Saint-Clément-des-Baleines

The beach is generally oriented west-northwest, facing the Atlantic. A wind from the W to NW sector usually arrives side-on to the beach, which is comfortable for kitesurfing. Winds from the SW are more side-on to onshore, while a wind from the N or NE quickly becomes side-off and much more technical.

The water surface is very tide-dependent. At low tide, the sea retreats far and leaves a vast sandy foreshore with some wetter areas and sometimes rocky slabs near the lighthouse. Launching is then longer, but one enjoys a less pronounced shore break and waves further out. At mid-tide and high tide, the water surface fills up and there is a more present shore break with beach waves typical of the Atlantic coast, especially in west swell.

Launching generally takes place in the central part of the beach, on the large open sand, while keeping a distance from the monitored swimming area in summer. There is enough space to spread several kites, but one must respect other users, especially families, on a very beach-oriented spot in July-August. Municipal regulations govern the practice of kitesurfing in summer, with time slots allowed during low traffic hours and strict adherence to navigation corridors and launching areas.

The main navigation area is located in the axis of the beach, staying offshore from the swimming area and avoiding the rockier zones towards the Pointe des Baleines. In west or northwest swell, one finds beach break waves that can be nice for surf kiting, but they are irregular and can close violently at high tide. In small swell or moderate wind, the water surface remains rather choppy with smoother sections between two sets of waves.

Locally, the beach is also used by a nautical base (catamaran, board, foil), which adds traffic on the water in good weather. It is important to maintain safe distances from dinghies, foils, and windsurfing boards, and to anticipate trajectories well. In winter and off-season, the spot is much quieter, with a practice mainly oriented towards surfing, windsurfing, and kite.