Etel, small port of Morbihan (Brittany / France) is an ideal site for fans of wing foil. With various conditions you can during your session alternate a flat spot in the basin, on the ria, or ocean side on the barre beach for experienced riders.
For beginners, fans of freestyle on flat water, or for those who want to work their transitions, the basin (at the nautical center) is the ideal spot by south, west and northwest winds, the ria works through all directions of wind, while the Etel barre beach is ideally working in westerly, northwesterly, or southerly winds.
The Etel barre beach can also be a fabulous spot for surf or stand up foil by swell from south to west, provided you are in tune with the tide (low tide, beginning of the rising). The sandbanks are in perpetual motion, but when everything is optimally stalled, hollow waves can run for a long time, and offer magical foil sessions!
Be careful, however, of the violent currents on the barre and in the Ria d’Etel, especially by strong tidal coefficients. Etel’s barre has remained infamous since the capsizing of Alain Bombard’s canoe and the lifeboat in the 50s, the spot remains selective and reserved for experts. Avoid all navigation at low tide, the water is degraded by the countercurrent, and in case of problem the current sends you off!
Good to know:
Access to the spot is through the car park along the nautical center, so you can choose your spot (basin or ria, and upwind the barre).
The wind conditions are favorable throughout the year, thermal regimes in spring and summer, rather low pressures winds in winter and autumn.
Restaurants and pubs at the port, authentic atmosphere and nice surroundings.
Etel is located 5kms from Erdeven, and the famous beach of Kerhillio, a hotbed of windsurfing, kitesurfing, and soon wing foil! If you come around, you will certainly meet the team Korvenn who has established its R & D base there.
