Can you introduce yourself? Are you originally from Serre-Ponçon?
My name is Basile Thomas, I'm 32 and I'm originally from Prunières, where I grew up around Serre-Ponçon. I love to travel, but I always come back to the source! Today, I live fully in the area, with the seasons, as I'm a ski instructor in winter and a sailing instructor on the lake in summer.
How long have you been kite surfing? How did you discover this sport and where did you learn it?
I started kitesurfing in 2011, when I discovered the sport with friends on the Serre-Ponçon spot. It was a new board sport that immediately excited us for the immense possibilities it offered. I then really learned kite-surfing on the Beauduc spot, in the Camargue region, on my own, which I wouldn't recommend. In hindsight, it's pretty dangerous and, as with other board sports, it's worth taking the right precautions from the outset.
The kite foil, a new gliding activity, is developing more and more in Serre-Ponçon?
Indeed, foiling is in full development and opens up even more possibilities. I've been using it since 2019 and it's very addictive! You can sail with a very light wind and it's ideal for scorching summer conditions.
How physical is this sliding sport?
No, unlike windsurfing, kite surfing is physically very accessible! That doesn't mean you learn to kite overnight, and you need to be aware that it can quickly become dangerous if you don't know how to manage your kite.
At what age can you start practising, and what are the requirements?
On Lac de Serre-Ponçon, beginners can be as young as 14 and weigh 50 kg. Of course, you'll need to be comfortable in the water and highly motivated!
What do you think is the ideal spot in Serre-Ponçon?
There's only one spot on Lac de Serre-Ponçon that's accessible to everyone, and it's equipped with a parking lot and take-off area: the Plage des Eaux Douces, between Savines-le-Lac and Crots. In fact, there's a sign specifying the rules of conduct and safety that everyone should be aware of.
Does Serre-Ponçon offer the ideal conditions for practice?
In May, June and September, conditions are often top-notch for twin tip sailing, with good thermals and few people in the water. The lake is also lower than at the height of summer, so it's easier to get back on the beach if you've lost the wind. In July and August, conditions are generally calmer, so more suitable for foiling. On the whole, Serre-Ponçon is not an easy spot and is best reserved for experienced riders, mainly because the winds are irregular and the take-offs technical. However, you can learn to kitesurf or improve your skills with the lake's kitesurfing schools.
Any other board sports you'd recommend?
All board sports are fun to try, and we're lucky enough to have them all on the lake, in an exceptional mountain setting, with favourable weather and a relaxed atmosphere! Windsurfing, sailing, paddle, wakeboarding and water skiing, wakesurfing, canoeing, pedal-boating, electric or thermal boat rides - the choice is yours, and there's something for everyone!
Do you have a little anecdote to share with us?
In summer, it's not uncommon to see new fruit growing in the poplar trees along the riverbank - these are actually kite wings that have been dropped! So don't hesitate to call on the services of professionals for your safety and the respect of your equipment!
THERMAL?WHAT IT IS... The mountains encircling the lake and the thermal amplitudes between day and night, which start to develop as soon as the weather warms up, mean that thermal breezes appear almost daily, from midday until late afternoon. Stable, regular conditions, more pronounced north of the Savines-le-Lac bridge on the way up to Embrun, make this area the windiest, although it is possible to sail peacefully further south in the Saint-Michel and Chanteloube bays, and even as far as the dam.
Serre Ponçon tour - Boat trip
One of a kind! A native of the region, I'll be showing you around Lake Serre-Ponçon aboard our exceptional boat, the only one of its kind in the world! A fun guided tour, anecdotes from the captain, swimming, visits to hidden coves... A must! 100% local!
Sailboat and trimaran trips
With family or friends, discover Lake Serre-Ponçon under sail: -> Come on board with our skipper for a mini-cruise, a local picnic, a sunset outing or a fireworks display. -> Looking for thrills? Dare to go fast on a trimaran!
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.
