Longe côte, a popular activity accessible to all
This healthy sport is becoming increasingly popular. You’ve probably already seen groups of people walking resolutely along the water’s edge! They’re probably longe côte, an activity you’re going to love doing on your vacation at the Plein Sud campsite in Saint-Jean-de-Monts, set against the Parée du Jonc beach…
What is longe côte?
Also known as sea-walking or water-walking, this sporting activity was created in Dunkirk in 2005 by a rowing coach looking to supplement the training of his rowers. The craze soon spread to the rest of France, and numerous clubs were set up on all our practicable beaches. To define it more precisely, rowing simply consists of walking in the sea along the beach, with water up to the diaphragm (between the navel and the armpits), possibly with the aid of a paddle.
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Windsurfing or diving booties are the minimum equipment recommended to avoid foot injuries and stings. Depending on water temperature, a wetsuit and gloves of the appropriate thickness may be required. The sea temperature in the Vendée is between 18 and 20°C during the summer, so it’s up to you to decide according to your tastes and bathing habits! Even if the water is very warm, a lycra top may be useful for sun protection. Some enthusiasts also practice with webbed gloves or a paddle, which increases their grip on the water and enables them to go faster while building up their arms.
Advantages and benefits of coastal longeering
By fighting against the force of the water in this way, you build up your lower body muscles and stimulate your heart. Very advisable if you want or need to melt a little! But since your body weight is partly carried by the water (thanks to buoyancy), it’s gentle on your joints and back.
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Moving forward in the water also stimulates the circulation of water and blood in the body. And of course, being out in the open air with a magnificent view of the Atlantic Ocean can only be good for morale in the short and medium term! A session generally lasts between 45 minutes and 1h15, and in addition to simply walking in the sand, it’s common to practice other types of movement, such as knee raises or chassé steps.
Where and how can you practice longe côte?
The best way to try water walking is in a group with a coach! In
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Registration is online on the association’s website, but if you need more information before getting started, you can also meet them at their premises on Plage des Oiseaux, near the Saint-Jean-de-Monts tourist office. If you enjoy the experience and wish to practice regularly during your vacations, you will be asked to produce a medical certificate. Warning: there is a risk of a healthy addiction to longe-côte!
