KITOO

KITOO is a kitesurfing and wingfoiling school with its own shop, based in the Port Cipriano residence at the northern entrance of Saint-Cyprien, two minutes from Canet-en-Roussillon. Its founder, Marc Blanchon ("Marco"), took up kiting in 2000 and taught it in Tarifa before setting up Kitoo in Biscarrosse in 2001, then moving it to the Catalan coast in 2003. The premises, open all year according to the website, serve both as the school's reception and as a shop. The school holds the AFKite (Prokite) label and its instructors hold French state diplomas.

Lessons mostly take place in Canet-en-Roussillon, in the kite zone at Pont des Basses, between the sea and the lagoon; the team also travels to Argelès-sur-Mer, Le Barcarès and Saint-Laurent-de-la-Salanque depending on conditions, the north-westerly Tramontane being the prevailing wind. Kitesurfing progresses from beach flying (air control) to independent riding, with courses for 10 to 12-year-olds on suitable kites. For wingfoiling, students first handle the wing on a board without a foil, then find their balance on the foil towed behind the boat before combining both. The school also offers boat-towed foil simulator sessions, supervised riding, supervised rental and stand up paddle from the L'Amourette beach club. Groups have 3 to 4 students linked to the instructor by radio, and the school does not go out below 7 to 8 knots or above 35 knots.

The Pro Shop sells new equipment: Kitoo presents itself as an official Eleveight dealer (RS kites listed online), and the home page also shows the North, Cabrinha and Mystic brands. The school sells serviced second-hand kite, wing and paddle gear and gives advice on sizes and models. A wind guarantee means students only pay for the sessions actually held.