The lake of Soustons is particular. Natural lake, it was classified since 1968 Natural Site, before becoming zone Natura 2000. The lake belongs to the last wetlands of the territory of Landes, which were for the most part dried up under Napoleon III. One could therefore imagine that human activities are as restricted as possible and that the bathers have the primacy of use of the lake.
The hazards of life and botany decided otherwise. On the lake, the Mâcre Nagens, also called water chestnut, grows. A rare local speciality (it is only found in China and in a few lakes in France), this plant produces fruits with sharp edges and, above all, carried by extremely solid and hard stems. Walking on them would be like trampling on gravel used in public works. It was thus unimaginable to make the lake accessible to bathers who would have de facto deserted its waters quickly.
Lake reserved for nautical practices
The club of sailing of Soustons Marensin was founded at the beginning of the years 2000 with for master word the integration of the handicapped persons in the nautical practice. To such a point, besides, that the current practice does not differentiate almost any more the valid persons from the persons who are less. If it was necessary, it is the demonstration that the sports practices are, without exception, open to all the practitioners, as long as benevolence and attraction for the other are of setting. Bernard Pabon, the president of the association and his instructor / base manager, Raphael Housse, present the water plan.
Of course, all the facilities of the base are accessible to people with reduced mobility.
" The lake of Soustons is called thus in Soustons. It is renamed Lake of Azur to Azur, kind of local feeling "The president of the association is amused. And, indeed, it is on the two communes that this lake of 380 hectares .
" The commune of Soustons proposes a very big structure of rowing which is used to welcome high level sportsmen. Olympic champions of several disciplines, not only nautical besides, come to train there "continues the president.
In other words, the practice here is sporty. But not totally competitive for all that. The club organizes 3 regattas per year. One of them is part of the handivalide which aims to have able-bodied and disabled people compete together on the same boats. The instructor, Raphaël, is trained to accompany and supervise people with disabilities.
" On the lake, you can practice anything that goes on the water at less than 10 kilometers per hour "adds Bernard. It goes from sailing to dinghies to motorboats ( thermal as well as electrical ), canoeing, wind surfing The only exception is kite surfing " made too dangerous by the proximity of trees "he adds. When the wind blows, one can nevertheless imagine some speeding!
Only one slipway is available on the lake, in the base of Laurens, right next to the club. " Beware, it is not a great hold with all the facilities, it is in the ground but practicable most of the time. "Free, it allows all the boats to reach the water with ease. And if necessary with the always friendly help of the volunteers of the nautical base, what doesn't spoil anything to the pleasure to sail in Soustons.
Only drawback, the banks of the lake are particularly marshy, preventing to make the complete tour of the lake. Advantage of this disadvantage, the real estate pressure remains - relatively - weak on the edges of the lake of Soustons.
Shallow - draught maximum of 80 centimeters - the lake does not present any particular danger. " In case of concern, we are on VHF and we will always go to give a hand to a yachtsman in difficulty "explains Raphael.
How does one navigate in Soustons? It is the Chief of base, Raphael, who explains us: " The lake is wide and has a regular wind. With almost no current, it is ideal for initiation and gentle practice. It is fed by a few small streams and, in its south, flows into the marine lake before reaching the sea. It is therefore easy to navigate, once you understand the winds. "
Positive inclusion
The nautical base of the lake of Soustons is the proof that we can, when all the good wills unite, propose to all, valid as handicapped, mobile as paralytic, to practice a passion and a sport. It is a strong and beautiful message which is passed to all the community by an association composed of motivated volunteers and respectful of the differences and the specificities of all the publics.
The Sport Integration and Development Service holds, on the lake of Soustons, a Handilandes day. During this day, 1 300 disabled people will be initiated and will practice in full safety the radio-controlled sail.
A word from the guide
" On the lake of Soustons, the navigation is free and opened all year long, whatever the weather. "The president of the association is proud to see people on the water twelve months a year. As for the club, it opens its doors every year at the beginning of March.
Speaking of safety, the presence of the famous and painful water chestnuts on the lake imposes to not never browse barefoot this is the only way to avoid injury and to be able to walk a little in the water in case of a fall overboard. Here, the danger is not mainly drowning - even if this risk is always present - but in foot wounds!
" A regular and quite strong northwest wind regime is present on the lake. In summer, we are sure to have thermals from mid-afternoon. Rarely, even if it can happen, an east wind that comes to cool the atmosphere. On the other hand, when the wind blows from the south, there is nothing interesting to do on the water " says the instructor.
" Finally, it is important to keep in mind that the lake is Natura 2000. It is important to respect nature, the water and the other people who practice it "concludes Raphaël.
Places to know
" The southern area of the lake is wild and nice. It is necessary to settle there and to look at the sunset "recommends Bernard, who nevertheless reminds us " It is forbidden to sleep on board your boat on the lake. And the lights are strictly prohibited anywhere. No barbecues, campfires or other, the risk of fire is far too high ".
Very famous for its amazing tree, you must go and see - and disembark - at the Azur pontoon, if only to take a memorable photo!
" In August, the festivals of Soustons are to make and to practise, it is typical and always pleasant "he recommends.
" A little further on, in Sabres, the ecomuseum on the Landes is extremely interesting and retraces several centuries of life in the region, beyond the epinal image of tourism since the middle of the 20th century. On the lake, the Pointe des Vergnes is a soothing and restful place in addition to being very pretty. And you can dip your feet there, which is not negligible. "
Then, because it is necessary to move on to the agape " The story " is the president's favorite restaurant, " to eat eels "he adds. Second on the list, the lake grill " Where Fabrice and Emmanuelle offer a terrace overlooking the lake, it's a beautiful place that deserves a stop. "
