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 Spots Guide E c c d i i t t 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, a n o i r e i a l 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. O c E d c i i t t a n o i e r i - 2 a 0 1 6 l 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 Spots c c i t a n i e Content Cover Photo: Hugo Badaroux - Rider: Timothé Berlioz. Below Photo: Robin Christol - Rider: Yoann Rozycki. Guide S u m m a r y 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 c c i t a n i e - 2 0 1 6 Spots the guide L e g e n 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 Spots c c i t a n i e O c c i t a n i e - 2 0 1 6 Guide 1 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 8 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 6 2 Official kitesurfing zones as set by the Federation Française de Vol Libre M i M a 1 P.6 Spots Guide Tram o 3 Pyrénées-Orientales an e nt al st r 4 rin 5 Spots Guide P.7 Kitesurfing O Spots c c i t a n i e O c c i t a n 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). i e - 2 0 1 6 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 c c i t a n i e Guide WEATHER CORNER The different winds in Occitanie an e nt M i al s tr Tram o 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 i e - 2 1 0 6 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 a 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 5 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 14 17 20 24 27 25 22 17 19 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 :