Ideal wind conditions on turquoise water. Kiting on Lac de Serre-Ponçon is the promise of an exotic ride in the heart of the mountains. For several years now, foiling has been taking off in Serre-Ponçon. Let's take a look at this new activity, which is attracting more and more kiters.
Preparing for a great kitefoil session in Serre-Ponçon
10 to 15 knots from west to northwest and clear skies. The weather forecast on the Serre-Ponçon website is optimistic. Everything suggests that tomorrow will be ideal for a great kitefoil session on Lac de Serre-Ponçon. As an experienced kiteboarder, you've recently taken up foiling. Tomorrow will be your first day of total kitefoil autonomy.
Where to ride on Lac de Serre-Ponçon?
The right place... At the right time
As you arrive at the spot, you meet Basile, a regular and one of the best kiters around. As we chat, he quickly offers to keep an eye on you during your session.
The thermal works, as expected. The 15 knots are there, and the lake is gently drifting. A good sign. You take out your 10m² sail, your favorite surface. Excitement mounts, everything is in place for a perfect day... You inflate your sail, take a deep breath... Let's go!!!
Kitefoil and Serre-Ponçon thermal, a beautiful love story
The kitefoil, a real magic carpet...
The sail is on the edge of the window, at 2 o'clock, and you easily get away from the shore in towed snow. The water glides along your wetsuit as you put on your board. 2-3 meters of planning to accelerate and the magic of the foil works. Everything becomes stable and calm. No more chop, no more noise except that of the wind on your face. You're flying...
Here you are, cruising along the Lac de Serre-Ponçon, crossing its turquoise waters with a Caribbean Sea feel, in a deep sense of bliss. In front of you, the jagged Aiguilles de Chabrières remind you that you're not in the middle of the West Indies, but in the heart of the Alps. A little further north, Mont Guillaume dominates Embrun. A few snowfalls still remain in this early summer... What a fantastic landscape!
Perfect Day...
Weight forward, board on the water, change feet as you tilt your sail away from the window. Directly, naturally, you tack and set off in the other direction. Your jibe is perfect, accompanied by a howl of joy. The scenery changes, and you're now facing the Pic du Morgon, which towers proudly above the lake at an altitude of 2,324 metres.
One kitefoil tack after another on Lac de Serre-Ponçon. Not all jibes are as perfect as the first. Some are downright botched. Fortunately, it's fresh water! The cup tastes better... A red kite flies up the lake beside you for a brief moment. As it flies away, you can see paragliders taking off from the Pierre-Arnoux hill. You've already been in the water for 2 hours, and this day is clearly in your top 10...
Ride with La Carline
As you cruise along Lac de Serre-Ponçon, you'll come across the Carline. Serre-Ponçon's red-and-white tour boat carries tourists at a senator's pace. The temptation is too strong. You approach the boat with a good safety margin. The passengers, amazed by this man flying above the waves, get out their cameras. You're the star of the day on the lake...
Back at the beach, Basile helps you land the sail and congratulates you on your session. As he offers you a drink, you chat about your session, and the ride stories flow. Time for an aperitif...
Find out more about our watersports bases below:
Vél'eau Serre-Ponçon bike rental on the water
New and unique: cycling on the water from exceptional itineraries. 2 activities: -The velofoil is the world's first water bike on foils - unique sensations guaranteed! -The velopaddle is a very stable way to go for family outings.
