Water Sports in France

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Water Sports in France

Emergencies

• Call: 1616
• Website for safety information on the water
• CROSS: Regional Operational Centre for Maritime Surveillance and Rescue
• Emergency at sea: Channel 16 on VHF radio to reach a CROSS centre for help.

Using the Facilities

Stations Voiles (Sailing Centres) along the coast, belong to the France Station Voile, Nautisme et Tourisme network. Here one can get advice, rent equipment and make reservations for the many water sports.

• France Nautisme Web site (in French Only)

Sailing

• Information (in French) from the Féderation Française de Voile

Surfing, Sailing and Windsurfing

• Information (in French) from the Féderation Française de Surf

Motorised Activities

These include Jet-skiing, Water-skiing, zodiac, parachute rides, wake-boarding; all activities requiring a motorboat. The driver of any craft with an engine more powerful than 6CV needs a licence. Details here.

• Information (in French) from the Fédération Française Motonautique

Canoe-Kayaking

Canoes, kayaks and rowing boats can often be hired from a Station Voile.

• The Fédération Francaise de Canoë Kayak (in French) has general information on the sport in France.

Diving & Underwater

• Information (in French) from the Fédération Française d'études et de Sports Sous-marins