Colleville / Ouistreham

Lower Normandy’s favourite windsurf venue in a north-easterly thermal, which is particularly reliable here – sometimes enough for onshore wave sessions, but usually just freeride. North-westerly low-pressure wind only produces waves when it really kicks off. Great from mid-tide up, whereas at low tide it’s standing-depth a long way out and south-easterlies become sailable. At high tide the water floods all the way to the stone jetty on the beach, which can be awkward – especially if there are waves. The beach gets crowded in peak season, when kiting isn't recommended. Otherwise life's sweet: parking, a grassy rigging area and showers on the beach.