evelien's blog

Impressions from a windy day at the kite beach. By Phoebe (7) and Zack (5) Domini.

The community of St Pierre now offer free internet hotspots around St Pierre. You can pick up the internet on the beach house terrace! The sailing school also has a free WiFi hotspot! You can bring your laptop or other wireless device and go online while enjoying a cup of coffee or a refreshing drink!

Stand-up Paddle boarding (SUP) is coming to Saint Pierre-la-Mer. Yesterday saw the delivery of 2 stand-up paddle boards made by Starboard for us to try out. The board will be based on the beach for all guests to try out for a small fee.
Stand-up Paddle, or in the Hawaiian language Hoe he'e nalu, is an emerging global sport with a Hawaiian heritage. The sport is an ancient form of surfing, and began as a way for surfing instructors to manage their large groups of learner surfers, as standing on the board gave them a higher viewpoint, increasing visibility of what was going on around them.

From 7th until 6th of May 2010 the Saint Pierre Kitezone will organize the 7th edition of the European Junior Kitesurfing Cup, with a freestyle competition, a Cata-Kite competition and an all new Kitesurfing boarder cross competition. 50 young kitesurfers on 7 different nationalities and in the age group from 10 - 19 year will show off their best tricks to a internatinal team of judges. Like in former years the event spots young talents and future champions; we have had the honour to see hotshots like Gisela Poulido and Youri Zoon when they had only just started kitesurfing and were still wet behind the ears. 

Want to sponsor this event? Contact Christophe Hamon at infohamon@ aol.com. 

Winter is here and it is cold, even in the South of France! A few weeks ago we saw the first snow appearing on the Pyrenees mountain tops which we can see from the centre on a clear day. And last week: snow in Saint Pierre! Although it didn't stay it reminded us of a cold spell a few years ago (see picture) when the snow caused total chaos on the roads. Locals are not used to this weather and with the first signs of snow and ice they lock all doors and windows and hibernate for at least a week. And when they do have to leave their houses it will not be without snow chains, pick axel, crampons and a hot water bottle!

Steve, Evelien, Hugo and Paddy wish you a happy Christmas!