Gâvres

The spot mainly works with winds from west, southwest, south, and east, which become side-shore or side-on from the ocean, perfect for freeride and waves. With west or southwest wind, the water surface is chop to wave on the large beach, with choppy waves on the rising tide. The launch area is directly from the sandy beach to the west, or near the dyke to the east at low tide; the takeoff zone is spacious but beware of downdraft from south wind due to the dunes.

At low tide or mid-tide, the beach widens with a gentle slope ideal for beginners, and the water surface remains navigable on the western part. At high tide, avoid the east where waves crash on the dyke, and prefer the central part. The navigation area extends over 500m of beach, with a flat space by offshore wind protected by the tombolo to the south, but north wind is more irregular as it is land wind.

Parking in front of the old Pyro for independent riders, or at the Petite Falaise for schools; careful takeoff near the road. In summer, stay to the east to avoid the bather area. The spot is versatile freeride/wave, with many windsurfers during strong west winds.