I visited family and friends in France in l’Île d’Oléron on the Atlantic coast over the last couple of weeks. I tried my best to find a place that still rented windsurfing equipment and bingo, I found one just nearby at the local sailing school.

Thomas, the owner was cool but didn’t had the most recent stuff. Though, I was lucky enough to put my hands on a 120 JP X-Cite Ride and a 150 Fanatic Shark. Both were in good shape. For a sail, I had access to a old 7.8 Bic x2 cam sail or a better option with a 7.5 vintage Neil Pryde V8 from 2008 in a surprising good shape. This was just fine to keep me moving in a consistent NW 14-15kn.

I sailed there a couple of days in “Warm” clear water (68-72 degrees), predictable swell, and flat water launch.

The 120 X-Cite felt much smaller under the foot than its nominal size would have predicted both when powered up and when schlogging (was sinking like a 100 litter under my 88kg). The board pronounced rocker line made it nice to go up and down the chop and swell but hindered top speed.

Similarly, the 150 Shark felt also much smaller under the foot. The board was relatively fast, lively and easy to handle in the coastal chop despite its size.

The old 2 cam V8 provided the expected power and was equipped with in-flight adjustable outhaul which was fun to mess around with.

Finally, the area is very nice with amazing pastry shops, big tidal beaches, fine sand, beautiful 400 year old historic landmarks and a charming countryside that felt like time has stopped 50 years ago. It’s also one of the top oyster-producing region in the country and I feel like I’ve eaten more than they can produce in a year!



Sailing School / hang-out place with alcohol, smoking permit and a nice rotunda offering a 180 view over the bay


Put this pesky batten back into shape




Oldies but goodies




What a view


Poscard pics of the area (With a head tilt to the left for some of the pics, you should be able to get the gesture) (fixed by admin)

Magnificent views! Oysters! We are crazy for oysters with my wife, but they are a 2$ apiece in the restaurants here so it must have been a year since the last time I’ve ordered. Glad you had a better luck with the wind then Sylvain.

This is where I went on summer camp every year from the age of 11 to the age of 15. I became a summer camp counselor there at the age of 20.
I learned sailing and windsurfing there, on Ile d’oleron, on the beach right in front of fort boyard. I fell in love for the first time there.... there is not a place on earth I hold dearly as this place.
I’m glad you enjoyed it

I’m happily married, but Magali Saigne, if you read this forum, you are the one I was talking about....

Sylvain wrote:
I’m sure she reads it and she giggles with her girlfriends over it right now

She did like to laugh... she was so pretty when she laughed.........

Sylvain, looks like you had great memories out there. I have to say, the place is just beautiful. Here’s a pic of Fort Boyard ( on the horizon on the left) in the distance, probably taken a bit more south from where your summer camp was.



Ady, here is a pic for you on with my oyster orgy!

Geez, just THE place to retire to!