France
The Baie Nettlé lagoon, located on the Caribbean coast of Saint-Martin, offers a unique setting between turquoise waters and a view of Marigot. It is a spot favored by riders for its ultra-flat water and accessible conditions, ideal for progressing safely.
Baie Nettlé is particularly popular with kitesurf schools and developing riders. The lagoon provides a protected environment with a nice local vibe, away from the hustle and bustle of Orient Bay. It is a place where one can truly focus on their progression.
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.
flatflatThe wind at Baie Nettlé usually comes onshore, meaning it blows perpendicularly to the beach from the southeast. The water surface is ultra-flat, perfect for beginners in foiling or for working on transitions. Launching is done directly from the beach, without complicated take-off zones.
The lagoon offers a generous space to progress without risk. Unlike Orient Bay, the wind can be more inconsistent at Baie Nettlé as it is protected by the island's geography. However, when the wind picks up, conditions become very good. The depth allows for navigation everywhere without fear, and the water remains crystal clear.
Conditions are ideal in the late afternoon when the wind strengthens. The spot is perfect for training sessions, freestyle, and freeriding. There are no significant waves, just light chop depending on conditions.
The ideal conditions at Baie Nettlé are between 12 and 18 knots, with a steady and onshore wind. From 10 knots, the spot becomes kitable for experienced riders. The best sessions occur when the wind reaches 15 knots, creating perfect conditions for progression.
The wind should be stable and without marked gusts to fully enjoy the spot. Afternoons generally offer the best conditions when the wind gradually strengthens. Below 8 knots, the spot becomes difficult for most riders.
The water surface at Baie Nettlé is ultra-flat, especially in the lagoon. The water remains crystal clear and turquoise, providing excellent visibility. The chop is minimal, creating ideal conditions for foiling and beginners in kitesurfing.
There are no significant waves at Baie Nettlé, unlike Orient Bay. The water remains calm and consistent regardless of the tide. It is a spot for pure flat water, perfect for technical progression without being distracted by waves.
The current at Baie Nettlé is generally weak and steady, making the spot very accessible for beginners. The lagoon is protected by its natural configuration, limiting strong currents. Tides slightly influence conditions, but without creating major issues.
Unlike Orient Bay where currents can be more pronounced, Baie Nettlé offers a stable and predictable environment. There are no dangerous channels to avoid, and water flow remains gentle even in strong wind conditions.
For Baie Nettlé, the recommended kite sizes vary according to wind and rider weight. In average conditions of 12-15 knots, a kite of 13 to 14 m² is perfect for medium-weight riders. For lighter riders, a 11 to 12 m² will be more appropriate.
In light wind of 8-10 knots, you need to go up to 15 to 17 m² to maintain power. In stronger wind of 18-20 knots, a 10 to 11 m² will be more comfortable. The spot allows for a fairly wide range of kites depending on the day's conditions.
The wind regime in Saint-Martin is dominated by northeast trade winds, which blow regularly and reliably. At Baie Nettlé, the wind usually comes from the southeast, modified by the local geography. The average strength is 15 knots, with variations between 12 and 25 knots depending on conditions.
The wind is generally weaker at Baie Nettlé than at Orient Bay, with about 3 to 5 knots less. However, a venturi effect occurs in the lagoon, creating more consistent and predictable conditions. The best sessions happen in the late afternoon when the wind gradually strengthens.
Saint-Martin enjoys a warm and humid tropical climate year-round. Temperatures range between 25 and 30°C on average, with very little seasonal variation. The dry season extends from December to April, while the rainy season runs from May to November.
The climate is stable and predictable, making it an ideal destination for kitesurfing. Winters are mild and summers are hot, but always windy. The island is located outside the belt of major hurricanes, which makes conditions relatively safe year-round.
The depth at Baie Nettlé is gradual and consistent, with a mainly sandy bottom. You can stand for a long time from the beach, making the spot extremely safe for beginners. The depth increases gradually without creating dangerous areas.
The lagoon offers a sufficient depth for foiling once you move away from the shore. The sandy bottom is ideal for falls and recoveries. There are no rocks or underwater obstacles that could pose a problem.
The water in Saint-Martin remains warm year-round, with temperatures between 25 and 29°C. In winter (December to March), the water cools slightly to 25-26°C, but remains very pleasant. In summer (June to September), it reaches 28-29°C, creating perfect conditions for riding without a wetsuit.
Baie Nettlé benefits from stable temperatures thanks to the lagoon's protection. The water never cools enough to require a thick wetsuit. A simple rash guard is sufficient for most riders, or nothing at all in summer.
