The Ile de Beauté is certainly one of the best places in France to practice wingfoil. Corsica abounds in ideal spots for beginners and more experienced riders alike. Where to learn, rent equipment, find a wing course and find the best wind conditions, we give you our discoveries and our favorites!
Corsica offers ideal conditions if you like warm seas, which regularly reach 25 degrees in summer. Ideal if you want to take lessons or perfect your learning: no more fear of falling!
As far as the wind is concerned, the multitude of exposed bays – or not, depending on the relief – offer just as many different conditions. Generally speaking, the southwest coast is well supplied with thermal winds in summer, with the Libeccio. To the north, Mistral (more summery) and Tramontane (wintry) are ideal if you’re good enough for a wind range above 25 knots. The autumnal “Greek” wind supplies the East until the end of winter.
Last but not least, the swell is back in Corsica. The first great downwinds were in the Mediterranean, and not for nothing! To the east, you’ll find a calm stretch of water. The swell generally comes from the south-south-east. The same applies to the west, with west and south-west orientation. If you’re looking for a more energetic ride, you’ll have to head north to Cap Corse, where you’ll discover both sumptuous landscapes and a wide variety of sailing areas ideal for downwind sailing, the latest in board sports.
If there’s a destination to be favored for water sports in Corsica, or even in France, it’s South Corsica with Bonifacio and the surrounding area. If the town is indeed an excellent starting point, you’ll have to venture out to the incredible spot of Piantarella if you want to make the most of it. Benefiting from the prevailing westerly regime and good orientation, this is the first destination to think about when you arrive. Particularly magnificent, the lagoon is a victim of its success at the height of the season and lacks a little depth for launching, but remains a must-see. Try your hand at kitesurfing on occasion, but also at wave riding when the south-west rises sharply: as you leave the lagoon, which remains flat, there are some great jumps waiting for you.
Out of season, because it’s also crowded in summer (and forbidden to kite at that time), the sandbanks of Figari Bay are a must, especially if you’re a beginner looking for a safe place for your first flights. The good news is that, unlike many of the other beaches in southern Corsica, there are also thermals in summer.
There are many board, kite and foil rentals, as well as kitesurfing and windsurfing facilities in the vicinity of these two spots. In addition to equipment, many facilities offer sailing courses for newcomers up to expert level.
For advanced riders, Balistra works well in westerly winds for kitesurfing, windsurfing and wing riding, as it is flat and becomes a wave spot in easterly winds. It’s rarely visited, and for good reason: difficult to access and relatively dangerous, it has to be earned. Even more confidential, La Punta is a surf, windsurf and wingsurf spot with an unforgiving rocky slab, but it also offers crazy south-westerly waves for the most seasoned riders. Sometimes it’s even better to forget the wing and focus on foil surfing or funboarding.
Bonifacio can also be reached by boat. The good news is that the beaches are accessible by sail, and the many anchorages allow you to get around without having to drive.
On the outskirts of Ajaccio, you’ll find the Ricanto beach, ideal for getting your feet wet if you’re new to wing sailing. Easy access and launching. If you want to learn (or improve) wave riding, Capo di Feno is not far away, and works especially well in westerly winds. Note that the Ajaccio bay is very well supplied with thermals throughout the season.
More experienced surfers and those looking for downwind or surfing waters will head north to the Balagne region, towards the Gulf of Calvi, or even Cap Corse, where the wind is stronger and the swell more powerful.
On your way back from Bonifacio, stop off further north at Porto Vecchio and the Santa Giulia spot. Magnificent, although very busy in summer, it works very well in a north-easterly wind.
Halfway between Porto Vecchio and Bastia, Ghisonaccia is the last haven of peace for novice wingfoilers, before completing the journey with a return to Cap Corse, at Macinaggio. This last spot is revealed only by strong southeasterly winds, but is clearly worth a visit. Bring small wings for the Cape, as the wind can come up fast and strong.
You don’t plan to rent on site? Here’s a list of the wingfoil equipment you need for your Corsican cruises!
If you’re new to wing foiling, or looking to take lessons with your own equipment, target the Bonifacio region and eastern Corsica. Given the conditions, plan for rather large wing surfaces, like a Diamond 6m or a load-bearing foil (Performer 1650 or 1900) and a float with some buoyancy, like the Fire and Fly, or even the Blackbird for super light.
For experienced wingfoilers and downwind enthusiasts, your Blackbird board is a must-have for the Cape, with a foil like the wave-riding Silk or the versatile Pure. On the other hand, Piantarella ‘s hybrid spots are ideal for a Fly 2023, with a smaller volume. Race enthusiasts will be tracing in the Gulf of Ajaccio with the Wild (rather large surfaces), the Pro 4’5 and a Pure.
Finally, if you want to try your hand at foil surfing, take your Chipri Pro or Fly Surf, a Silk and discover the east coast: from Sainte Lucie de Porto Vecchio to Grisgione via Tarcu and Travo, you’re spoilt for choice.
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