GUIDE: PONT-MAHÉ KITE SPOT, THE PERFECT DECK
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Disciplines: Freeride / Freestyle / Small Waves / Foil / Wing
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Rider Level: Beginner to expert
🎯 In short: This Guide
Just 20 km north of La Baule, Pont-Mahé Bay is the ultimate spot in the 44 for learning Kite and wing foiling: you can stand almost anywhere here. Always check the tides, as it's not navigable at low tide. Also, be aware of regulated zones from spring through late summer on the deck.
Live Conditions
GlissEvolution provides live wind data, high-resolution forecasts, tides, and webcams on its dedicated weather pages:
► Live Weather & Wind Assérac · Pont-Mahé Bay
► All Spots: Weather & Spot Guide (74 spots across France and Europe) Kite and wing equipment is in our Kitesurf and Wing Foil worlds.
Pont Mahé: The Ideal Spot for Learning Kite and Wing in Loire-Atlantique
Location and Access to Pont Mahé Pont Mahé, located in the commune of Assérac, sits approximately 20 km north of La Baule, right on the border between Loire-Atlantique and Morbihan. This spot is renowned for its accessibility and safety. It is a prime location for kite and wing beginners.
Ideal Conditions for Progression This spot is perfect for beginners because you can stand almost everywhere. This provides an excellent opportunity to progress safely.
Tides and Navigation Tips:
It's important to consider the tides at Pont Mahé. The spot isn't navigable at low tide due to insufficient water. At high tide, the space available for launching and landing your kite is reduced. Planning your session around the tide schedule is crucial.
Regulations and Zones to Respect:
The spot is open all year, but specific zones must be respected. In front of the access path, you'll find a swimming area. The take-off and riding zones are to the left, and these must be respected from spring through late summer. These restrictions are lifted off-season. Always follow the indications on the panels to stay within authorized zones, especially given the beach's popularity.
Options for Foil Enthusiasts For those who ride foil, the Kernadré and Marche aux Bœufs spots in Bile Bay offer deeper conditions for launching. These alternative sites are perfect for experienced riders looking to explore new terrain.
Discover Pont Mahé, an essential spot for kite and wing enthusiasts, ideal for beginners and for safely progressing. With its clear rules and zones adapted to all levels, Pont Mahé promises memorable sessions in Loire-Atlantique.
Wind Orientation:
- South-West : onshore
- West: side onshore
- North-West: sideshore
- North: side offshore
- North-East: offshore
- East: offshore
- South-East: side offshore
- South: side onshore
Tide:
- Low tide: There's no water!
- Mid-tide: Usable body of water.
- High tide: Less clean body of water; be careful, the take-off area becomes very narrow.
Dangers
- Take-off at high tide
- SpotPont-Mahé Kite spot, the perfect Kite spot on the deck
The spot is authorized all year round, but there's a swimming area facing the path. The take-off and navigation zone to the left must be respected from spring until the end of summer; it's removed off-season. You need to go to the left of the access path, past the swimming area, then through the buffer zone, at the end of the campsite. Panels on the fences indicate the authorized area.
Pont-Mahé Kite spot, the perfect Kite spot on the deck
Now you're fully clued in on this perfect spot for beginners. All that's left is to gear up and go discover it for yourself, or rediscover its magic! In our next article, we'll stay in the region and head to ..
• Discover the kitesurf spots in the Pays de La Loire region:
What's on the agenda:
►The Carnac spots in 56 are perfect for beginners, foil, and wing.
,, the Kitesurf and wingfoil spot guide Valentin is located just outside the town of Batz. This is a technical and very small spot.
►The Pont Mahé Bay spot, located below the municipality of Pénestin, is a spot perfect for your first independent rides in full range.
►The La Turballe / Pen Bron spot: when there's a big swell, wave lovers will absolutely shred this spot.
►The Pouliguen / La Baule / Pornichet Bay: suitable for all levels and programs depending on location and weather.
POULIGUEN / LA BAULE / PORNICHET
►The spots of Saint-Brevin-les-Pins (Le Pointeau / Les Rochelets / L'Ermitage).
►Finally, we'll head to Noirmoutier / Fromentine and their many kite surf spots. (Luzéronde spot / Barbatre / Plage des Boucholeurs / Les Sableaux / Fromentine / Plage de la Grande Côte).
These articles will dive deep into the specific characteristics of each kitesurf spot listed above. Every article will detail the recommended rider level, the riding disciplines, and a comprehensive overview of the spot from every angle.
• Weather links:
- Windguru: https://www.windguru.cz/48506
- Tides: http://maree.info/117
- Webcam: http://www.labaule.fr/webcam
- One launch creates awesome tutorials to help you discover and learn everything about the kite world!
- Newkite site: https://newkite.fr/
- Kite school (Pornichet): http://kite-evolution.com/
- Facebook GlissEvolution: https://www.facebook.com/glissevolution/
• Our favorite gear picks:
GlissEvolution stocks the biggest kitesurf brands you see out on the water at our local spots:
Duotone, Eleveight, Flysurfer, Naish, North, Airush, Slingshot, Ozone, Liquid Force.
All these brands offer complete ranges, with allround models and specialized options for freestyle, freeride, wave, or big air riding.
• Favorite kite gear:
I'm personally a fan of strapless Surf. I recommend a Whip or a Fish board paired with a wave kite, like the Duotone Neo SLS, Dice SLS, or Eleveight WS.
My quiver this year includes a Juice 11m² and Eleveight WS 8m² and 6m². I ride the Juice on foil from 8 knots, just like my darling who rides the Doll. The Eleveight WS is a little gem: light on the bar, fast, and it drifts incredibly. Its wind range never ceases to impress me. When I lend it to friends, they're boosting jumps over 15 meters.
Greg, who rides a twintip, recommends a Duotone Jaime Textreme SLS or an Eleveight Master. He pairs them with a Duotone Evo or Eleveight RS for sending loops.
This year, his quiver features the Eleveight RS for big air and old school. It's also great for unhooked riding, as the new version of this kite is stunning in its versatility. He also grabs a WS 9m² for the best wave sessions, which he prefers to ride with a Surf and straps.
• Favorite foil gear:
For kite foil, the Duotone Pace and Spirit Carve foil or Spirit GT combo remains our top choice. For a foil with higher quality finishes, I opted for the Moses Kit 82-679.
• Favorite wing gear:
For Wing foil, we love Julien Kerneur's Supreme Carbon board. At 110 liters and 5 feet 4 inches, it's the perfect body size. Pair the Supreme Carbon with a Moses 72C40-790 foil for a perfect combo.
For the wing, the Ozone Wasp is ideal for long surfs, while the Duotone Echo excels in freeride and freestyle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Pont-Mahé suitable for a kitesurfing beginner's deck?
Yes, it's the ideal spot for beginners. You can stand in almost the entire navigation area, which allows for safe progression. The spot suits beginners to experts in freeride and freestyle. It also suits foil and wing.
Can you ride your deck at low tide in Pont-Mahé?
No, the spot is not navigable at low tide due to lack of water. At high tide, the take-off area shrinks. Plan your session around mid-tide by checking the tide times.
What are the rules for the different zones in Pont-Mahé, including my deck?
Opposite the access path is a swimming area. Take-off and navigation are to the left. These restrictions apply from spring to late summer; follow the panels on site. Out of season, they are lifted.
Where can I check live wind conditions from the deck at Pont-Mahé?
The GlissEvolution Pont-Mahé weather page features our complete weather deck with live wind and high-resolution forecasts. It also provides tides and spot statistics.
Key Features
| Section | Key takeaway |
|---|---|
| In short, this guide | Just 20 km north of La Baule, Pont-Mahé Bay is the ultimate spot in the 44 for learning Kite and wing foiling. You can stand almost anywhere here on the deck. |
| Pont Mahé: The Ideal Spot for Learning Kite and Wing in Loire-Atlantique | Location and Access to Pont Mahé: Pont Mahé, located in the commune of Assérac, is approximately 20 km north of La Baule, right on the border between Loire-Atlantique and Morbihan. |
| Tides and Navigation Tips | It's crucial to factor in the tides at Pont Mahé. |
| Regulations and Zones to Respect | The spot is open all year, but specific zones must be respected. |
| Wind Direction | South-West: onshore West: side onshore North-West: sideshore North: side offshore North-East: offshore East: offshore South-East: side offshore South: side onshore Tide: Low tide: It's not... |
| Be sure to respect the kite zone, as the beach gets busy. | Now you know everything about this perfect spot for beginners. |
| Program | ► The Carnac spots in the 56 are perfect for beginners, foil, and wing foil. |
| Weather links | - Windguru: https://www.windguru.cz/48506 - Tides: http://maree.info/117 - Webcam: http://www.labaule.fr/webcam - One Launch creates awesome tutorials to help you discover and learn everything about kiteboarding! |
Consider this
Key considerations and limitations noted in this article:
- Pay attention to tides (it's not navigable at low tide) and regulated zones from spring to late summer.
- Mid-tide: The body of water is usable. High tide: The body of water is less clean; pay attention to the take-off zone, which becomes very narrow.
- Be sure to respect the kite zone, as the beach gets busy.
Frequently Asked Questions
In short: key takeaways from this guide
Just 20 km north of La Baule, Pont-Mahé Bay is the ultimate spot in the 44 for learning Kite and wing foiling. You can stand almost anywhere here on the deck. Always check the tides, as it's not navigable at low tide. Also, be aware of regulated zones from spring through late summer.
Pont Mahé: The Ideal Spot for Beginners in Kite and Wing in Loire-Atlantique: Key Takeaways
Location and Access to Pont Mahé: Pont Mahé, situated in the commune of Assérac, is approximately 20 km north of La Baule, right on the border between Loire-Atlantique and Morbihan. This spot is renowned for its accessibility and safety. It is a prime location for beginners in kite and wing.
Tides and Navigation Tips: Key Takeaways
It's crucial to factor in the tides at Pont Mahé. The spot is not navigable at low tide due to insufficient water.
Regulations and Zones to Respect: Key Takeaways
The spot is open year-round, but specific zones must be respected. In front of the access path, there's a swimming area, while the take-off and riding zones are to the left, and these must be respected from spring to late summer.
Wind Direction: Key Takeaways
South-West: onshore West: side onshore North-West: sideshore North: side offshore North-East: offshore East: offshore South-East: side offshore South: side onshore. Tide: Low tide: No water! Mid-tide: The water is rideable. High tide: The water gets choppier, and the take-off zone becomes very narrow, so be careful.
The beach can get busy, so always respect the designated kite zone. Here’s what you need to remember:
Now you're fully clued in on this perfect spot for beginners. All that's left is to grab your gear and go explore it for yourself!
Got a question about the gear mentioned here?
The GlissEvolution team rides what they sell. They are available to answer your questions in person at the Pornichet store or by phone.
