Port Camargue

The South beach spot is oriented facing the Mediterranean, with a fairly wide beach and several jetties in line that create different navigation zones. In Mistral winds from the NW to N sector, the wind generally arrives side-off to side-shore right relative to the beach, but the jetties and the sandbank offshore cut the swell and generate beautiful flat areas between the piers. It is in these protected corridors that riders come to seek powerful edging for freestyle and big air.

The spot also works with winds from the W to NE sector, but the wind becomes more irregular and disturbed when it shifts too far North or Northeast due to the terrain and constructions upwind. In South to Southeast winds, the water is choppier with a rather onshore wind, less interesting for pure freestyle but practicable in freeride if the wind is well established. Navigation remains possible almost year-round, but a prefectural order strictly regulates the practice areas in season.

In winter and outside the summer marking period, navigation is generally tolerated over a large part of the beach, providing plenty of space for takeoff and landing. From the nice season (early June to mid-September), a kitesurfing channel is installed in the central part, and navigation must then be done exclusively in this area. A sign at the entrance of the spot reminds of the rules, navigation limits, and the authorized takeoff/landing zone.

Takeoff occurs on a sometimes narrow beach, with wooden stakes planted in the sand for dune protection. Therefore, one must remain very vigilant during ground handling maneuvers and avoid staying too long static with the kite at zenith. The water entry is direct, with a sandy bottom and a gentle slope. Downwind, the jetties remain close, which requires good control of drift, especially in side-off North winds where one must be able to effectively go upwind to exit the corridors between the jetties.

In terms of zones, riders often seek the flat downwind of the jetties for freestyle, while further offshore the water becomes slightly choppy when the wind picks up. The spot is official and very busy on strong Mistral days, with the possible presence of windsurfers and wings. It is important to maintain safety distances, particularly at the exit of the channel and near the rock jetties.