Wimereux and Wissant: paddle-boarding spots on the Opal Coast

The Opal Coast is an area with a very rich natural and cultural heritage, and which also has a lot to offer in terms of watersports (kayak, windsurf, sailing, catamaran, paddle-board, etc.).

During your stay in Hauts-de-France, besides visiting the Nausicaá aquarium, why not reserve a day to discover the region differently? There are a number of watersports clubs proposing sea and fresh-water activities on the coast of Nord–Pas-de-Calais.

Paddle-boarding is one of the most agreeable watersports to share with your family or friends. This cousin of surfing, made popular by the Beach Boys in the 1960s, is accessible to everyone and can be enjoyed by adults and children alike. Perched, sitting or standing on a rigid or inflatable board with a paddle, you'll slide across the water at your own pace.

This watersport is suitable for all the family to spend an unforgettable day with your loved ones. Also called Stand Up Paddle or SUP, this nautical board sport allows you to glide across the sea or explore rivers, to discover the scenery from a different viewpoint. Paddle-boarding also has the advantage of being respectful of the environment, offering you the freedom to silently slip across the water for a moment of total escapism.

There are plenty of service providers who'll offer you the opportunity to go paddle-boarding on the Opal Coast. This is the case notably for the Club Nautique de Wimereux, less than 10 kilometres from Boulogne-sur-Mer. Among the many watersports proposed (kayak, catamaran, sand-yachting, kitesurf…), paddle-boarding is one of the most popular with families. Setting out from Wimereux beach, go out to sea on your board and live an unforgettable experience. You can admire the magnificent view of the cliffs around Saint-Jean Bay, surfing the waves or just drifting along. The Club Nautique de Wimereux can also take you fresh-water paddle-boarding on the river Wimereux. Suitable whatever your proficiency, these paddle-board outings are ideal for beginners and for more experienced enthusiasts, and are supervised to guarantee your safety.

During your weekend on the Opal Coast, plan a visit to Nausicaá, with its In the Eye of the Climate Exhibition and the new Grand Large augmented-reality show, then take the opportunity to explore the resort of Wimereux from the sea, or to live an amazing half-day floating along the river between plains and forests. To the south of Boulogne, the Club Nautique d’Hardelot also welcomes you for paddle-board and catamaran lessons and courses for adults or as a family with your children.

Exploring the Opal Coast by car, bike or on foot means setting out to discover the region from the land, going where the roads and paths take you. But perhaps you'd like a change of horizon? In that case, watersports such as the paddle-boarding proposed in Wimereux and all along the coast (around Calais, Wissant, Saint-Valéry-sur-Somme, Boulogne-sur-Mer, Saint-Martin-Boulogne, etc.) are an excellent way of being surprised by the Opal Coast differently, from the sea and rivers.

The Club Nautique de Wimereux proposes group outings, as well as paddle-board rental for the day or excursions on your own, with other adults or children. For a relaxing day out in nature, paddle-boarding is an ideal watersport. Unmissable in Wimereux and Wissant bay, it will allow you to appreciate new breathtaking panoramas on the Opal Coast. To end your stay on a beautiful note, think of booking accommodation near the watersports club.