France
La Tranche-sur-Mer is a classic Atlantic kitesurfing spot. Its wide sandy beach, consistent west wind, and safe environment make it a perfect spot for all levels. It’s a complete playground: flat at low tide, choppy at high tide, with gentle waves ideal for surfkiting. Accessible, well-oriented, and often sunny, La Tranche is one of the best spots in Vendée.
The wind data shown here comes from ERA5 (via Open-Meteo) over 4 years, reprocessed to reflect realistic conditions.
👉 Average wind has been calibrated to avoid the usual underestimation of models.
👉 Gusts have been corrected by a median ratio to avoid unrealistic extreme values.
👉 Each day is summarized by the median wind (P50) observed during useful hours (8am–8pm), then classified into wind ranges.
👉 The weighted mode mixes average wind and gusts to best reflect felt wind.
chop
flatThe wind from west to southwest blows side-on on the beach between 15 and 25 knots. The water is flat at low tide and becomes choppy to wavy at high tide. Sandy bottom, easy launch, and vast take-off area. It’s a very consistent spot, perfect for freeride, foil, and big air. The waves remain accessible and progressive.
Wind from west to southwest, side-on, between 15 and 25 knots. Perfect orientation for freeride and big air.
Water conditions are flat at low tide, choppy to wavy at high tide. Small to medium regular waves, perfect for beginners in surfkiting. Sandy bottom, gentle slope, readable and comfortable conditions.
Moderate currents, depending on the tide and wind. Light north-south drift to watch for, but no dangerous areas. Wide and secure spot.
Riders mainly use 8 to 12 m². In winter or strong winds, 7–9 m² are ideal; in summer, 10–12 m² are sufficient for thermals.
Dominant wind from west to southwest between 15 and 25 knots. In summer, thermals strengthen the main wind, offering almost daily sessions. East winds are rarer and more turbulent. The wind remains consistent and clean, ideal for progression.
Temperate oceanic climate with frequent winds year-round. Mild summers (20–25°C), cool but navigable winters (8–12°C). Ideal season from April to October. Sunshine is often present, and the wind is almost permanent due to Atlantic disturbances.
Between 0.5 and 2 meters. Soft and regular sandy bottom.
Between 10°C in winter and 19°C in summer. Full wetsuit most of the time, shorty possible in mid-summer.
