Tour de l’Île Vertime 2026

Tour de l’Île Vertime 2026 Returns to Les Sables d’Olonne on May 30–31

The 2026 edition of the Tour de l’Île Vertime will take place on May 30 and 31 in Les Sables d’Olonne, France. The event welcomes all paddle-powered craft, including kayaks, stand up paddleboards, canoes, outriggers, prone boards, surfskis, and even rafts.

Four Races on the Schedule

Competitors can choose from four different courses designed for all experience levels:
Tour de l’Île Vertime – 32 km
A long-distance loop combining open ocean and marshland sections.
Odyssée des Marais – 16 km
A point-to-point course crossing three rivers through the marshes.
Mini Mireille – 5 km
A shorter out-and-back course ideal for beginners and newcomers.
Beach Race
A technical surf race held in the waves.
Event Program
The weekend program includes race briefings, departures, beach race action, and prize ceremonies across the two-day event in Les Sables d’Olonne.

The 32 km Tour de l’Île Vertime
The main race covers 32 kilometers around Île Vertime, mixing coastal paddling with inland waterways.

Mandatory Equipment and Boat Requirements
All craft entered in the 32 km race must be longer than 3.5 meters and equipped with sufficient flotation to remain afloat even when flooded. Boats must include sealed compartments or built-in buoyancy systems. Inflatable craft must meet the same safety standards, even with the main air chamber deflated.

Sea kayaks must feature secure lower-body support systems, while each outrigger canoe must carry bailers attached to the craft.

Required Safety Equipment
Participants must carry:
– A CE-certified 50N buoyancy aid
– A waterproof light or cyalume stick with at least six hours of autonomy
– Water and nutrition for approximately five hours of effort
– A leash
– An organization-issued GPS bracelet
– Neoprene clothing if required by weather conditions

Recommended Gear
Closed footwear with reinforced soles is strongly advised due to oyster beds and sharp shells along certain sections of the course.

Odyssée des Marais – 16 km
The 16 km route follows a scenic journey through the marshlands and river network surrounding Les Sables d’Olonne.

Mandatory Equipment for the 16 km Race
Participants must carry:

– Water and nutrition for up to three hours
– A leash
– Neoprene gear if required by weather conditions
– A 50N buoyancy aid for canoe and kayak competitors not using a leash

Recommended Equipment
As with the long course, reinforced shoes or booties are highly recommended because of oyster beds and sharp terrain encountered along the route.