Gigaro

The long Medgliders run in easterly winds: around 42 km from Gigaro to La Capte. Paces below 1 min 40 sec/km are achievable on this route. Meet at La Capte, then take a roughly 1-hour-15-minute shuttle to Gigaro beach.

The distance, fast and technical swell on the first section, and lack of easy exits make this a committing run. Be realistic about your ability and choose suitable conditions: far offshore, struggling to get on foil or an equipment problem can mean a long, difficult journey back to shore.

Reaching Cap Lardier requires more than 3 km of paddling. The first kilometre is usually flat and sheltered, but each headland brings more wind and chop, making the approach progressively harder.

A parawing makes this approach easier: paddle through the sheltered section, then deploy it around the first headland. When paddling, starting on the eastern side near the cliffs limits wind exposure. With a parawing, launching slightly further west lets you catch the wind sooner and regain your position afterwards.

The first section covers just over 20 km to Cap Bénat. Exits may be possible around Cavalaire, Le Rayol, Pramousquier or Le Lavandou, but the route runs around 3 km offshore: reaching land requires a substantial detour.

Allow roughly another 4 km to Brégançon fort, then follow the classic Brégançon run to La Capte.