The bay of Almanarre is a famous kitesurfing spot in the Var (83), a few kilometres from the town of Hyères, the starting point for the heavenly island of Porquerolles. We suggest you discover the charms of this spot in the Var during the winter season.
A bay renowned for kitesurfing
The bay of Almanarre has a long beach of about five kilometres, part of the Salt Route. It is a very popular spot for windsurfers and kitesurfers. The reason for this success? The strength of the wind, especially when it comes from the west and the Mistral. The water in the bay is then rough.
The setting of the bay of Almanarre is quite wild. In calm weather, the water is flat. The colour is crystalline on the shore and becomes turquoise as you look out to sea. The sand is fine and golden. On the other side of the beach, former salt marshes offer a lunar landscape that is gradually being reclaimed by vegetation.
During the summer months, it is possible to see flamingos. The beach is very popular with swimmers looking to cool off.
The bay of Almanarre in winter
During the winter season, the salt road is closed to car traffic. This means that there are fewer tourists occupying the area. You will have easier access to the car parks. In winter, the falling temperatures create depressions. This means that gales are more frequent, as are swells. When the Mistral blows, it will bring you back to the beach.
The temperatures are cooler in winter. They vary between 4 and 14°C. The water temperature is around 13°C. A good wetsuit will protect you from the cold. The specialist brand Ion has developed some very good solutions for kitesurfing. Made of neoprene, these wetsuits are very effective, especially when it comes to getting into the water during the winter season.
For kitesurfing equipment, you can also rely on the Duotone brand. They use the best technologies to develop high quality equipment. Feel free to visit their website to discover their expert know-how.
In order to make the most of this spot in winter, we invite you to sail during the warmest hours. Don’t forget to change clothes in a windproof place to avoid catching a cold. If you take long breaks, it is important to take off your wetsuit so that you do not remain inactive and wet.
The KGG kitesurf school in Hyères
To learn or improve your kitesurfing skills in the bay of Almanarre, there is no better place than the KGG school. Their experts welcome you in a structure located on the peninsula of Giens. You can take lessons in kitesurfing, but also in kitefoil and wingfoil. It is the ideal spot to learn these disciplines thanks to the magnificent setting of the bay and its 250 days of wind per year.
The lessons are aimed at beginners as well as advanced kitesurfers who want to improve their skills. The KGG school guarantees tailor-made lessons. That’s why the groups are limited to a maximum of 4 students per instructor. The instructors have a state diploma and are certified by the North Kite Boarding school. The KGG school is affiliated to the French Federation of Free Flight and has the EFK label – French Kite School.
The kitesurfing lessons are as safe as possible. They take place in the open water with optimal guidance. To take advantage of the advice of your kitesurfing experts, you will be equipped with a radio to stay in constant communication with your instructor. In addition, you should know that the equipment is renewed every year to guarantee you a safe and totally fun immersion experience.
To discover kitesurfing or to work on your technique, go to the KGG school near Hyères. The bay of Almanarre in winter offers unique conditions in a wild and beautiful setting. The absence of tourists and the favourable weather conditions are ideal for learning or developing your style with recognised professionals. Don’t hesitate, get ready this winter to shine on the world’s spots next summer.