- Why paddle on Lake Aydat ?
- Come with your own paddle or rent one on site
- Take a paddle lesson with the Sailing School
- When is the best time ?
- The best paddle courses
- Regulations for users
- Tips for a successful exit
- FAQ
Located about twenty kilometers from Clermont-Ferrand, the lac d’Aydat is the largest natural lake in Auvergne. Surrounded by forests and volcanoes, it is one of the best places to practice stand up paddle in Puy-de-Dôme. Its calm water, its preserved environment and its numerous beaches allow both beginners and experienced practitioners to enjoy a pleasant outing in the great outdoors.
Why paddle on Lake Aydat ?
Lake Aydat offers an ideal setting for discovering or perfecting the practice of paddle boarding.. Unlike bodies of water subject to strong swell or significant currents, the lake allows relatively calm navigation, especially in the morning when the wind is light.
Among its main assets :
- generally calm water suitable for beginners ;
- several launching areas ;
- an exceptional panorama of the Puys chain ;
- preserved nature rich in birds and vegetation ;
- the possibility of practicing as a family.
The complete tour of the lake represents a beautiful walk allowing you to observe different landscapes while enjoying an accessible sporting activity..
Come with your own paddle or rent one on site
Lake Aydat is accessible both to people with their own stand up paddle and to those who simply wish to discover this activity for a day.
Bring your own paddle
If you have your own inflatable or rigid paddle, you can put it in the water from authorized areas around the lake. Remember to check the inflation pressure before departure, take your leash as well as all the recommended safety equipment. A waterproof bag is also useful for transporting your personal belongings safely.
Rent a paddle at the sailing school
If you don't have any hardware, the sailing school offers paddle rental directly around the lake during the tourist season. Renting is an excellent solution for discovering the activity without investing in equipment.. The equipment comes with a paddle, a leash and a life jacket. The nautical center also offers introductory advice before departure to allow beginners to quickly get their bearings..
Whether you bring your own equipment or opt to rent on site, it is recommended to book during the summer period, when the crowd is large.
Take a paddle lesson with the Sailing School
If you want to discover stand up paddle in the best conditions or perfect your technique, The Lac d’Aydat Sailing School offers courses supervised by qualified instructors. These sessions are aimed at both beginners and practitioners wishing to improve their balance., their paddling technique or their efficiency on the water.
Courses suitable for all levels
Private lessons allow you to benefit from personalized support. The instructor adapts the exercises according to your level and your objectives : first discovery of paddle, learning the basics, perfecting technique or preparing for longer outings. Sessions can be followed alone or in a small group, in a friendly atmosphere.
Material provided
The Sailing School provides all the necessary equipment to practice in good conditions : paddle, paddle, buoyancy aid and wetsuit when conditions require. You therefore do not need to have your own equipment to take part in a course.
A great option to start with
Taking a lesson is often the best way to discover paddle boarding in complete safety. Advice from a professional allows you to quickly learn the right actions, to learn to manage your balance and to know the navigation rules specific to Lake Aydat. The Sailing School also offers courses and nautical discovery sessions integrating paddle boarding among other activities., for children and adults alike.
When is the best time ?
The ideal season generally extends from May to September. During the summer, the water temperature becomes more pleasant and the days are long.
To benefit from the best conditions, it is advisable to leave early in the morning or at the end of the day. The wind is often weaker, which facilitates progression and improves the stability of the board.
The best paddle courses
Around the lake
The complete tour allows you to admire the different banks, beaches and wooded areas. It is an ideal outing for practitioners who already have a minimum of experience..
The discovery walk
Beginners can stay close to the beaches to gain confidence and improve their balance before moving further away.
Sunrise outing
The early hours of the day generally offer calmer water as well as magnificent light over the Auvergne volcanoes.
Paddle regulations on Lake Aydat
Lake Aydat is an inland body of water without current. The practice of paddle is subject to the national rules applicable to closed water bodies as well as any local provisions.. Respecting these rules helps ensure your safety as well as that of other users..
Maximum sailing distance
The regulations distinguish several categories of paddles.
- Paddle boards under 3,50 meters are considered beach gear. They must remain at a maximum distance of 300 meters from the shore.
- Paddle boards meeting the criteria to be considered real boats (length of at least 3,50 m or meeting the requirements provided for by the regulations) can navigate further, subject to having the obligatory equipment.
Mandatory equipment
Even if certain equipment is only obligatory in certain situations, they are highly recommended on every outing.
- The leash : essential in calm water to remain connected to your board in the event of a fall.
- The buoyancy aid vest : strongly recommended for all outings and mandatory when regulations require it for navigation beyond the limits authorized for beach gear.
- Wear a cap or hat to protect yourself from the sun, even when temperatures remain moderate. Also remember to apply water-resistant sunscreen and wear sunglasses with a strap..
- A means of towing (rope and attachment system) when regulatory equipment is required.
- A waterproof light device having sufficient autonomy when required by regulations.
- A cell phone in a waterproof pouch, even when it is not obligatory, is an excellent precaution.
Navigation rules
On a lake, the paddle is considered a small boat.
- Always keep a safe distance from other users.
- Give priority to large boats which have fewer maneuvering possibilities.
- Respect swimming areas and avoid navigating among swimmers.
- Approaching other paddles, priority generally goes to the practitioner arriving from the right.
- Respect local restrictions and protected areas.
Good security practices
Beyond regulatory obligations, several recommendations help reduce the risks :
- check the weather before each departure ;
- avoid going out in case of strong wind or storm ;
- notify a loved one of your itinerary ;
- don't go alone if you're starting out ;
- wear a suitable wetsuit when the water is cold to limit the risk of thermal shock ;
- hydrate regularly and provide sun protection.
Even on a calm lake, the wind can quickly blow a practitioner away from the shore. It is therefore preferable to stay close to the shore when conditions become unfavorable.
Tips for a successful exit
- Inflate your paddle correctly before launching into the water.
- Adjust the paddle to your size.
- Start on your knees before standing up.
- Keep your gaze towards the horizon rather than at your feet.
- Avoid the busiest times in summer.
- Respect the fauna and flora of the lake.
- Do not leave any waste on the banks.
FAQ
Can I paddle all year round ?
Oui, but water temperatures become very low in fall and winter. A suitable suit is then strongly recommended.
Is Lake Aydat suitable for beginners? ?
Oui. Its generally calm waters make it one of the best paddle initiation sites in Auvergne..
Should you wear a vest ?
The buoyancy aid is strongly recommended during all outings. It becomes mandatory in certain situations provided for by regulations, particularly when navigation is authorized beyond the limits applicable to beach gear.
Can we practice as a family? ?
Oui, provided that each practitioner has equipment adapted to their level and that children are constantly supervised by an adult.
Lake Aydat is an essential destination for paddle boarding in Auvergne near Clermont-Ferrand. Its volcanic environment, its relatively calm waters and its accessibility appeal to both beginners and experienced practitioners.. Respecting the navigation rules, by remaining attentive to weather conditions and using suitable equipment, you will be able to fully enjoy this magnificent body of water in complete safety.