Opale Kite

Opale Kite is a kitesurfing school in Berck-sur-Mer on the Opal Coast. It opened in March 2011 under Jérôme Buzelin, who had been passionate about board and wind sports, kitesurfing and mountain-boarding for over fifteen years and qualified as an instructor after seven years of practice. Fun, safety and teaching quality are the school's watchwords.

Lessons take place on Berck beach, one of the largest fine-sand beaches in Europe: at low tide the sea can recede 2 to 3 kilometres, and large tidal pools leave flat water for beginners. At high tide, 300 to 400 metres of sand separate the water's edge from the sea wall. The spot can be used all day as soon as the wind is favourable (south through west to north); in north-easterly winds the school can fall back on Wissant, three quarters of an hour away by road.

The offer includes group lessons (3 to 4 students) and private lessons (1 to 2 students), 3 hours long with equipment included, and a supervised sailing option for people coming out of a full course or already confident. A 3-hour pack is also dedicated to mountain-boarding, speedwing and landkite on the big Opal Coast beaches. A complete beginner should expect 4 to 6 sessions on average before starting to sail.

The school's base is on the Parmentier esplanade, north side, near the sand-yacht school, at the foot of the Jacques Calvé centre. Berck is about 1 h 30 from Lille and 2 h from Paris by car.