On this page we have collated and answered the most frequently asked questions on the most important points concerning booking and participation of our courses as well as La Chiappa Watersports. Is there anything more you wish to know? No problem just send us an e-mail – or even more conveniently – use our contact form!
Any more questions? There is something for everyone here.
All about La Chiappa
How do I get to La Chiappa?
From Porto Vecchio you take the Route de Palombaggia until you reach the village Piccovaggia. There you turn left behind Camping U Pirellu (on the right side). At the end of the street (approx. 2 km) you will come to the entrance of the La Chiappa holiday complex. The area is car-free. There is a large parking lot available.
Where do I find La Chiappa Watersports centre?
Our water sports school is located on the picturesque La Chiappa naturist campsite on a promontory about 20 minutes southeast of Porto Vecchio
How do I reach the base coming from outside the campsite?
Report to the reception at the site. There you either leave an identity document or pay the daily fee that will be refunded to you on proof of participation in activities at our school if you do not want to use the other facilities of the campsite.
Do I have to pay admission?
If you only come to us to do sport, you will either leave an identity document when you enter La Chiappa or pay the daily fee that will be refunded to you on proof of participation in activities at our school when you leave the campsite.
If you or your family would like to use the other facilities of the place, you will have to pay the daily fee of currently € 7.50 per person.
Do I have to be a nudist to I visit your base?
You can cross the campsite clothed to reach our base. Teachers and participants are all clothed at our school.
What is the windsurfing area like?
Our base is located in a protected bay and offers ideal practice and training facilities for beginners and advanced pupils. The upstream archipelago “les Cerbicales” is suitable as a destination for longer sorties. Along the coast there are also some picturesque bays that are ideal for day trips when kayaking or canoeing.
How safe is the windsurfing area?
Our station is located in a protected bay and therefore in a very safe area.
Your safety is paramount. Daily security checks and first aid training are part of our job. For all activities we provide the equipment as well as neoprene suits, neoprene shoes, trapeze and life jackets.
We explain the special features of the area to everyone, we keep an eye on our students and customers, and our bay and the sea in front of us are under constant observation from a water monitoring station above the lighthouse.
On every catamaran trip we provide a radio telephone for communication with the base.
What is the water temperature?
Between 20 and 30 degrees.
If it is too cold for you, we are happy to provide you with wetsuits and shoes.
What is the wind like?
The main wind directions are: Mistral and Libeccu, diagonally offshore 5-8 BF, Scirocco onshore, 4 – 6 BF, mainly in summer, Tramontana, 4-7 BF, spring and autumn with good waves. In midsummer, on most days we have thermals with onshore winds of up to 4 BF.
La Chiappa is a medium strength wind area where sailors and surfers of all skill levels will get their money’s worth. There is a steady wind of 5-7 BF for as long as a week at a time and we also have quiet periods.
In midsummer, most days are calm with an onshore wind and it is ideal for both beginners’ and children’s training.
Are there any catering facilities?
A restaurant and a bar await you right by the sea. A supermarket is available for shopping.
Where can I find showers and toilets?
You can find changing rooms, showers and toilets near the water sports beach.
Is there overnight accommodation?
The naturist paradise La Chiappa offers 250 bungalows and 230 shady pitches on the campsite.
Is there any price reduction for families or groups?
Our base is particularly family and child friendly. If several activities are booked at our centre by your family or group we will gladly accommodate you with the price.
How can my family spend their time, while I am doing watersports at your base?
Families and children are particularly welcome at our surf centre.
In addition to our courses, we also offer kayaks, canoes and a pedal boat for hiring.
Moreover, La Chiappa is a place of magnificent natural beauty where sandy beaches alternate with romantic rocky coves. You will discover many enticing shady spots for rest and relaxation, have fun and games playing among the boulders in the wild beauty of nature or
experience encounters with hermit crabs in the water or turtles roaming freely on the shore.
In the heart of the holiday village, 2 pools, one of which is heated, with a children’s pool for the little ones, invite you to swim and tan on the ajacent sun deck. However, nudism is mandatory here.
Other activities available at the campsite include diving, aerobics, water aerobics, yoga and horse riding.
All about the courses
At what time do the courses take place?
Usually from Monday to Thursday from 10 a.m. to 12.30 p.m., whenever possible we also offer individual times.
What do the courses cost?
The basic courses for the first skill level cost € 200 for windsurfing, € 240 each for catamaran sailing and Optimist sailing and € 30 for stand-up paddling.
For + € 30, the VDWS basic license can be purchased in each of these sports, which is often required at other holiday locations to hire equipment.
Further information can be found in the current price list.
How long does it take to complete the courses?
For windsurfing and catamaran sailing up to the VDWS basic license 4 x 2.5 hours.
What is the number of participants on each course?
Optimist 2 / instructor, SUP and windsurfing 4 / instructor; Catamaran 6 / teacher.
Can I take a course privately?
Anyone can take a course, whether alone or in a group. We welcome all sports enthousiasts.
What languages are people instructed in?
In German, French, Italian, English and possibly also in Dutch during the high season.
Is there a minimum age for the courses?
Optimist from 6 years, windsurfing and stand-up paddling from 9 years, catamaran from 12 years;
Private lessons are also possible for younger pupils.
Can I just try to find out what I would enjoy?
Every Sunday between 10 a.m. and 12 noon we offer a free trial runs.
Can I break off a course if I don’t feel well?
Course participation is flexible on request. If you want or have to stay off for a day or two, these days can be made up for you.
How can I pay?
You can book your course of choice online before you start your holiday, with a down payment of 20% of the course fee by bank transfer. On site, that is at the base, reservations can, of course, be paid cash or by EC-card.
All about hiring equipment
What is the cost for hiring water sports equipment?
The exact hire rates can be found in our price list.
Can I hire a catamaran or surfboat without a licence?
This is usually possible after your competence has been assessed.
Do I have to reserve equipment in advance?
This will be helpful to facilitate planning your stay.
Do I have to bring neoprene kit?
We provide the kit as well as neoprene suits, neoprene shoes, trapeze and life jackets for all activities.
Is the catamaran insured during training and hiring?
The catamaran is insured during training.
If you hire a catamaran, you should have private insurance to cover any damage. We can offer you a safety tool insurance via the VDWS. This insurance is valid for 1 year. It provides liability caver for damage to hired equipment of up to € 1,500 (once a year), liability damage for people up to € 2 million and includes a subsidy for medical expenses. (Further information at www.vdws.de)
What happens if equipment gets damaged during hiring?
It can happen to anyone that material damage occurs. As the hirer, you have to pay for the damage yourself, so it would be advisable to have appropriate insurance.