Saint-Clément-des-Baleines

The breakwater of Phare des Baleines is oriented directly west, facing the Atlantic. A wind from the W to NW sector generally arrives in a side to side-on shore manner relative to the breakwater, which offers safe conditions as long as you stay well offshore from the structure and the rocks. With a SW wind, the wind becomes more side-on as you head towards La Conche beach, while with a NW wind, the angle is a bit more side shore, interesting for going up and down the coast.

The spot is heavily influenced by the tide. At low tide, a large part of the foreshore is exposed with numerous rocky slabs and sandy areas, and launching generally takes place more at the beach level, on the Conche des Baleines side, to enjoy a more navigable water surface. At mid-tide and high tide, there is more water height but also more movement, with sometimes powerful shorebreak along the wild coast and at the foot of the breakwater.

The water surface is rather chop + waves in the exposed offshore area, with long west swells regularly coming in. Waves can be organized on certain sandbanks, especially towards La Conche beach, while in front of the breakwater and the rocky coast, the water surface is often more disordered. In established conditions, waves of 1 to 2 m or even more can be found during major winter depressions.

The reasonable navigation area is located offshore from the breakwater, quickly taking an angle upwind to steer clear of the rocks and structures. The launching for kitesurfing is preferably done from La Conche beach or a nearby sandy area, avoiding rigging directly at the foot of the breakwater where space is limited and the risks of turbulence and projections onto the structure are significant. It is important to respect any navigation channels and municipal regulations that govern kitesurfing practices in the municipality of Saint-Clément-des-Baleines.

Locally, one must also deal with tourist traffic around the lighthouse and the coastal path. In summer, cohabitation with walkers, shore fishermen, and bathers requires vigilance and well-organized launching. Outside of high season and during suitable tide times, the spot becomes quieter and more pleasant to exploit, especially for riders looking for an open water surface and ocean waves.