Kitesurf dans le lagon de Poé - Bourail
Kitesurf - Nouvelle-CalédonieIn New Caledonia, as soon as the wind picks up, a colorful ballet of kites fills the sky along dreamy beaches and picture-perfect islets. The lagoon turns a dazzling shade of turquoise as boards skim across the water. With no fewer than seven kitesurfing spots to choose from, it’s the perfect way to experience the UNESCO World Heritage-listed lagoon!
From the beaches of Nouméa to the Bourail region, kitesurfing has exploded in popularity. Newcomers are often tempted to give it a try within their first few weeks on the “Caillou” (the Rock). Out on the water, gliding along postcard-perfect islets with the central mountain range as a backdrop, you’ll discover the breathtaking landscapes from an entirely new perspective!
The lagoon’s shallow waters let kitesurfers glide above colorful fish and vibrant coral reefs. While kitesurfing, it’s not unusual to cross paths with marine life like turtles, dolphins, and even dugongs.
The South Province’s kitesurfing spots are set in dream locations — near Maître, Goéland, and Signal islets, across the calm turquoise waters of Poé and Ouano, or right in front of the Méridien Hotel beach.
It’s easy to combine your passion for riding the wind with exploring the surroundings — whether by land, sea, or even air!
Despite the beauty of the spots, you’ll quickly notice how uncrowded they are. There’s plenty of space to enjoy freestyle sessions without worrying about getting in anyone’s way. Beginners also have lots of room to safely learn how to handle their kite and harness the wind.
A quick tip : the lagoon is home to many sea turtles, which are also an endangered species. So be mindful while you ride — sadly, some turtles are injured by fast-moving kitesurfing boards, especially kite foils.
Tortue dans le lagon de Poé - Bourail
Kitesurf - Paita
Kitesurf Bluescope Race 2018 NouméaEver dreamed of flying across the water like you did as a kid? Before you take off and start gliding, it’s best to learn with an experienced instructor. You’ll get to know the equipment, feel your first glides, and, most importantly, master essential safety basics.
In the South Province, three kite schools offer beginner lessons: Vakarm, Kite Surf Attitude, and Nouméa Kite School.
Their different programs will quickly have you mastering waterstarts (getting up and riding), jibes (turns), and upwind riding.
Learning to harness the wind and lift yourself over the waves isn’t easy at first, but you’ll soon be hooked on the amazing sensations!
In New Caledonia, kitesurfing is accessible to everyone, from beginners to international champions. Some spots are particularly great for beginners, such as Maître Islet or Poé. Near the beaches and islets, you can take pleasant breaks in the middle of your session. It’s easy to combine relaxing weekends with family or friends and kitesurfing. When you’re not kiting directly in Nouméa, there are always camping options near the spots.
Kitesurfing is also a social sport. The discipline is attracting more and more followers from all walks of life: women, men, adults, teenagers, children… In groups, tips are shared, you admire each other’s progress and jumps. There’s always a sense of camaraderie on the beach, whether it’s untangling lines or launching the kite into the wind.
A tip: get your license with the French Federation of Free Sailing (FFVL). That way, you’ll be covered in case of material or bodily injury !
Kitesurf - Nouméa
Kitesurf - Nouméa
Kitesurf - NouméaThe best kitesurfers from New Caledonia and around the world come to train at the spots, especially from November to March. For the uninitiated, the spectacle alone is worth the watch: boards lifted by foils, speeding across the lagoon, spectacular jumps… Freestyle tricks will blow your mind. If you’re a beginner, there’s no doubt this will make you even more eager to chase the wind!
Are you a high-level kitesurfer? In addition to testing all sorts of technical feats at the usual spots, you can also take part in events held in the South Province, such as the Bluescope Race and the freestyle kitesurf World Cup… The thrill of the competitors is matched only by that of their spectators!
Cocotiers - Nouvelle-CalédonieConsistent trade winds, typical of tropical regions, blow across the Caledonian lagoon. Strengthened by thermal winds, they create perfect conditions for kitesurfing. Additionally, the coral reef acts as a protective barrier against the large swells that can come from the open sea. The weather is sunny year-round… Ultimately, there are few times when you can’t hop on your board!
In the South Province, you’ll find excellent schools for beginners, shops where you can rent, buy, and repair your gear. Getting to the spots is easy. Kitesurfers from around the world have made New Caledonia one of their favorite destinations for a reason. Many top-level athletes come here to train in the lagoon’s waters. Caledonian kitesurfers are among the best in the world!
Note : While kitesurfing is possible year-round, the best period is from November to March, when the trade winds are stronger and the temperatures are at their highest.
