Kite channel regulations La Baule / Pornichet
Essential Information
Kitesurfing is prohibited in La Baule Bay from mid-May to mid-September. You can only launch your kite via the kite channel, and only between 12 PM and 7 PM, with rescue stations on duty. Wingfoiling is prohibited in this channel. Join our WhatsApp group for real-time updates on channel openings. Kite and wing equipment is in our Kitesurf and Wing Foil worlds.
Before your session: live wind (spot anemometer), forecasts, and tides in Pornichet
Summary
Summer Regulations - La Baule / Pornichet
Restriction Period
As every summer, kitesurfing is prohibited in La Baule Bay from the moment the first yellow buoy is set to mark swimming areas and boat channels, until the last buoy is removed (typically mid-May to mid-September). Thanks to the dedication of local associations like Newkite and Ride the Bay, along with professionals such as GlissEvolution, a dedicated launch zone has been negotiated.
Channel Configuration
The kite channel is located upwind of the new Mazy jetty, on the La Baule side. It's 70 meters wide at the beach. The take-off zone is upwind of the channel. The buoy line angles towards the Yagga channel, expanding to a 240-meter exit width.
Opening Hours and Conditions
The channel is open from 12 PM to 7 PM, under the supervision of station managers. Outside these hours, navigation is permitted but unsupervised, so respecting swimmers is crucial. A minimum wind of 6 knots is required (only kite-foils can ride at this intensity). For tide conditions, the second buoy of the channel must be clear (mid-falling tide). The channel may open at high tide if the beach isn't crowded.
Restrictions and Rules
Wingfoiling is prohibited in this channel (launching is only allowed via boat channels). This channel is not for navigation; it's solely for launching. You must ride beyond 300 meters and stay at least 100 meters from the shore. Before 12 PM and after 7 PM, with no supervision, riders are fully responsible. Incidents from out-of-bounds navigation may lead to prosecution.
Mandatory Equipment Marking
Since June 2019, you must mark your kite and kitesurf board with your name and a phone number or email address. This marking is required in July and August, but we recommend it year-round. It helps with recovery in case of loss or incident.
Real-time WhatsApp
Rescue stations communicate all channel opening updates live on the "K13 Kite Channel Opening Notification" group. This is the only official channel to check before your session. Join the group to stay informed. For real-time wind (GlissEvolution anemometer), AROME forecasts, and tides, check out the Pornichet weather page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you wingfoil in the kite channel?
No. Wingfoiling is prohibited in the kite channel. Wingfoil riders must use the boat channels for launching.
What are the channel's opening hours?
The channel is open from 12 PM to 7 PM, with supervision from post chiefs. Outside these hours, navigation is permitted but unsupervised, and riders assume full responsibility.
What's the minimum wind for riding?
You need a minimum of 6 knots of wind. At this intensity, only kite-foils can ride. The tide condition (second buoy clear) must also be met.
How do you know if the channel is open?
The official source for channel status is the WhatsApp group "Notification d'ouverture du chenal kite K13." Rescue posts use it to communicate real-time openings and closings.
Is equipment marking mandatory?
Yes, it has been mandatory since June 2019. Your kite and board must display your name and either a phone number or email address. This is required in July and August, and we recommend it all year round.
Where can you check live wind conditions before heading to the channel?
GlissEvolution provides real-time wind measurements from its Pornichet anemometer, AROME forecasts, tide information, and a webcam on the Pornichet weather page. Combine this with the WhatsApp K13 group to confirm the channel's open status.
Can you ride in the channel?
No. The channel is strictly for take-off. You must ride beyond 300 meters from the shore, maintaining a minimum distance of 100 meters from the coastline.
Recommended safety equipment
KiteHook
44.00 €
Explore Our Categories
Discover our selection of safety gear, impact vests, helmets, and all our kitesurf guides.
Also check out: our complete guide to the bay's spots (La Baule, Pornichet, Le Pouliguen). Get live weather and wind updates for: Pornichet and La Baule, Plage Benoît.
Need advice or coaching?
If you're a beginner or want coaching to ensure your safety and the safety of others, contact GlissEvolution. Stop by the shop to chat with an instructor.
Pornichet Store, 2C Avenue du Gulf Stream, 09 62 64 74 77
Source and limitations: These rules align with the municipal decree published by the City of Pornichet and information from rescue stations. Buoyage, schedules, and actual opening times can change based on the season, weather, tide, crowd levels, and decisions by the beach manager. Always check on-site signage and the opening channel before you ride.
Key Features
| Section | Key takeaway |
|---|---|
| Essential information | Kitesurfing is prohibited in La Baule Bay from mid-May to mid-September. |
| Restriction Period | As is the case every summer, kitesurfing is prohibited in La Baule Bay once the first yellow buoy is placed. This buoy marks the boundaries of swimming areas and the sailing and motor channels, and... |
| Channel Configuration | The kite channel is located upwind of the new Mazy jetty, on the La Baule side. |
| Opening Hours and Conditions | The channel is open from 12 PM to 7 PM, under the supervision of the station managers. |
| Restrictions and Rules | Wingfoil is prohibited in this channel; take-off is only permitted via boat channels. |
| Mandatory Equipment Marking | Since June 2019, you must mark your kite and kitesurf board with your name and a phone number or email address. |
| Real-time WhatsApp | All channel opening updates are communicated live by rescue stations on the "Notification d'ouverture du chenal kite K13-inch group. |
| What are the channel's opening hours? | The channel is open from 12 PM to 7 PM, under the supervision of station managers. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Essential Information: What You Need to Know
Kitesurfing is off-limits in La Baule Bay from mid-May to mid-September. You can only launch through the designated kite channel between 12 PM and 7 PM, and only when rescue stations are supervising.
Restriction Period: What You Need to Know
Every summer, kitesurfing is prohibited in La Baule Bay. This restriction starts when the first yellow buoy goes in, marking off swimming areas and boat channels, and lasts until the last buoy is removed. This typically runs from mid-May to mid-September. Thanks to the hard work of local associations like Newkite and Ride the Bay, and professionals such as GlissEvolution, a dedicated launching zone has been secured.
Channel Configuration: What You Need to Know
The kite channel is located upwind of the new Mazy jetty, on the La Baule side. It spans 70 meters wide right at the beach.
Opening Hours and Conditions: What You Need to Know
The channel operates from 12 PM to 7 PM, with supervision from station managers. Outside these hours, you can still navigate, but it's unsupervised. Always show respect for swimmers.
Restrictions and Rules: What You Need to Know
Wingfoil is not allowed in this channel; you can only launch via the boat channels. This channel is strictly for launching, not for general navigation.
Mandatory Equipment Marking: What You Need to Know
Since June 2019, you must mark your kite and kitesurf board with your name and either a phone number or email address. This marking is required in July and August, but we recommend it all year.
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.
