Practical info
Here is the key information, in the form of frequently asked questions. If you cannot find what you are looking for, please contact me :
- by e-mail: contact@sevenwinds.fr
- by WhatsApp on +33 6 24 94 37 06
What are the prerequisites ?
Simply be comfortable in the water, know how to swim, and have plenty of energy and enthusiasm !
Where will we be sailing ?
L'étang du Ponant : located 20 minutes east of Montpellier by car, between La Grande-Motte and Le Grau-du-Roi, this lake offers ideal conditions for beginners in a safe environment. This spot works with Tramontana (north-westerly wind), Marin (south-easterly wind) or thermal winds in summer (moderate south to south-westerly wind).
Plage Sud – Port Camargue : 35 minutes from Montpellier, this is a west-facing beach overlooking a small bay enclosed by a dyke to the south and a sandbank that extends the Pointe de l'Espiguette to the east. I recommend this spot mainly when the Mistral (north wind) is blowing, as it allows you to sail safely at sea.
L'étang d'Ingril - Frontignan : 25 minutes west of Montpellier, this lake is very popular with wingfoil, windsurfing and kitesurfing enthusiasts, as it allows you to enjoy a tramontana (north-westerly wind) that is often stronger than at Le Ponant, while still having a foothold almost everywhere.
Where shall we meet ?
The meeting point is directly on the spot. So you'll need a car to get there from Montpellier. Seven Winds does not provide transport for customers.
Google Maps links
When should I arrive ?
The appointment is usually made 15 minutes before the start of the course. It is confirmed the day before by WhatsApp.
What is the process from the booking request to the start of the course ?
You make a booking request via the ‘Book’ page. I will confirm availability by email and we will agree on the payment method before final confirmation.
No later than the day before the lesson, I will confirm the exact location and time of the meeting, depending on the wind direction, the level and expectations of the group (maximum 4 people).
We meet directly at the spot 15 minutes before the start of the lesson to find a place for you to park, get to know each other and finalise payments if necessary.
How does the 2.5 hour session work ?
I make sure to prepare the equipment as much as possible before your arrival. In general, the boards are rigged and we prepare the wings and sails together.
We begin with a briefing of a few minutes to discuss your expectations and agree on the objectives for the session. For beginners, we will practise handling the wing on the beach before going out onto the water. Depending on the number of participants and the weather conditions, there are two options : either I stay on land and coach you by walkie-talkie and each time you pass close to me, or I come out onto the water with you, with my own equipment.
About 15 minutes before the end of the lesson, we return to shore, gather the equipment and debrief so that everyone can share their thoughts on the session, share their experiences and ask any questions they may have.
Depending on your personal constraints, motivation, and how much energy you have left, I'd be happy to get a hand with dismantling the equipment after the course 😉
What are the conditions for using the 3-session package ?
Courses can be booked for consecutive or non-consecutive half-days. The package can be shared between several people. It is valid until the end of the season, i.e. November 15th of the year of purchase. For the wing package, one of the sessions can be used for towed foil.
What wind conditions do I need ?
Wondering what kind of wind you need to have fun ? Here's a sneak preview, using only multiples of 7 !
0-7 kts : no or little sensation. In wingfoil, the wind doesn't carry the wing. It's better to practice towed foiling.
7-14 knots : nice for your first few rides without a foil or for windsurfing. Perfect for learning to steer and turn around. Experienced wingers with the right gear can start foiling.
14-21 knots : ideal for your first flights and for cruising calmly on a wingfoil board. Also great for discovering planing on a windsurf !
21-28 knots : it gets sporty, but can be handled with smaller wings or sails. For thrill-seekers !
28 knots and over : very sporty. No lessons for beginners in this wind.
What equipment does the school have ?
For wingfoiling, the school is mainly equipped with F-One 2025 equipment :
- 5 boards from beginner to intermediate riders (2 Rocket Air 7’2 190l / Talai Notos Air 6’3 150l / Rocket Wing ASC 6’2 130l / Rocket Wing ASC 5’10 110l)
- 5 foils of 1480 / 1680 / 1800 / 2200cm2 with masts of 45 to 75cm
- 9 wings including 6 Origin V2, 2 Swing and 1 RRD (3.5 / 3.5 / 4 / 4.5 / 5 / 5 / 5.5 / 6m2)
For windsurfing, the school proposes :
- 6 boards (Tahé Beach 225l / Starboard Start 180l / Bic Techno 160D / Fanatic Gecko 156+D / Tiga Free-X 150l / Fanatic Gecko 133l)
- 10 sail sizes 2.5 / 3.5 / 4.0 / 4.5 / 4.5 / 5.2 / 5.3 / 6.0 / 6.3 / 7.5
- booms, masts and harness lines.
Seven Winds also supplies helmets, 3/2mm full wetsuits, long-john (long-legged, sleeveless, 2mm), 50N impact vests (WIP), windsurfing harnesses and walkie-talkies.
Do I need booties ?
The school does not provide any. If you wish, you can wear neoprene or rubber booties to protect your feet. That said, if the water temperature doesn't require it, the sensation is often better barefoot.
What are the rental conditions ?
It is best to make a request the day before. Rental is reserved for trainees who have already taken lessons with Seven Winds or who can demonstrate sufficient skill (upwind sailing to return to the starting point). Rental is subject to equipment availability. The customer is responsible for the rented equipment throughout the rental period. Please read the Terms and Conditions for more details.
Can I offer a gift card ?
Yes. Simply specify this when making your booking, indicating the first name and surname of the recipient. Upon receipt of payment, I will send you the gift card by email in PDF format.
Any other questions ?
Contact me by email contact@sevenwinds.fr or by WhatsApp on +33 6 24 94 37 06.