Launch from the Saint-Georges beach, south of Royan. Best conditions in south to southeast wind when the estuary funnels the wind towards the shore. Check tidal conditions before launching — currents can be significant on the ebb. Coordinate with other beach users. Self-organised spot.

Open all year round

Open year-round. Best season: May to October. Works best in south to southeast wind — a useful alternative to the Atlantic beaches when wind is from the south.

Intermediate

Sheltered estuary beach with flat to slightly choppy water, no ocean swell. Sandy bottom, significant tidal range. Estuary currents on ebb and flood. The sheltered position makes it one of the calmer spots on the Charente coast.

South to southeast winds funnel into the Gironde estuary providing the main wind window. These directions are often offshore on the Atlantic-facing beaches further north — Saint-Georges becomes the go-to alternative on those days. Northeast and east winds also work on this south-facing beach.

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