5
Navigation conditions.
— 02
Do not go foiling alone. It is advisable to practice foiling in the presence of a third party who is either
foiling with you or who remains on the beach, but who will be in a position to notify emergency ser-
vices in the event of an accident. If you do foil alone, remember to notify an emergency contact about
where you plan to foil and for how long.
Check the weather before going foiling (via the telephone, web, or harbor master’s office). Consider
the following: What wind strength is forecasted and in which direction? You also need to know how
the wind strength and direction will change during the day. The foil allows you to navigate in marginal
conditions. In particular, be careful of the risk that the wind will switch completely. You should also not
sail in stormy weather, the wing or sail attracting lightning. Also find out about tide times and areas of
strong currents.
— 01
— 02
Assistance
Weather
Never sail in offshore winds if you do not have a service boat. There is always a risk of switching winds
or damaged equipment. Further, when the wind is offshore, it is more difficult to return to shore by
swimming because the wind and the current push you toward the open sea.
It is also not recommended to sail when the wind is onshore if you are a beginner because the wind
then pushes you directly to the beach. This will make learning more difficult (you will not be able to
navigate along the shore without pulling and you will arrive very quickly in low water areas). It is also
more risky to practice when the wind is onshore because the slightest gust or error will lead you to the
sand. It is therefore advisable to foil when the wind is side-on. You will be able to go down wind with
leisure and you will also be sure that you can get back to shore easily at the slightest problem.
Beyond the 300-meter boundary and up to a mile from an accessible shoreline, foiling can be prac-
ticed without speed limit. Inside the 300-meter zone, you must foil with caution and at a speed of less
than 5 knots, unless an exemption has been granted by the Maritime Authority.
The practice of foiling is prohibited in swimming areas and, more generally, in any area reserved for
other activities. In addition, foiling requires a particular environment, which includes sufficient depth
(see Section 6), all of which can be impacted by weather conditions. It is also important to avoid
places with natural or artificial obstacles (rocks, shoals, etc.). Before foiling, survey the area and check
with the site manager or ask local practitioners about specific rules that may apply.
— 03
Navigation conditions
Do not practice in a swimming area or an area reserved for other activities. Even in an authorized area,
always pay attention to other individuals in or out of the water.
Help other practitioners. Always pay attention to other practitioners. Do not hesitate to offer assistan-
ce to a practitioner who is having difficulty or needs help.
Respect the audience. Warn spectators about the potential danger of staying downwind while you
foil. Do not entrust your equipment to a person who has never foiled.
— 04
Be careful of others
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