They say the first sensation on a kiteboard looks like a clumsy bird landing in a bowl of soup. At the KGG club in Hyères, Greg often jokes that he hasn’t seen so many heads diving into the water since the last amateur county diving competition. Yet here, in the heart of the Almanarre bay, as soon as the mistral whistles a samba tune, even the seagulls clear the way to let a new generation of free spirits, equipped with their kite brand new.
Colin, his fellow instructor, follows a simple philosophy: “The more saltwater you swallow, the more you progress,” he declares before flashing a wide, mischievous grin. Armed with his helmet on tight, goggles secured, and a sharp wit, he teaches anyone and everyone—from curious kids to brave forty-somethings—how to master that large, colorful kite known as the’kite, a true kite on steroids. It juggles between kitesurf accessories, technical advice, and encouragement—ensuring everyone finds their own path out to sea.
Why is Almanarre bay a kitesurfing paradise?
Legend has it that every corner of the Mediterranean claims to have THE best wind spot, but the Almanarre bay plays in a league of its own. Here, breezes arrive almost like clockwork at lunchtime: croissants in the morning, looping risotto in the afternoon. The water unfolds its turquoise surface like a perfect green for enthusiasts of freeride or freestyle. Whether you are there to string together championship-worthy artistic tricks or simply to enjoy a long, zen run, this spot checks every single box in the secret handbook of kite addicts.
Imagine this scenery overlooking the Giens peninsula. Where Greg and Colin set the scene their kite bars and inflatable kites between two sessions, there is no end to the beginners who, initially tense on their kiteboard, end the week with smiles as wide as the coastline itself. That is the essence of local magic: a subtle blend of generous wind, steady swell, and a teaching style seasoned with that signature KGG flair. Everyone discovers the joy of’kitesurf accessory perfectly suited to your desires.
The Art of Gear: Kites, Boards, and Essential Accessories for Enthusiasts
In rugby, there is the issue of shorts that are too loose. In kitesurfing, it is the complete lineup that turns heads. Managing your first struggles with a kite underinflated, it’s like trying to cook an omelet without cracking the eggs: pure fantasy. At KGG, Greg acts as a Michelin-starred gear expert, closely monitoring every kitebar, every patch on a leading edge suspect or stubborn valve.
Choosing the kiteboard also resembles that of a mount used by the cowboys of the Var plains. There are enthusiasts of the surf/wave, dreaming of gliding over even the smallest ripple. Others opt for the aerial thrill of the foil, version 2.0 of the “magic carpet ride.” And then there are those for whom the’kitesurfing accessory the harness remains the key—your only defense between glory… and an express trip to the physical therapist.
Free and wind-addicted: the pure joy of freeride
Just thinking about it, Greg is already mentally strapping in. Finding his line, playing with the wind angle, feeling that thrill of pure acceleration… The freeride is not just a discipline; it is a state of mind. You discover an open playground: the bay becomes your ballroom, and every upwind ride is an invitation to improvise thanks to its kite Cabrinha.
The end-of-day discussions capture the essence of the concept perfectly. Here, earning a satisfied smile is just as rewarding as catching the best gust of the day. And if, by chance, the wind dies down, Colin always knows how to improvise with a comedy session or a masterclass in handling valves et inflatables capricious. The atmosphere, however, remains high-energy.
Where technique meets spectacle: freestyle and other aerial maneuvers
There are those who dream of taking flight, and then there are those who do it with style. In the bay, a few aficionados transform their kiteboard as a flying springboard. Every rotation, every handle pass, transforms the beach into an enthralled grandstand where the freestyle becomes a live performance.
Greg can always spot a future champion when he sees a student’s eyes hesitate for just a fraction of a second before launching into a jump. Because here, falling is all part of the deal: the sea serves as a crash pad, laughter is everywhere, and sometimes, a failed maneuver is worth three times more than a perfectly executed trick in the eyes of the group. That is the beauty of the kitesurfing made in Var.
Kitesurfing for Everyone: The KGG Method Explained
No permits or trial by fire required here: all you need is the desire to dive in and the ability to laugh at yourself. The KGG signature welcome quickly breaks the ice. Initial safety briefings, introductions to the various types of kiteboards et kites, meticulous adjustments of the kite bars : everyone leaves with their dose of knowledge… and often a few witty gems courtesy of Greg and Colin.
A typical session begins on the beach, facing the wind. After learning how to handle the’kite without getting ahead of themselves, Greg launches his students into the water. Colin handles the technical side, refining posture and strategy, until a perfect ride transforms the apprentice rider from a landlubber into a temporarily bipedal flying fish.
Tailoring gear to every rider
There is no one-size-fits-all approach; here, the menu is customized to your needs. Some riders prefer inflatables strong and valves simple, while others opt for more advanced suits dedicated to foil or to the surf/wave. The golden rule? Betting on a kitesurfing accessory tailored to their body type and progression goals.
This attention to detail makes every session unique. It is not uncommon to witness an impromptu mini-lecture, with Greg presenting the latest innovation in kitesurf control bar or unraveling the mysteries of a high-end board. Regulars even sometimes take note of the setup they’ve tested on their phones, convinced that true performance begins with a deep understanding of one’s own gear.
Mutual support and a healthy dose of self-deprecation
People come to the kitesurfing for the thrill. People often come back because no one ever truly forgets the first time they are pulled by a capricious kite, you end up sprawled in fifty centimeters of water before a laughing crowd. At the school, solidarity is felt on the beach as much as on the water, around the kiteboards and the accessories.
Everyone shares their own tips: how to fold a kite under twenty knots, which technique to use to avoid turning your fingers into spaghetti wrapped around the bar lines, or even the best way to avoid tickling the inflatables until they explode.
- Step-by-step discovery accessible specifics: basic maneuvers, speed control
- Safety Awareness on the beach and in the water
- Customized gear setup : kite selection, harness adjustment, board setup
- Intensive waterstart training, followed by continuous improvement through personalized feedback from Greg and Colin
Frequently Asked Questions for New Riders at KGG
When is the best time for kitesurfing in l’Almanarre bay?
Spring and autumn generally offer the best conditions: consistent winds and ideal solar energy for long days on the kiteboard. That said, even summer holds beautiful surprises, especially when the mistral decides to blow.
- Spring : steady winds, pleasant temperature
- Summer : high footfall but a unique atmosphere
- Autumn : extended sessions before the winter break
Is it accessible to beginners with little water sports experience?
Absolutely, the kitesurfing is open to everyone, provided they are supervised by experienced instructors. Greg and Colin organize sessions tailored to every skill level, with a primary focus on safety and an engaging, fun approach to mastering the gear : kite, board, bar, harness—everything follows a step-by-step learning process.
- Introductory lessons for kite control on land
- Mastering your first water starts with the kiteboard
- Continuous progress through personalized coaching
What is the difference between riding a twin-tip, a foil, or a surf/wave board?
Each discipline offers a different sensation. The twin-tip enables rapid progression and promotes the freestyle, as the foil focuses on silent gliding and flying above the water. As for the surfboard/wave, inviting you to surf the waves and explore every variation of the water surface.
| Board Type | Sensation | Adapted for |
|---|---|---|
| Twin-tip | Dynamic and responsive | Beginners, freestyle |
| Foil | Flying above the water | Advanced riders, seeking pure riding sensation |
| Surf/wave | Commitment to the waves | Experienced riders with a passion for surfing |
Do you need specific kitesurfing gear to start at l’Almanarre?
To get started, the club provides everything you need: kite adapted to the gear and wind, board selected according to your body type, safety bars verified. All you need to bring is a swimsuit, plenty of motivation, and a smile. The specialized accessories (booties, wetsuit, goggles) are recommended depending on the season.
- Neoprene wetsuit smooth or full (depending on temperature)
- Sun protection and regular hydration
- Helmets and harnesses provided on-site
