
34
27
23
T° Average air
9
9
13
15
18
21
24
25
22
18
13
10
16
Direction
dominant winds
Spots Guide P.41
Kitesurfing
Spots
Villeneuve les Maguelone 2
O c c i t a n i e - 2 0 1 6
Hérault (34)
Maguelone is the spot on the coast where the water is the prettiest color: some-
Guide times it looks like the Caribbean Sea (but it just LOOKS like it…). Aside from being a
©André DIELPOIX
KLR Hosts
approved
beautiful spot, Maguelone is quite nice since it works in many wind directions, both
with the thermals and the tramontane winds. When the thermal blows, you will be
riding side on starboard in pretty steady winds and waters that are a bit choppy.
When the Tramontane blows, it is not safe to go ride alone or without a safety boat
because the wind is offshore and the water goes very deep quickly. Maguelone is
THE spot for riding long distance in the region, so if you want to make friends in
this discipline, you know where to go!
KLR Hosts
approved
Camping Le Palavas *****
Route de Maguelone 34250 Palavas Les Flots
Tél : 04 30 05 15 19 - www.palavas-camping.fr
Offre spéciale kitesurfers : La nuit dans un
mobil home familial à 50 euros pour les licenciés FFVL
Club FFVL : Kitesurf and Windsurf Maguelone
©Takoon
Wind
direction
Best wind
North-West
South-East/South-West
Facilities
5
2
Tourist Office - Montpellier: 04 67 60 60 60
http://www.montpellier-tourisme.fr
Getting there
Once on the A9, take exit 30 for Montpellier-Sud/Lattes/Palavas-les-Flots. Take the D986, also called
route de Palavas and keep going towards Palavas Les Flots. At the round-about when getting into
Palavas, take a right onto D62e2 then go right again at the second roundabout on the Avenue de
l’Évêché de Maguelone and go alongside the ponds. Go all the way to the end of the road and park
on the big parking lot. Beware: you cannot access the spot in a car from May to September. There is a
paying parking lot at the beginning of the road in front of the Prevost beach. Fee: 4. There is a small
train that will bring you to the spot. Another access to the spot is available, also on a small train, since
the Pilou parking located in Villeneuve les Maguelone. More info at the Tourism Office.
P.42 Spots Guide
Contact
Statistics of wind ©windfinder
Month
jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Average
Probability winds
> 12 knots (%)
29
34
39
38
36
33
35
30
27
30
34
32
33
T° Average air
8
9
13
16
20
24
27
26
22
18
14
10
17
Direction
dominant winds
Spots Guide P.43
Kitesurfing
Spots
Guide
Carnon Petit Travers 2
O c c i t a n i e - 2 0 1 6
Hérault (34)
The Petit Travers is the practical spot. Located 15 minutes away from Montpellier
and with its kite zone in the summer, it’s a bit like the staple spot in the summer
months, where the thermal comes in nicely. It works on 2 directions: South East
and South West. In both cases, the wind is On-Side-On shore with quite a bit of
chop, which can become small rollers and waves. You can hence ride freestyle
but also strapless. It’s one of the staple spots in the area.
A word from a champ local Valentin Garat: “I often go to Petit
Travers when it blows South East because the wind comes in clean. There’s a bit of flat zones
between the waves near the beach, but unfortunately the thermal session don’t happen that
often. But when there’s a good 20 knots of wind, it’s one of my favorite spots. We would
need to clean up the place in the summer though: it already cost me 2 bars!“
Extra Points
The Golden Pond, Natural site;
Paillotes.
Wind
direction
Best wind
South-West
South-East
Facilities
2
2
Contact
Tourist Office - carnon: 04 67 50 51 15
www.carnontourisme.com
Statistics of wind ©windfinder
Month
Getting there
From highway A9, take exit 29: Montpellier-Est / La Grande-Motte / Carnon, then keep going on the
D66 and take the exit for Petit Travers. Take Left at the Round-About, the D59 and follow along the
beach all the way to the beach number 74.
P.44 Spots Guide
jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Average
Probability winds
> 12 knots (%)
29
34
39
38
36
33
35
30
27
30
34
32
33
T° Average air
8
9
13
16
20
24
27
26
22
18
14
10
17
Direction
dominant winds
Spots Guide P.45
Kitesurfing
Spots
Guide
O c c i t a n i e - 2 0 1 6
La Grande Motte Le Grand Travers 2
Hérault (34)
If you keep going along the avenue boarding the sea, you will go from
Petit Travers, attached to the town of Carnon, to Grand Travers, attached
to the town of Grande-Motte. The spots are very similar, working in the
same wind directions: South-East to South West, sometimes building nice
little waves when the depression is important enough. The wind blows
On/ Side On shore, which make it a safe spot for beginners, especially that
the beach is quite big and there is space to rig your gear, launch and land.
Extra Points
Espace Grand Bleu; 18 holes International Golf; Institut Thalassothérapie (Spa) ;
Casino, Convention Cente; beach huts.
Club FFVL : Objectif Kiteloop
Wind
direction
Best wind
South-West
South-East
Facilities
2
2
Contact
Tourist Office - la Grande Motte: 04 67 56 42 00
www.ot-lagrandemotte.fr
Statistics of wind ©windfinder
Month
Getting there
From Highway A9, take exit 29 for Montpellier-Est / La Grande-Motte/Carnon, then continue on the
D66 and take the exit for Grand Travers. Turn left at the intersection, towards La Grande-Motte and
park on one of the parking areas along the beach. The access is on beaches 59 and 60.
P.46 Spots Guide
jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Average
Probability winds
> 12 knots (%)
29
34
39
38
36
33
35
30
27
30
34
32
33
T° Average air
8
9
13
16
20
24
27
26
22
18
14
10
17
Direction
dominant winds
Spots Guide P.47
Kitesurfing
Spots
Guide
La Grande Motte Port 2
O c c i t a n i e - 2 0 1 6
Hérault (34)
Located right in front of the nautical center and in the heart of La GrandeMotte, this spot is a staple for all types of riders in the region: windsurf,
paddleboard, surf and kite, of course. It works mostly with southerly winds,
from South East to South West (when it’s too East it becomes gusty). As soon
as the wind starts to blow, or when depressions pass by, waves start to form
to the greatest enjoyment of riders. But when the wind is too strong, the
water becomes choppy and messy and it often rains. It is not the best spot
for beginners, since the beach isn’t very big and it is boarded by beach huts
a good part of the year: you have to be very careful. Amongst all the windsurfers and kiters, the water gets quite busy so it is sometimes better to go
downwind a hundred meters for a quieter ride. When the wind blows from
the South West, it usually blows between 12-20 knots. But when it comes
from the South East, it can become strong and go up to over 30 knots. There
is a kitesurf channel that was set up to access the zone over 300 meters over
the swimmer zone.
Wind
direction
Best wind
South-West
Club FFVL : Objectif Kiteloop
South-East
Facilities
2
2
Extra Points
Espace Grand Bleu; 18 holes International Golf;
Institut Thalassothérapie (Spa) ; Casino, Convention
Center; Beach huts; sailing school.
Tourist Office - la Grande Motte : 04 67 56 42 00
www.ot-lagrandemotte.fr
Statistics of wind ©windfinder
Month
Getting there
From Montpellier, take the A9 towards Maresille, get out at La Grande-Motte/Carnon (exit 29),
continue on D66 and get out at Grande-Motte. Keep going straight towards the Centre Nautique,
and then turn right at the light, still following indications for the Centre Nautique. Park in the big
parking lot at the end of the Centre Nautique avenue.
P.48 Spots Guide
Contact
jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Average
Probability winds
> 12 knots (%)
37
38
35
32
36
35
27
17
25
36
31
43
32
T° Average air
9
9
14
17
20
23
26
27
23
19
14
10
17
Direction
dominant winds
Spots Guide P.49
professionals
d
e
p
a
kitesurf in
r
Hérault(34)
DOC’KITE
Montpellier
Kite repairs.
Phone number: 06 10 16 36 00
Postal code: 34000 Montpellier
Adress: Montpellier parc IBM bat T2
Palavas rue des siffleurs
Website: www.doc-kite.com
REP’KITE
Montpellier
Kite and bar repairs.
Phone number: 06 66 47 85 53
Postal code: 34000 Montpellier
Adress: Parc euromédecine
Website: www.repkite.wix.com/repkite
KM system Montpellier
Numeric machiner specializing in big scale
processing.
Phone number: 04 67 58 14 63
Adress: 950 chemin de Sainte Cécile
Website: http://www.kmsystem.fr
Tiki Center Frontignan
Kitesurf and SUP school in Frontignan and
Montpellier. Open all year-round.
Kitesurf and Paddle shop open during season
(April to November)
Phone number: 06 59 05 30 64
Postal code: 34110 Frontignan
Adress: 65 avenue d’Ingril - Résidence Les
Palmiers
Website: http://www.tiki-center.com
t
m
e
professionals
n
d
RSC Kiteboarding Valergues
Twin tip and surfwave kitesurf board maker.
Postal code: 34130 Valergues
Adress: 229 rue du Berbian
Website: http://www.rscboards.com
Fil D’air
Mèze
Kitesurfing school offering lesions on the Thau
pond, open from March 16 to November 11.
Phone number: 06 10 25 22 58
Postal code: 34140 Mèze
Adress: Centre nautique Taurus - 15 rue de la
Méditerranée - BP 72
Website: http://www.fildair.com
AFKite
Saint Drézéry
French Kitesurf association.
Postal code: 34160 Saint Drézéry
Adress: 10 rue de la Bouvine
Phone number: contact@afkite.fr
Magic Bruce
Sète
Kitesurf board and kite maker and repairman,
located in Sète.
Phone number: 06 62 34 06 79
Postal code: 34200 Sète
Adress: 95 chemin du château de Villeroy
Website: http://kitesurf-magicbruce.fr
Topkite Sète
Kitesurf, wakeboard and SUP school and
rentals.
Phone number: 06 27 77 72 47
Postal code: 34200 Sète
Adress: Chemin Château de Villeroy
Website: http://www.topkite.fr
Guide des
Zeeko Frontignan
Kitesurf kite and board brand located in
Montpellier.
Postal code: 34110 Frontignan
Adress: 19 rue du Chasselas
Website: http://www.zeeko-kites.com
t
Sète
Lab Pro Center
Palavas les flots
School and training center for kitesurfing, foil,
SUP and other board sports located in Palavas.
Phone number: 06 06 56 60 77
Postal code: 34250 Palavas les flots
Adress: Palavas Camping, Route de Maguelone
Website: www.labkite.com
Spots
Vision One
Mauguio
Event and promotional material.
Postal code: 34130 Mauguio
Adress: Chemin du Mas des Pères au Mas de
Maro
Website: http://www.v1-group.com
P.50 Spots Guide
e
kitesurf in
Guide des
p
a
r
t
m
e
n
t
Spots
L’effet Kiteschool Palavas les flots
Kitesurfing school in Montpellier area. Open
from April to November.
Phone number: 06 98 76 71 23
Postal code: 34250 Palavas-les-flots
Adress: 45 Cabane de Carnon 45 chemin de Hallage
Website: http://www.l-effet-kiteschool.com
Moana Shop
Palavas les flots
Kitesurf, SUP, Skate, Paddle, Roller, scooter...
Moana Shop will be there with you in all the
sports you love!
Phone number: 04 67 65 05 39
Postal code: 34250 Palavas-les-flots
Adress: ZA du Grec - 2 Rue des siffleurs
Website: http://www.moanashop.fr
Vague et Vent
Palavas les flots
Boardshop specialized in kitesurf, wakeboard,
snowboard, SUP windsurf, etc.
Phone number: 04 67 68 22 94
Postal code: 34250 Palavas-les-flots
Adress: Résidence la Louisiane - Bd Frédéric
Fabrèges
Website: http://www.vagueetvent.com
Axel’Air
Carnon
Kite shop and school, located in Carnon
(just outside of Montpellier).
Phone number: 04 67 50 62 60
Postal code: 34280 Carnon Ouest
Adress: 284 avenue du Mont St Clair
Website: http://www.axelair.com
Topkite Cap d’Agde
Le Cap d’Agde
Kitesurf, wakeboard and SUP school as well as
gear rental, located in Cape Agde.
Phone number: 06 27 77 72 47
Postal code: 34300 Le Cap d’Agde
Adress: Avenue du passeur Challies
Website: http://www.topkite.fr
Stance Kiteboarding
Baillargues
Reference website and magazine, specialized in
kiteboarding.
Contact: contact@stanceplanet.com
Postal code: 34670 Baillargues
Website: http://www.stanceplanet.fr
Kakoo Shape
Kitesurfing board shaping and repair
workshop, located in Pérols.
Postal code: 34470 Pérols
Adress: 4, Impasse Du Clos Saint Loup
Phone number: 06 09 96 86 79
Website: http://www.kakoo.fr
Pérols
Ivana Dreams
Saint Clément de Rivière
Advertising agency, marketing and multimedia
located Montpellier.
Phone number: 06 14 62 43 98
Postal code: 34980 Saint Clément de Rivière
Adress: 22 Le Round du Biou
Website: www.youngunz.net
Frontside
Le Cap d’Agde
Shop located in Cape Agde (34) and online
shop specialized in watersports.
Phone number: 04 48 14 00 45
Postal code: 34300 Le Cap d’Agde
Adress: Centre Nautique - Plage Richelieu Est
Website: http://www.frontside.fr
Hérault
Spots Guide P.51
Kitesurfing
Spots
Guide
Le Grau-du-Roi le Boucanet 1
O c c i t a n i e - 2 0 1 6
Gard (30)
Located at the exit for La Grande-Motte, towards the Grau-du-Roi, the “Bouca” as
the locals call it, is one of the staple spots in the Languedoc-Roussillon region. It
works in many wind directions: Northwest, but also with the southerlies, if there isn’t
too much East. The wind is relatively strong, some small waves form, shaping nice
kickers. When the Tram blows (North/West) the wind is sideshore (you will leave the
water on a starboard tack) and side on with a South wind (you leave the water on
a port tack. The inconvenient of this spot? Because of the way it is positioned, and
because of the surrounding buildings, it becomes quite gusty, especially when the
tram turns North East in the evening. There are dykes delimitating the spot, but the
space is plenty for the spot not to feel too crowded.
Extra Points
©Robin Christol
©Robin Christol
The Mediterranean House of Wines
and Olives, Seaquarium, Leisure Parc,
Camargue Loisirs…
Getting there
When coming from la Grande-Motte, cross the city and go towards the Grau-du-Roi. After a long
straight line, you will pass the functional reeducation center on your right, keep going a bit to the
intersection: le Boucanet will be indicated on your right. Stop when you see the parking spots on
the left, once you can see the beach.
When coming from the Grau-du-Roi, follow the indications for “Rive Droite” then at the roundabout take a right and follow the indications for “Le Boucanet”.
P.52 Spots Guide
Wind
direction
Best wind
North-West/West
Facilities
1
South-East
Contact
Tourist Office - Grau du Roi: 04 66 51 67 70
http://www.vacances-en-camargue.com
Statistics of wind ©windfinder
Month
jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Average
Probability winds
> 12 knots (%)
33
37
35
33
37
32
30
18
27
34
31
41
32
T° Average air
10
9
14
17
20
24
26
26
23
19
15
11
17
Direction
dominant winds
Spots Guide P.53
Kitesurfing
Spots
Gard (30)
Here’s one of the best spots in Port Camargue, when the conditions are right. This
spot works in winds coming from the North to Northwest. Once it veers towards
North-North East, you can forget about it. There are many dykes on the North
beach, and some shallow water too: all this put together make is an amazing freestyle spot, since it is very flat! But watch out for the breakwaters: always keep your
distance! If you are a beginner, you may want to walk back upwind.
Getting out of the breakwater zone, you can still have fun in the small wind swell.
It’s the easiest spot around! When the tramontane wind blows, you can touch the
bottom pretty much anywhere, the wind brings you back towards shore and the
waves break on a sand bank.
©Robin Christol
Guide
Port Camargue Plage-Nord 1
O c c i t a n i e - 2 0 1 6
Wind
direction
Best wind
West/North-West
Facilities
1
Contact
Extra Points
Spas; The Mediterranean House of Wines and Olives;
Seaquarium; Leisure Parc; Camargue Loisirs…
Statistics of wind ©windfinder
Month
Getting there
Go towards the Grau-du-Roi. Keep an eye out for indications at the roundabouts. Follow indications
for Port-Camargue, then once in Port Camargue, go towards the North Beach (Plage Nord) at the
roundabout. Keep going straight all the way to the parking lot just beside the Yacht Club . Then you
will have to walk a few dozen meters to get to the beach.
P.54 Spots Guide
Tourist Office - Grau du Roi: 04 66 51 67 70
http://www.vacances-en-camargue.com
jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Average
Probability winds
> 12 knots (%)
33
37
35
33
37
32
30
18
27
34
31
41
32
T° Average air
10
9
14
17
20
24
26
26
23
19
15
11
17
Direction
dominant winds
Spots Guide P.55
Kitesurfing
Spots
Gard (30)
The mythical “South Beach” of the Languedoc Roussillon… This spot works in
many westerly wind directions (even in South West, even if we don’t often think
about it) all the way to North East winds. In a West North West wind, it blows
almost on-shore, some small wind swell form, shaping nice little kickers. But watch
out if you are a beginner: it’s a more difficult wind direction to ride and get out
of the breakwater area.
In North winds, the wind becomes side (and a bit gustier). You need to ride close
to the breakwater for a nice flat zone. You can choose of you want to ride on
the right or on the left of the breakwater. Depending on the wind direction, the
water and the number of people on the spot, you might prefer one or the other.
But make sure to always keep your distances with the breakwater downwind of
you. And mostly, remember: there’s nothing classier than saying “I’m going to ride
at South Beach”!
©Robin Christol
Guide
Port Camargue Plage-Sud 1
O c c i t a n i e - 2 0 1 6
Extra Points
Spas; The Mediterranean House of Wines and Olives; Seaquarium;
Leisure Parc; Camargue Loisirs…
Wind
direction
Best wind
North/North-West
Facilities
1
West
Contact
Tourist Office - Port Camargue: 04 66 51 67 70
http://www.vacances-en-camargue.com
Getting there
Follow indications for the Grau-du-Roi. Keep an eye for the indications at the roundabout. Follow
Port Camargue then, once in Port Camargue, head towards South Beach at the roundabout. Keep
going straight. Park on the parking lot on your right, just after the grocery store and restaurants.
The spot is easy to find if it’s windy: you will see the kites above the buildings. Park on your left or
on your right, depending on where you want to ride.
P.56 Spots Guide
Statistics of wind ©windfinder
Month
jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Average
Probability winds
> 12 knots (%)
33
37
35
33
37
32
30
18
27
34
31
41
32
T° Average air
10
9
14
17
20
24
26
26
23
19
15
11
17
Direction
dominant winds
Spots Guide P.57
professionals
d
e
p
a
kitesurf in
r
t
m
e
Repairs
n
t
r
Garons
Centre UCPA Port Camargue
Le Grau du Roi
The UCPA center in Port Camargue offers sports
camps (kitesurf, windsurf, sailing) with or
without lodging.
Phone number: 04 66 51 47 92
Postal code: 30240 Le Grau du Roi
Adress: Avenue du Centurion
Website: http://www.camargue@ucpa.asso.fr
Hibiskite
Le Grau du Roi
Kitesurf school, shop and rental located in
Grau du Roi.
Phone number: 06 77 13 80 65
Postal code: 30240 Le Grau du Roi
Adress: Surf Loisirs
Website: http://www.hibiskite.com
Takoon
Gallargues
Kite and kitesurf board brand.
Phone number: 04 66 53 20 18
Postal code: 30660 Gallargues
Adress: ZAC pôle actif - 10 allée du Piot
Website: http://www.takoon.com
Club 30 Kite
Le Grau du Roi
Kitesurf school located in Grau du Roi, open
from April to November.
Phone number: Franck - 06 77 77 88 55,
Anthony - 06 76 45 45 64,
Thierry - 06 63 78 80 59
Postal code: 30240 le Grau du Roi
Adress: 239 rue Vincent
Website: http://www.club30kite.com
g
i
o
n
Spots
Gard(30)
HB Surfkite
Strapless kitesurf board shaper.
Phone number: 06 43 83 70 59
Postal code: 30128 Garons
Adress: 1 bis rond point de l’Aéropôle
Website: http://www.hb-surfkite.com
Guide des
kitesurf in
e
DOLL KITEBOARDING
Kiteboards, wakeboards, skimboards and
trophy fabric shop. New and used gear.
Phone number: +33/6 22 28 17 36
Postal code: 11370 LEUCATE
Adress: 11, Zone d’Activités
Website: www.dollkiteboarding.com
DOC’KITE
Kite repairs.
Phone number: 06 10 16 36 00
Postal code: 34000 Montpellier
Adress: Montpellier parc IBM bat T2
Palavas rue des siffleurs
Website: www.doc-kite.com
LEUCATE VOILERIE
Kite repair, conception and repair kit.
Phone number: 04 68 48 83 59
Postal code: 11 370 Leucate
Adress: 14 Zone Activité
Website: http://www.leucatevoilerie.com
REP’KITE
Kite and bar repairs.
Tél: 06 66 47 85 53
Postal code: 34000 Montpellier
Adress: Parc euromédecine
Website: www.repkite.wix.com/repkite
MAGIC BRUCE
Kitesurf board and kite maker and repairman,
located in Sète.
Phone number: 06 62 34 06 79
Postal code: 34200 Sète
Adress: 95 chemin du château de Villeroy
Website: www.kitesurf-magicbruce.fr
O
c
c
Made in
i
t
a
n
i
e
KAKOO SHAPE
Kitesurfing board shaping and repair
workshop, located in Pérols.
Phone number: 06 09 96 86 79
Postal code: 34470 Pérols
Adress: 4, Impasse Du Clos Saint Loup
Website: www.kakoo.fr
Guide des
Spots
Gard
P.58 Spots Guide
Spots Guide P.59
Agend
r
kitesurfing in the
e
16
April 16
th
g
to 22nd
Mondial du Vent
or two decades now, the Mondial du Vent
annually brings together the best riders
in kiteboardingand windsurfing. Over the
years, it has become one of the key events
with the presence of the biggest stars of
these disciplines. Since 2007 the Mondial du
Vent hosts the only French stop of the kitesurfing freestyle World Cup. The Mondial du
Vent is held every year for a week in April at
the famous spot, La Franqui.
Website: www.mondialduvent.fr
May 29 to 1
29
th
st
Defi Kite
The Defi Kite is now a kitesurfing mustevent in Gruissan. 140 riders, professionals
and amateurs, are at the starting line of a
huge race, crosswind, of over 80 kilometers.
To be able to count on an absolute Tramontane, the competition takes place in the
spring time or just after summer on one of
the windiest beaches in the area.
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/
DefiKite
i
7April 7
th
Agend
o
n
au 10th
Junior Freestyle World Cup
Every year for 11 years, the European
Junior Kitesurf Cup takes place and brings
together about sixty young riders age 9 to
19 from the fours corners of Europe... For
its twelfth edition, the European Cup gets
bigger and changes into the Junior World
Cup! A unique opportunity to watch the
future of the kitesurf freestyle!
Website: http://www.glisseetkite.eu
April 9th to 10th
9
France border cross
champiponship
The European Junior Cup was also deemed
for its open-to-all border cross competition. Well, this event also gets bigger and
becomes in 2016 the France Border Cross
championship, open to pros and amateurs!
Website: http://www.glisseetkite.eu
May 12th to 16th
12
Festikite - 1st stop of the
kitefoil 2016 championship
A true mediterranean kite festival, the Festikite takes place for four days in May on the
spot of Villeneuve-lès-Maguelone. With its
success, the Festikite is now a stop of the
Kitefoil World Championship IFKO, an international competition of freestyle is also
organized for the occasion. And that’s not
to mention the village of 3000 m2 which
includes about forty exhibitors and entertainment for all.
Website: http://www.festikite.net
Guide
des
16
17
Spots
P.60 Spots Guide
r
e
14
May 14
kitesurfing in the
g
i
to 16th
th
n
10
October 20
th
Wake Air Contest
Organized by the city of Canet en Roussillon
for several seasons, the Wake Air Contest is
held annually. The concept, original, is to
confront riders on two supports, kitesurfing
and wakeboarding, thanks to a 2 pulleys ski
lift installed for the occasion in the port of
Canet. It is an event that annually attracts
international riders specialized in the
‘’wakestyle’’ discipline.
Website: www.wakeaircontest.com
to 24th
Kitesurf Freestyle and
Kitespeed France Championship Freestyle is back in the South with the
championships of France who will be held
in Barcarès in October. All pros will be there
to win the desired title. At the same time,
on the same spot there will be the same
festivities but in the speed discipline. Expect
lots of action!
20
Guide des
November 5th to 6th
Spots
May 23
23
rd
to 27th
UNSS France kitesurf
championship
Rendez-vous in Leucate on the Coussoules
spot to watch the French kitesurf youngsters
to battle during the Championnat de France
UNSS!
June 10th to 12th
7
o
8
12
2nd stop of the Engie kite tour
in Leucate
This is an iconic competition for French
riders and the championship of France of
speed crossing stops in Leucate for the
second event of the year. Thes team at KSL
deals with the organization, so it will be
hot!
23
24
Le Challenge Méditerranéen de
Surfkite 2016 2è édition The 2016 Surfkite Mediterranean Challenge,
2nd edition: (possible postponement on
November 12-13 or 19-20 or 26-27)
http://camikas.e-monsite.com/medias/files/
sponso-challenge-2017.pdf
13
29
20
1
Spots Guide P.61
Other sports
guide
More infos
©Robin Christol
Surf League of Languedoc-Roussillon
www.surfinglanguedoc.com
Maison Régionale des sports
1039 rue Georges Méliès
34000 MONTPELLIER
©JWEL
Surf/Sup
Wakeboard
Whether the wind is lacking or if you just
want to have fun, wakeboarding is the perfect
complementary activity to kiteboarding. In the
last few years, cable parks have grown all around
the country and the region of Occitanie wasn’t
spared! Here’s the list of wake parks you can find
in the area:
La Grande-Motte (34):
Wake Park Cable: In the Ponan port, on the pond
sharing the same name, you can find a two tower
cable with 1 double kicker and 2 sliders. More info
and directions on www.wakeparkcable.com
Marseillan (34):
Kithau teleski nautique: Two tower system located
on the Thau pond, just by the Marseillan port.
1 kicker and 1 flat bar slider. Info and reservation on
Kithau.com
Barcares (66):
KumWake Park: First two tower system to open in
France, this wakepark in the middle of the Parc des
Dosses is well known for the organization of the
Wake’n’Beach, a competition that gathers each year
the best French and international riders. For the features, there is a double kicker, a tube, and 2 sliders.
Don’t forget to make a reservation before going. Info:
www.kumwakepark.com
Téléski Nautique du Barcarès: The cable
park is located in the Parc des Dosses, on the Barcarès
pond. It is one of the oldest full cable parks in France:
it was installed in 1979! A kicker and 2 sliders will
make everyone happy and the less courageous can
come watch the show on the restaurant’s patio on
site. Info: www.teleskibarcares.com
St Jean Plat de Corts (66):
TNJ Cable park Téléski Nautique de Saint Jean Pla de
Corts): In the middle of the outdoor recreational park,
on a closed lade, this recent complet (opened in 2013)
includes a big 5 tower cable park with many different
sliders (2 kickers, 5 sliders and 1 custom), a two tower
cable system for beginners as well as a restaurant.
www.tsjwakepark.com
Spots
Saint Pierre la Mer (11):
Within the kitesurf and sailing center, nautical teleski
with two tower system, 1 slider and 1 kicker.
For more info:
www.glisseetkite.com/teleski-nautique/
More infos
League Languedoc Roussillon of
Water skiing and wakeboard : www.ffsnw.fr
P.62 Spots Guide
Even if surfing on the Mediterranean Sea is not as
common as on the Atlantic Coast, we can still find
some great conditions on our beaches, if you are
patient and know when to go.
On the Mediterranean, and especially in the Occitanie,
the spots work when the swell come from the South
to South East, and this direction of wind and waves
usually comes with bad weather. You will often have
to wait until the end of the depression; even until the
wind turns off-shore to find clean, wind-less waves and
sometimes even hollowed by the off shore wind….And
that’s when it is worth to go for a surf session!
Gruissan:
On highway A9 take the Narbonne-Plage exit then follow the indications for “Gruissan” and go towards the
beaches. The spot is on the right shore of the ports
mouth. It’s one of the best spots in the Aude region, a
beach break with many peaks and good probabilities of
getting an offshore wind.
Guide des
Canet:
From highway A9, get out at Perpignan and go towards
Canet en Roussillon then straight to the port. The spot
is just South of the port, by the dyke. It is a very good
choice of spot on an East swell (doesn’t happen very
often), well adapted to longboarding but very crowded
when it is working.
Spots
Carnon les Roquilles:
Located on the right shore of the Carnon Port, the
Roquilles spot works for surfers with East to South-East
swells.
Palavas le Prévost:
The Prévost spot is located in Palavas, just outside of
the city towards Maguelone. It is possible to surf on
both sides of the channel (the grau). The right hand
side of the spot works better with East to South East
swells and the left hand side is more interesting in
South or South East swells, when the waves are cleaner.
Palavas Rive Droite:
Often crowded, this spot works well for all swell
directions from East to South West.
Sète la Chapelle:
Coming from Montpellier, follow Sète downtown and
then follow the indications for the Théâtre de la Mer,
go along the cliff road then take a left towards the sea
at the casino, go 100m or 200m more then park on the
parking lot located left of the buildings by the sea: The
spot is just to the right at the end of the breakwater.
The spot works well with a East to South East swell, and
in the latter it makes a very nice left on the rock slab.
If you prefer sand bottom, you will sure find a peak
between Sète and Marseillan.
St Cyprien:
In Perpignan, go towards “Canet en Roussillon” then
once in Canet, take “St Cyprien-Plage” towards “the
port”. The spot is on the beaches just North of the port.
Good surf and bodyboard spot with an east swell, with
more hollow waves than in Canet.
LEUCATE PLAGE:
Park at the Place du Front de Mer and you will discover
the nicest SUP spot in the area, with an amazing sight
on the Leucate cliff and its famous Cape. This beach
break forms many peaks and will allow you to practice
this activity no matter your level, depending on the
conditions. During the summer months, you have to
respect the riding zones. You can get that information
by talking to the lifeguards in the life saving stations.
They will give you all the necessary information.
Cap d’Agde:
Follow the direction of the nautical center and park on
the Centre Nautique parking opposite of Fort Brescou,
the only island in the area. Superb spot with SUP many
walks, waves nearby,
beach break and rock slabs ...
Spots Guide P.63
Come and ride all year-long in
Occitanie region
jwel-2016
where kitesurfing was born!
T h e
p a r t n e r s
o f
K L R :