With the sunny days and warmer weather returning the desire to paddle grows stronger. More and more people are heading towards the Lérins Islands on SUP, starting at Palm Beach in Cannes.
The distance is 1200 meters, and requires a very good level. The weather is often favorable in the mornings and triggers the sensation of freedom and desire to discover… But going to the Lérins Islands on SUP, is it really possible ?
But is it authorised? The answer :
To be very clear, we will explain the law concerning stand up paddle, valid as of 2017.
If you have a board that is SHORTER than 11’6 (3,5 m) the answer is NO, you are NOT allowed to go any further than 300 meters from the coast line. It is thus forbidden to go across to the Lérins Islands from Cannes.
If you have a board that is AT LEAST 11’6 (3,5 m) LONG AND you have the required security material with you, you are allowed to go further than 300 meters from the coast and all the way up to 2 miles of a shelter (thus 3,7 km): YES you can go to Lérins Islands on stand up paddle.
What do you have to carry with you on your board to paddle from Cannes to the islands?
– A leash
– A lifejacket (more than 50N) or an integral wetsuit
– A flashlight applying to required standards
– Anchor point for easy towing and something to tow with
WHAT IF YOU DON’T HAVE A BOARD LONGER THAN 3,5 M?
You can always rent a board on the Lérins Islands – with or without a guide – and stay within the 300 meters limit around the islands of Sainte Marguerite and Saint Honorat.
The agents offering this service in Cannes are :
Paddle Evasion : www.paddle-evasion.fr
Cannes Stand Up Paddle : www.cannesstanduppaddle.fr
Some security reminders :
The wind is your worst enemy when you practise stand up paddle. Check the weather forecast before you go, and use different sources to be sure. It’s not whether or not it will rain that is interesting – it is the wind, the direction of the wind, the force of the wind and its evolution during the day. If you see that the wind will be 3 bft at 13:00, it’s likely that it will reach that force earlier. Be careful of south west winds which are common during the summer afternoons, as well as winds from east common in late morning, as both these can be very violent. Winds of 3 bfts are too strong to safely practise stand up paddle!
Leave in group? Great idea, but be careful !
Your friends invite you to do stand up paddle in the place where you tend to go regularly every week. Be aware that there is always one person in the group who convinces the others to go further than usual, or even push the limits to the forbidden, by going to the islands with a board not adapted or without security material. Remember that when the wind arrives, it is very difficult and tiring to advance on a stand up paddle.
The group should always advance according to the weakest or less experienced person in the group. Stay in charge of your outing and your security, be responsible and come back with a smile on your lips!
More articles on stand up paddle and Kayaking can be found in our blog : https://www.aqua-sport-evasion.fr/fr/le-mag/
Follow us on social media :
Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/aquasport.evasion
Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/aquasportevasion/
See you soon !
