Located in the northern part of Vaud, the Pins beach offers a large sandy area on a spot known for the bise wind. It's a largely on-shore spot (wind from the front) which is very safe because in case of drift, you automatically return to shore. It's probably one of the most reassuring spots to start kitesurfing in Switzerland (after learning in a school, obviously!). On the water, the bottom is quite far and the wind is consistent as long as you move away from the shore.
The only problem with Yvonand is the overpopulation of kiters on bise days and the management of excess. Too many cars, too many inflated kites, too many kiters wanting to launch, too many kiters everywhere. I invite you to read the "Spot Operation" section to know how to best behave on this spot.
The Kitesurfer Association has hired a beach marshal who is active from now on. The rules have evolved for everyone's comfort and to maintain this spot open.
The keys to maintaining the Yvonand spot:
Park in designated parking spaces and if there are no more spaces, change spots (It will be crowded on the beach anyway)
At the end of the day, don't camp in the parking spaces. It's forbidden and very poorly viewed by neighbors, and therefore by the municipality
On the spot, respect the operation of the 4 zones
On the water, never navigate inside the swimming areas and natural zones (Yellow buoys)
When taking a break or changing kite size, always deflate your kite. This way there's more space for those who are preparing.
Closed from June 15 to August 15 due to the abundance of swimmers! No exceptional opening this year
There are multiple parking spaces, in a parking lot 50m away (See map) and along the road. Do not park in the spaces in front of the campsite. They are reserved for campsite users. Also be careful in summer, parking becomes paid, and do not extend onto the road, or you'll risk a fine. If the parking is saturated, the spot probably is too, so change location.
Hazards
Very tall trees that can create turbulence at the edge of the spot.
Overpopulation of kiters and also swimmers.
Downwind port (Be careful in case of decreasing wind).
Swimmer zone to respect.
Nature protection zone to respect.
On-shore wind that pushes you against the beach (Be careful in strong wind not to overestimate yourself).
Wind specificities
It's clearly a bise (NE) and black bise (N) spot, it can also work well during Joran episodes (wind coming down from the Jura), be careful as the Joran can quickly become strong and tempestuous. For the bise, it tends to turn eastward at the end of the day, which reduces wind in a good part of the launch area. It's also generally more stable in the morning because thermal phenomena aren't yet in play. Plus, there are fewer people in the morning, so get up early if you want a quiet session ;-)
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