Page 254 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Brittany

252  TR A VELLERS ’ NEEDS

Watersports Surfing
Places such as Cap Fréhel,
From the illustrious seafaring traditions of the past to the Le Dossen, Le Petit-Minou,
prestigious regattas that take place in its major coastal La Palue, La Torche, Guidel, the
harbours today, Brittany has a close association with the sea. Presqu’île de Quiberon attract
This, together with a spectacular coastline, makes it an ideal some 15,000 surfers each year,
while calmer waters at Rade
environment in which to enjoy water sports. Of the variety of de Brest and the Golfe du
water sports practised in Brittany, yachting, canoeing, scuba- Morbihan are popular for
diving, sand-yachting and surfing are by far the most popular. stand-up paddle-boarding.
For beginners and experienced alike, the opportunities for Brittany’s eight surfing schools
enjoying them are many, and each in its different ways offer all levels of tuition in
long-boarding, body-boarding,
reveals the power and beauty of the sea.
skim-boarding and body-
surfing. They are located in
Rade de Brest, Crozon- Crozon-Morgat, Audierne,
Morgat and Lorient. La Torche, Cahors Carnoët,
Information on sailing Perros-Guirec, Pouldreuzic and
schools is available from Plouharnel. The ESB (École de
Nautisme or the Comité Surf de Bretagne) and WSA
Départemental in the (West Surf Association)
relevant area of Brittany. jointly constitute the regional
For coastal and ocean surfing federation.
sailing, there are schools
that offer high standards
of tuition in a friendly Diving
atmosphere. Groups are About 220 diving clubs in
organized according to Brittany and the Loire area are
participants’ ability, and affiliated to the Comité Inter-
the schools cater for Régional de Plongée de
all levels, including Bretagne et des Pays de la
introductory tuition for Loire. The organisation Plongée
children, and theory Label Bretagne has eight diving
and competitions for centres. Catering for children,
Sailing boat bear Phare de la Vieille, more experienced families, individuals and
off southern Finistère sailors. Information is groups, they offer tuition for
available from beginners as well as tailor-
Sailing
Formules Nautiques Bretagne. made dives, underwater
With hundreds of sailboards, During school holidays, this photography sessions, and
catamarans, dinghies and organization also offers visits to local shipwrecks. These
traditional sailing boats residential courses for children centres are based in St-Malo,
invading its coastal waters aged six to 17, running from Belle-Île, Crozon-Morgat,
each summer, Brittany is one six days to one month. Any Larmor Plage, Plougasnou
of the best places in the world parents wishing to accompany and St-Pabu. Their details are
for sailing. It has more than their children are able to stay available from the Comité
70 marinas and mooring for a in gîtes, apartments or hotels. Inter-Régional de Plongée.
total of 22,120 pleasure boats.
Sailing courses and cruises are
also available.
Brittany’s sailing schools,
of which there are over 70,
together with several dozen
watersports associations, have
high standards of tuition and
safety. The only conditions for
joining are the ability to swim
50 m (55 yds), which can be
proved either by showing a
certificate or by completing
a test, and the production of a
medical certificate of fitness.
The main sailing centres
are St-Malo, St-Cast-Le Guildo,
Pléneuf-Val-André, Perros-Guirec, Kayaks around the Île de Batz, in northern Finistère

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