Technical details of spot

Spot functioning

Self-organised spot with no formal infrastructure. Launch from the beach areas near the lighthouse, choosing the most sheltered section based on wind direction. Best conditions at mid to low tide when the beach is wider. The tip of the island creates wind acceleration effects — check conditions carefully before committing.

On the water

Atlantic beach with waves of 0.3 to 1.5m at the exposed tip. Sandy bottom near the beach, rocky sections near the lighthouse. Tidal currents around the tip of the island can be significant at peak tide. Flat water on the eastern (sheltered) side of the tip in west and northwest winds.

Required level

Intermediate

Spot opening date

Open all year round

Open year-round. Best conditions: May to October. West and northwest winds are most reliable in spring and autumn. In summer, thermal west wind provides consistent afternoon sessions.

Parking

Parking near the Phare des Baleines, accessible from Saint-Clément-des-Baleines via the D735. Facilities in Saint-Clément village (restaurants, shops). The lighthouse area is a tourist site — very busy in summer.

Hazards

Tide-affected spot — the beach can be very narrow at high tide. Strong tidal currents at the tip of the island. Rocky areas near the lighthouse. The Atlantic swell is fully exposed at this northwest tip. No lifeguard service. Offshore wind risk in northeast conditions — check carefully before launching.

Wind specificities

The tip of the Ile de Ré is fully exposed to west and northwest winds with no obstacles. Wind acceleration is notable around the cape. Northwest wind is slightly offshore on the south beach and onshore on the north beach — choose accordingly. Thermal west wind builds reliably in summer afternoons. Wind is generally clean and well-formed due to the long oceanic fetch.

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