A protected lagoon within the greater lagoon of New Caledonia. Ilot Maitre is a small ecological reserve about 4 miles west of the main city of Noumea. When the tide is high, it can have small, choppy water, but usually it's very, very flat, even in 25-30 knots of wind. The area within the lagoon is about 2 km long and 1 km wide. Usually just 3-4 kiters, but sometimes it can have 20+, but lots of room for everyone. The lagoon looks like it may have lot's of coral, but almost all of it is just green sea grass with white sand. The lagoon doesn't get much more than 4-5ft deep.
The little island has a small hotel on about half of it, and the rest is a park. Set up on the east side of the island. The beach is great for setting up. You have a number of grassy spots to set up and then you just walk onto the beach and into the water. It is fine grain sand with the occasional piece of broken coral. There is an area set aside just for beginners as well. However, it's important to note that almost all kiting takes place here during on shore winds.
It can get a little chilly in the winter (June to August) but warms up quite nicely by October. You could use a shorty wetsuit during the winter months, but the rest of the time it's just rash guard and shorts. You can expect 16-25°C in the winter for air temperature, and 30-35°C in the summer. The water ranges from 68°F to 85°F.
- January - February - March - April - September - October - November - December
Wind Type:
- Trade Winds
Best Direction:
- E - ESE - SE - SSE - S
Main Direction:
- E - ESE - SE - SSE - S
The wind can be inconsistent in the winter, so you may find yourself only get 2 days in a week in. But during the spring, summer and fall, you can have some fantastic days and weeks. When the wind blows, it usually starts with a southerly at around 12-16 knots for the first day, two days or more of SE at 16-22 knots, then easterly for a day or two at 20-30 knots. During trade winds, the wind will be very consistent and blow about 18-25 knots.
Fly into Noumea. You can take two different ferry boats to Ilot Maitre or stay there at the resort if you like (although it is quite expensive and the food isn't very good). You can also stay on your own boat on one of the mooring balls provided by the reserve. It's great in most winds up to 35 knots from the SW to the East. The ferry leaves from downtown Noumea about every 3 hours. You can also catch a water taxi from Anse Vata. Their schedule has a little more variety. Or 10-15min ride on your board from Noumea.
No restrictions other than those of the reserve. People are very friendly and helpful so don't be afraid to ask for guidance. It's a great place to bring a non kiting friend as they can relax on the non windy side of the island on the beach while you kite your heart out.
There are lot's of nightclubs and bars in Noumea. The majority of them are found in Bai de Citron just north of Anse Vata. Usually starts around 10 to 11pm, almost every night.
07-09-11 Unknown: Like everywhere in the new Caledonia cost you can see the "trico raye", a poisonous sea snake. It is not agressive but do not disturb it you see one on the beach or in the water.
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