Experience Québec
A tour of the islands
Master of the winds
Aeolus, the god of the winds, is powerful. His strength can be devastating, life-giving, or a source of endless delight. Éric Marchand understood this notion 10 years ago. His job description: taming the wind for your pleasure. The two-time world kitesurfing champion came to the Îles impelled, as it were, by the west wind. “Kiting” or “power kiting” is an outdoor sport that quite literally has the wind in its sails: you might even say it’s “taking off”! An enlightening encounter with a modern-day master of the winds.
On the Îles-de-la-Madeleine, the wind blows all year long—and brings with it the beguiling promise of pleasure. Whether your preferred means of locomotion is sailing, surfing or kiting, you’re sure to enjoy yourself to the full. In fact, the constant presence of the wind is what led Laval native Éric Marchand to settle in Étang-du-Nord on Île de Cap-aux-Meules, where he could not only give free rein to his passion for the wind, but also share it with others.
Kiting, power kiting: what’s the difference?
“It’s more or less the same thing, barring a few small differences,” says Éric. “Kites are built a little like paragliders, using the same aerodynamic principles. The wind fills the kite, picks it up, and away you go. Now, this isn’t anything new. We didn’t invent anything; we just improved the technique and developed a new sport.” Indeed, way back in 1826, British inventor George Pocock transported goods and passengers from his hometown of Bristol via his “Charvolant,” a kite-powered vehicle. The advent of electrical wiring—ah, the perils of progress—clipped the wings, so to speak, of Pocock’s fledgling commercial venture.Back to the future
Éric Marchand founded Aérosport Carrefour d’Aventures in 2001, the same year he took the title of kitesurfing world champion. His goal? To make the sport, qualified as “extreme,” extremely accessible. “Want to know something? My clients range from ages 4 to 77!” Yes, indeed! There are power kites for every size, and, aided by adults, even children can learn how to use them. “The only avenue closed to kids is kite buggying, and that’s only because, from an ergonomic point of view, the buggies were designed for adults.”Not just hot air: tried and tested!
The sun was shining; the day was fine. The forecast called for winds of 25 km/hr (16 mph). Perfect conditions! “You’ll see,” said Éric, “that after a three-hour course, you’ll know everything you need to know and be able to do it on your own.” The introductory course covers fundamentals such as the concept of “wind window” (the same as in sailing), various flying techniques and basic safety. Once these have been assimilated, you get to fly solo, just like a grown-up.
There are no words to adequately describe the sensation of kiting in the open sky. Dangling aloft over God’s green earth, words swarm your little brain, popping and fizzling like so many firecrackers. Exhilaration! Energy! Freedom! Strength! Drunkenness! Joy! Let’s just say the experience is well worth the price of admission. Certainly, there’s nothing to compare to how infinitesimal you feel, swept up by such a power. At the very least, you begin to appreciate why Aeolus was so revered in Ancient Greece...Adventure central
A windless day? If so, smile: there’s always the sea. Let Éric lead you on a sea kayaking expedition through the loveliest coves of the archipelago’s shoreline. Winter and summer alike, wind or no wind, Aérosport offers up a range of activities that are perfectly suited to the islands Éric adores. This true enthusiast knows how to convey his passion along with a lasting taste for the Îles-de-la-Madeleine, his adopted home.André Quenneville
2008-04-15
