Ventileau

Ventileau is a kitesurfing and wingfoiling school based in Marseillan-Plage, in the Hérault department. It is run by Jérémie Dieudonné, who holds the French BPJEPS sailing and DEJEPS kitesurfing instructor diplomas and a sports science degree, and has been teaching for more than fifteen years. Students meet at the Phar'O dry-stack harbour; lessons mostly take place on the Thau lagoon, in particular in the Maldormir area, which can only be reached by boat.

Lessons are limited to two students, supervised from a safety boat with radio contact. The boat is used to reach the part of the lagoon with the best wind exposure and makes it possible to teach in shallow water or in deep water. Depending on the weather and the student's level, the school also uses the sea in southerly winds (Vias, La Tamarissière, Cap d'Agde) and Lake Salagou, the latter reserved for coaching experienced riders.

The school offers group and private kitesurfing lessons, lessons for children from age 8 with small kites, a supervised riding option for independent riders, advanced coaching, wingfoil lessons and, when conditions allow, wakeboarding sessions. Wetsuit, buoyancy aid, helmet, radio and riding gear (Flysurfer kites) are provided. The school displays its FFVL affiliation and is part of the One Launch Kiteboarding network.

No fixed season or opening hours are published: each session is scheduled according to the weather, the student's level and build, to use the best wind window.

Group kitesurfing lessons last half a day (about 3 hours), private lessons 2 hours and wingfoil lessons 3 hours.

"Three days" package advertised as new: wingfoil Monday to Wednesday, kitesurfing Thursday to Saturday, from 10:30 to 12:30.

Booking in advance by phone on +33 6 61 34 83 94 is recommended; during lessons the school asks for a text message instead of a call.