The Spots
The north of Île de Ré offers several kitesurfing spots, each suited to different wind and tide conditions. Before riding, always check the day's conditions and which zones are allowed.
Wind & seasons
The island enjoys a varied wind pattern: west/north-west thermals in summer, stronger south-west or north-west winds in autumn and spring. The best periods to ride generally run from spring to autumn, with sessions possible year-round depending on the weather. Always check a marine wind forecast before heading out on the water.
Tides & safety
Île de Ré's wide tidal flats mean a large tidal range: how rideable a spot is depends heavily on the state of the tide. Some areas are regulated or off-limits (nature reserves, swimming areas, navigation channels): check before you ride and follow the local signage.
⚠️ The level shown for each spot is an estimate given by the association as a guideline, not a guarantee: conditions (wind, tide, swell) can make a spot harder than usual, even for spots rated "beginner". Each rider remains solely responsible for assessing the day's conditions and whether they match their own level before riding. If in doubt, ask the community before heading out on the water.
Spot details
Le Boutillon - La Couarde sur Mer
BeginnerExposed spot, popular in south-west wind. Watch out for rocks at low tide, especially heading towards La Couarde.
Exception to La Couarde-sur-Mer's summer bans — access via the Cossonnes channel
- Rocks exposed at low tide, boots recommended
- Exposed spot — strong swell and wind possible
- Little to no beach to launch/land at high tide
Diamond Head - St Clement des Baleines
IntermediateLarge area, accessible on a falling tide, good for progression in decent north-west wind conditions. Wave spot in winter.
- Forbidden · June 15 → September 15 · 10:00–19:00
- Allowed
- Little beach to launch and land at big high tides
- Rock patch on the left at low tide. Boots recommended
- Shore break that can be violent at high tide
- Avoid the boat mooring area as well as the dykes between the different beaches
Banc du Bucheron - Les Portes-en-Ré
BeginnerBeautiful spot, interesting in east wind especially at low tide, keep an eye on the tide (very strong current) and the neighbouring nature reserve. Dangerous in west/north-west wind.
- Very strong current depending on the tide, to the right of the sandbank.
- Current can cancel out the wind if it runs the same way as the wind (loss of 3-5kn)
- Close to the nature reserve — regulated zone in the "fier" tidal inlet
Pointe de Grignon - Ars en Ré
AdvancedBeautiful, still-natural beach. Impossible to ride at low tide because of the rocks. Wind shadow past the point in north-west wind — don't go past it or you'll drift significantly and have to walk back.
No known general ban for this spot
- Rocks at low tide (riding impossible)
- Wind shadow past the point in north-west wind — risk of having to walk back
- Water often very choppy
- Strong current on big coefficients
Safety & priority rules
Right-of-way rules between riders, common sense on the water, and local rules: find it all on the dedicated page.
See the Safety pageRules & restrictions by village
Hours · Summer bans · Channels
This information is provided for guidance only and may not be up to date. Always refer to the signage and notices posted on site, as well as to other riders and users of the spot, to know the rules in force on the day you ride.
Saint-Clément-des-Baleines
Conche des Baleines · 15 June → 15 September
- ✓Before 10am: allowed
- ✕10am–7pm: forbidden
- ✓After 7pm: allowed
- iMust access via channel n°2
- iRide beyond 300m from shore
La Couarde-sur-Mer
Summer bans — very limited exceptions
- Bans
- ✕Goisil: 1 Jul → 31 Aug
- ✕Peu Ragot: 15 Jun → 15 Sep
- ✕Pergola: 15 Jun → 15 Sep
- ✕Les Prises: 15 Jun → 15 Sep
- ✕Peu Bernard / Anneries: 15 Jun → 15 Sep
- Exceptions
- ✓Boutillon
- iCossonnes channel
Le Bois-Plage-en-Ré
Allowed on two sectors only
- Allowed
- ✓Gouillauds Est
- ✓Petit Sergent Ouest
- iPetit Sergent channel
- Forbidden
- ✕Gollandières
- ✕Sauzes
- ✕Rest of the coastline
Les Portes-en-Ré
Anse du Fourneau: dedicated launch zone · La Loge: board sports forbidden
- ✓Anse du Fourneau: dedicated launch zone, kitesurfing only is allowed there
- ✕La Loge: exclusion zone — every board sport (including kite), navigation and anchoring are all forbidden there
- ✕Gros Jonc: swimming area and two transit channels — no kite launch zone provided
- ✕Petit Bec: supervised swimming area (SNSM, 1 July → 31 August, 11am–7pm) — no riding in the area
- iThese zones only apply when the markers are actually in place on the water (article 10)
- iOther beaches (Le Lizay, Canon Porte Amarre, La Saucière, Grand Marchais, Petit Marchais, L'Anzin, La Chiouze, Les Cytes, La Redoute, L'Aile du Peu, Trousse Chemise, La Patache): swim at your own risk, no specific kite zoning
Quick summary by town
Les Portes
Allowed under conditions
Dedicated zone at Anse du Fourneau, forbidden at La Loge
Ars
Allowed
Grignon
Saint-Clément
Allowed under conditions
Before 10am / after 7pm
La Couarde
Allowed under conditions
Very restrictive in summer
Saint-Clément : arrêté n°2025-60 • Les Portes : arrêté 2024-113-PM • La Couarde : town coastal information • Le Bois-Plage : arrêté n°116/2025
Last updated: 6 September 2026