Kite surf and Surf on Martinique : Water sports

Water sports on Martinique : Kite surf and Surf

Experience wild sensations with “Kite surf”

This odd combination of surf, windsurf and kite is the newest of this category of sports. Its fans find ideal weather conditions in Martinique, as trade winds blow from December to August at a regular speed of 15/20 notches. The southern Atlantic coast (Cap Chevalier, le Francois) and the lake of Point du Bout (opposite Fort de France) are all-time favourite spots for the adepts of this sport; clubs are available on site, offering courses from beginner to perfection level. Don’t forget to bring along a medical certificate allowing you to practice kite-surfing, as the possession of this credential is mandatory for the rental of equipment. If you are a professional kite-surfer, you must prove your level by producing the appropriate certificate: FFVL and 3rd level IKO, which are the only levels that permit the rental of any equipment without obligatory training.

ALIZE FUN DILLON Adresse : Anse Michel, Plage du Cap Chevalier 97227 Sainte-Anne Tel : 05 96 74 71 58 Fax : 05 96 74 79 31

FUN CARAIBES Adresse : Hôtel Cap Est, Lagoon Resort 97240 Le François Tel : 05 96 54 88 34

Surfing on Martinique

This sport arrived to Martinique over twenty years ago, brought over by a couple of Metropolitans who had been living in the region for a number of years. The first real “surf generation” was not to be born until the 1980s, though.

Tartane (in the commune of Trinite, on the north Atlantic coast) is the best spot for all levels, due to the large number of similarly sized waves. The regularity of peaks permits pros to linger on the same wave for a long time, and beginners to delve in the wonders of wave-sliding on a smaller peak. The surfing spot of Grande Riviere on the northernmost point of the island (opposite Dominica) is essentially reserved for more experienced surfers.

In terms of equipment, the best way is of course to have your own board, which may unfortunately cause you significant trouble in transport. Ask around with your airline for conditions.

Those in search of information may enquire at the “Bliss” Club in Tartane, whose employees will be glad to direct you to the best surfing spots according to the season and daily conditions. Individual and group courses are also organised here, with the surfboard rental included in the price.

Surfing is an individual sport, and as such is free of charge on the island’s natural sites. We would recommend you, though, to hold a licence in order to avoid unpleasant surprises, and to possess some sort of civil responsibility insurance in case of accident in the water, or collision with other surfers.

BLISS Adresse : Lotissement Anse Bonneville 97 22 Trinité, Tartane Tel : 05 96 58 00 96