Safety

La Ch'noue is a closed, shallow basin, but the bottom is covered in shells and the water is cold most of the year. Here is what to take, and why.

What to take

Impact vest
It floats and it cushions: it protects your chest when the board or mast comes back at you.
Helmet
The mast and the board come back fast, and from any direction.
Booties
The bottom of La Ch'noue is covered in shells, and you walk in and out.
Wetsuit
Matched to the season: the water drops below 15 °C for much of the year.
Leash
Without a leash, the board blows downwind faster than you can swim.
Never alone
Ride with someone, or tell a person ashore when you plan to be back.
Offshore wind
An offshore wind pushes you out to sea, and coming back is harder than going out.
Cold water
Even in a wetsuit your time in the water is limited: cold tires you before you notice.

These pointers replace neither training nor a school's advice: if you are starting out, go through an instructor.

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.