Right of way

Three rules prevent almost every collision. They are the same for wing and for windsurf: both are sailing craft.

Wing, windsurf, windfoil: same rules, they are all sailing craft.

The three right-of-way rules

WINDRIGHT OF WAYKEEPS CLEAR
Wind from your right: you have right of wayThe basic rule. The one with the wind on their left keeps clear.
WINDKEEPS CLEARRIGHT OF WAY
Someone riding to leeward has right of wayThe windward rider keeps clear: better view, and room to bear away.
RIGHT OF WAY?KEEPS CLEAR
A hesitant rider: let them throughBeginner, gear getting away, about to fall: right of way is not argued with someone who is not in control.
WINDRIGHT OF WAY
In the waves, do not fly upwind of someoneYou take their wind, and you land on them if they get back up.
No jumping at the edge of the spotJump away from the shore, not where others are launching.
Swimmers and other ridersWatch the launch area, and if people are in the water, move away from the shore.

What the regulations say

These rules come from the French Sailing Federation wingfoil leaflet (November 2022) and from national regulations. A local rule specific to this body of water, if one exists, overrides what is written here.

Frequently asked questions about La Ch'noue

Where is La Ch'noue?

La Ch'noue is a channel of the Les Sables-d'Olonne salt marsh, in the Vendée (France): a flat-water spot ideal for wingfoil, wing surf, windsurf and windfoil.

Which watersports at La Ch'noue?

Wingfoil, wing surf, windsurf and windfoil on the flat water. For surf in the waves, head to the ocean and the Les Sables-d'Olonne beaches.

When can you ride?

When the marsh is full and there is wind: from ~10-12 knots on a big wing, ~15 knots on a small wing or windsurf.

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