Kitesurfing in Hourtin: the complete guide to riding on an exceptional spot
· Camping Hourtin > Gironde Tourism > What to do >
Hourtin, a kitesurfing paradise in the Gironde region, offers spots between lake and ocean, suitable for all levels. For this unique experience, there’s nothing better than staying at our campsite in Hourtin, 1 kilometer from the beaches and close to the lake. Make the most of your surfing sessions while enjoying the comfort and conviviality of accommodation in the heart of nature.
Where can you kitesurf in Hourtin?
Hourtin enjoys a privileged location between lake and ocean, offering several spots suitable for different levels. Here are the main kitesurfing spots in Hourtin:
- Lac d’Hourtin-Carcans: this vast, calm stretch of water, covering some 18 km2, is ideal for beginners and intermediate kitesurfers. The wind is generally steady in summer, thanks to thermal breezes. Its wide beaches provide secure areas for setting up equipment, all in a protected natural setting.
- Plage d’Hourtin Océan: this oceanic spot offers moderate to strong waves, suitable for more experienced riders. Indeed, it is organized with marked zones to guarantee safety, separating swimming and kitesurfing areas. Depending on the weather, the wind can be onshore or offshore, allowing for a variety of conditions.
- Protected areas around the lake: around Lac d’Hourtin, you’ll also find small, quieter, less-frequented areas, perfect for days with light or shifty winds. These confidential areas allow you to enjoy the natural landscape in greater peace and quiet.
Conditions for kitesurfing in Hourtin
Hourtin enjoys particularly favorable natural conditions for kitesurfing, with steady winds and spots suitable for all levels. To make the most of this experience, it’s important to know the specifics of the wind, the seasons and the local regulations in force.
Watch out for the wind
Lac d’Hourtin-Carcans is best known for the thermal winds that blow regularly in summer, often between 10 and 20 knots. These winds are generally stable, perfect for beginners and more experienced riders alike. On the beach at Hourtin Océan, the wind can be more variable, with onshore or offshore conditions depending on the weather, providing interesting diversity but requiring a little more experience.
Watch the weather and the season
The best time to kitesurf in Hourtin is from May to September, when temperatures are pleasant and thermal winds most frequent. Out of season, the wind can be less regular and temperatures cooler, but the tranquility of the spots can compensate for this.
Understanding your level
Lac d’Hourtin is ideal for beginners thanks to its calm, shallow waters. Intermediate and advanced riders willalso find something to suit them, especially on the lake’s more extensive zones. The ocean coast, with its waves, is better suited to advanced riders, as it requires more control and attention to wind and sea conditions.
Know your local regulations
For everyone’s safety, it’s important to respect the marked-out areas, particularly by separating swimming areas from those reserved for kitesurfing. Wearing a lifejacket is often recommended, or even compulsory, depending on the school. Last but not least, find out when certain areas may be temporarily off-limits, to preserve the local flora and fauna.
Who should you go kitesurfing with in Hourtin?
To get the most out of kitesurfing in Hourtin, it’s essential tosurround yourselfwith the right service providers. Specialized schools, qualified instructors and equipment rentals are with you every step of the way. Discover the best addresses to learn with confidence and progress in a suitable environment.
Hourtin Kiteschool
Located on the beach at Le Port, this school offers courses in kitesurfing, wingfoil, wakeboarding and foil towing. Sessions are limited to 4 students for personalized instruction, with radio monitoring and top-of-the-range equipment.
- Where? Plage du Port – Avenue du Lac, 33990 Hourtin
- Distance? 2 min by car, 12 minutes on foot
- Telephone: 06 61 45 76 89
- Website: kitesurf-hourtin.com
- Customer feedback: 5/5 – positive comments highlight the quality of the supervision and equipment. Trainees particularly appreciate the attention paid to safety and the teaching methods adapted to different levels.
Flyway
Based in Hourtin, Flyway offers kitesurfing and wingfoil courses for all levels. Sessions are customized according to weather conditions and trainees’ needs.
- Where? Rue de la Plage Lachanau 33990 HOURTIN
- Distance? 6 minutes by car
- Telephone: 06 61 57 79 79
- Website: flyway.fr
- Customer feedback: 4/5 – positive comments highlight the school’s flexibility and adaptability. Trainees appreciate the quality of the advice and the safety of the sessions.
Base Nautique UCPA Hourtin
Located on the shores of Lac d’Hourtin, this base offers kitesurfing sessions to discover the exceptional gliding sensations on the lake. It also offers a wide range of other water sports activities.
- Where? Plage du Port, 33990 Hourtin
- Distance? 2 minutes by car (1 kilometer)
- Telephone: 05 56 09 13 84 (off-season) / 06 86 23 39 93 (July/August)
- Website: https: //www.ucpa.com/centres-sportifs/hourtin
Customer feedback: 4.3/5 – positive comments highlight the professional supervision and friendly atmosphere. Trainees appreciate the variety of activities on offer and the quality of the facilities.
Practical tips to make the most of kitesurfing in Hourtin
- Prepare your equipment: Plan several sail sizes according to the wind (10-20 knots). Don’t forget your harness, helmet and life jacket.
- Dress according to the season: shorty or light wetsuit in summer, full wetsuit out of season to stay warm.
- Respect local regulations: don’t kitesurf in prohibited areas (swimming, reserves). Ask at schools or tourist offices.
- Keep an eye on the weather and the wind: Check the forecast (Windguru, Windy) before each session for wind direction and intensity.
- Choose your spot according to your level: Lac d’Hourtin for beginners/intermediates, ocean coast for advanced riders (waves, variable wind).
- Protect your skin and eyes: use waterproof sunscreen and goggles or a kitesurfing mask to avoid sunburn and glare.
- Stay hydrated and take breaks: Kitesurfing is physical, especially in the sun. Drink regularly and listen to your body.
Ready for an unforgettable vacation? Book your kitesurfing course in Hourtin now and enjoy the best conditions for learning, progressing and having fun in an exceptional natural setting. For a perfect stay, choose our campsite, ideally located close to the kitesurfing spots. Comfort, conviviality and direct access to nature await you for a successful vacation in Gironde!
