Leucate - Le Goulet (étang)
France
Leucate
Le Goulet is an iconic spot in the Leucate complex, located between the sea and the lagoon, at the entrance of the channel connecting the two. This narrow passage concentrates the wind, making it one of the most powerful and consistent places in the region. The spot offers a fascinating mix between lagoon and sea, with calmer areas for freeride and turbulent sectors for big air. It is a technical, intense, and very windy spot, reserved for experienced riders seeking thrills and speed.
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.
- 🟢 10–16 kts: light but sailable wind (especially on foil).
- 🟡 16–22 kts: ideal range, comfortable conditions for most.
- 🔴 22–28 kts: strong wind, reserved for experienced riders.
- 🟣 28+ kts: extreme conditions, committed riding.
Location & Points of interest
Useful information
chop
flatThe Tramontane wind rushes into the goulet and gains several knots, creating a spectacular venturi effect. The water is generally flat to choppy, sometimes forming small waves depending on the tide and direction. The water surface is shared between calm areas and more turbulent zones due to the eddies. The navigation space is reduced, requiring good kite control. However, the quality of the wind is exceptional — dense, clean, and powerful.
Northwest wind (Tramontane) between 25 and 40 knots. Perfect side-shore orientation, dense and fast wind.
Water conditions are flat to choppy depending on the wind and tide. The water may be slightly tinted with salt and mud due to exchanges between the sea and lagoon. The surface generally remains clean, without obstacles or rocks. In strong winds, the spray becomes omnipresent.
There is a slight current related to the channel between the sea and the lagoon, more noticeable during high tide. It remains weak and predictable, but requires attention near the central passage.
Riders generally use 5 to 8 m². In strong Tramontane, a 5 or 6 m² is more than sufficient. Lighter riders sometimes go down to 4 m² in extreme wind.
The dominant wind is the Tramontane (NW), blowing between 25 and 45 knots. The venturi effect of the goulet amplifies its power by 3 to 5 additional knots compared to Franqui or Éole. The wind is very consistent, often gusty at the edge of the area but laminar in the center. Southeast breezes sometimes bring softer and more humid sessions, but it is indeed the Tramontane that reigns here without sharing.
Dry and sunny Mediterranean climate. Average temperatures range from 10°C in winter to 30°C in summer. The wind blows strongly for more than 250 days a year. The dry air and constant brightness make this spot a reference for windy sessions almost all year round.
Between 0.8 and 2 meters depending on the tide and area. Sandy bottom, sometimes muddy.
Between 13°C and 23°C. The water is slightly warmer on the lagoon side in spring. Shorty from May, 4/3 mm wetsuit for the rest of the year.