Technical details of spot

Spot functioning

Parking nearby. Launch from the beach at mid to high tide when there is sufficient water. At low tide, significant tidal flats are exposed — check the tide before going. Navigate inside the Bassin away from marked channels and oyster boat routes. Self-organised with local rider etiquette.

On the water

Flat to very slightly choppy water inside the sheltered Bassin d'Arcachon. Sandy and muddy bottom with significant tidal range. No ocean swell. Very shallow at low tide across much of the Bassin. Navigation channels for oyster boats cross the area — always maintain clear distance.

Required level

Intermediate

Spot opening date

Open all year round

Open year-round. Best season: May to October. Northwest thermal most consistent June to September. Tide tables essential — plan sessions around mid to high tide for best water access.

Hazards

Strong tidal currents in the Bassin d'Arcachon. Navigation channel — watch for oyster boats and pleasure craft at all times. Tidal flats exposed at low tide — significant shallow areas. Wind can be deflected or weakened depending on the Bassin configuration.

Wind specificities

Northwest and west thermal winds dominate — same thermal cycle as the Bassin d'Arcachon with consistent afternoon breezes 12 to 22 knots. The south shore position can occasionally shadow the wind from certain angles — the northwest is most reliable. The Gujan-Mestras position gives slightly different wind angles than the Arcachon town spots.

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