Esk8 Weekend in Pornichet
Three days of riding and reconnecting: April 17, 18, and 19, 2026.
The Pornichet electric skateboard event ran from April 17 to 19, 2026. We designed these three days to popularize electric skateboarding. It brought together street, all-road, and all-terrain riding in a relaxed atmosphere. The goal was to let everyone experiment, feel the differences between surfaces and boards, better understand their ride profile, and swap notes with other riders on what they loved and what they didn't. It was an immersive, friendly format. Here's your weekend recap.
Weekend Recap
Friday: We Hit the Woods
The first riders rolled into the shop early Friday afternoon. Our team welcomed everyone, dialed in their boards, checked gear, and answered questions from those new to the scene.
Late afternoon, we headed to Bois-Joalland in Saint-Nazaire. The BMX track delivered a killer session, with perfectly sculpted bumps and a smooth surface. This spot is a local favorite. It is known for lines that suit all skill levels. New riders found their rhythm on the smaller bumps, while seasoned pros linked jumps and attacked more aggressive lines.
That evening, we gathered at Camping Le Bel Air for dinner. With mobile home accommodation and on-site meals, plus the daytime shop support, we streamlined logistics. This let riders extend their conversations without worrying about transport.
Saturday: The Day We Won't Forget
The shop buzzed all morning. New riders arrived, and others came back to try a different board or compare models. Our team also took this time to dive deep into how each board performs. They guided riders to the perfect match for their ride style.
We skated together to Up to Play, just a few blocks from the shop, for a high-speed indoor session. This indoor karting track transformed into an electric skateboard playground for the second-hand. It featured a smooth surface, banked turns, and long straightaways. It's a rare spot that let riders push their boards safely, far from urban constraints.
The weekend's highlight was Saturday night's aperitif. The esk8riders event coincided with the GlissEvolution anniversary. Kite and wingfoil riders from the community joined us. This created a vibrant meeting point for all our watersports disciplines. Nearly 200 people showed up, with a burger food truck and an epic vibe that lasted late into the night.
Sunday: Mountain Boarding to Finish
Sunday morning, we checked out of Camping Le Bel Air, then hit the road for Rouans. The Loire-Atlantique Mountain Board Park, about 45 minutes from Pornichet, was waiting for us.
The terrain at L.A. Mountainboard Park blew away first-timers: challenging descents, quick re-accelerations, and jumps on the BoarderCross. The Diablo and Renegade were perfectly suited. Even several riders who had stuck to their street boards ended up giving it a try.
Lunch brought everyone together around the barbecue. Yvan and Max seized the opportunity to throw down some demos on the park's most challenging features. This was a real-world showcase of the boards' potential in technical conditions. The weather held up beautifully all weekend. This let us stick to the program. The afternoon was open, with everyone riding at their own pace before heading home.
Boards Available for Test Rides All Weekend
Weekend Conditions
Mild weather graced us for all three days, with clear skies on Saturday and slight ground humidity Friday morning in the forest. Three spots, three vibes, and three distinct surfaces: exactly what you need to understand how a board reacts to different terrains.
At Bois-Joalland, the BMX track was dry by early afternoon. It featured rough asphalt in spots, smoother sections elsewhere, and some dirt tracks in the curves, typical of a well-ridden spot with mixed surfaces. The forest environment also provided welcome shade for the afternoon sessions.
Up to Play, being indoors, took weather out of the equation. The karting surface provided consistent rolling from lap to lap. This rare comfort let riders push hard without worrying about outside conditions.
The L.A. Mountain Board Park in Rouans was in prime condition, with recently maintained features and dry grass between zones. These were ideal testing grounds to gauge the Diablo and Renegade's performance on challenging terrain.
Conditions were perfect for pushing boards without mechanical constraints, and especially for comparing: clean street, mixed forest, and open terrain. Three distinct reads on the same board in 72 hours.
Testing in Real Conditions
Several models were available for testing: Fusion, Diablo Bamboo, Diablo Carbon, Diablo Renegade, GTR2 Bamboo, and Stoke X. Everyone could ride the boards that interested them. They compared the feel between a bamboo deck and a carbon deck, and between street wheels and all-terrain wheels.
Riders primarily connected and shared insights throughout the weekend: sensations, settings, and usage feedback. More than just individual tests, these conversations truly made the difference.
More than just a good time, the weekend had a clear educational focus. After three days, every rider left with concrete information about their board, their personal ride style, and a deeper understanding of what truly works for them. Knowing what you like, what you're looking for, and what you don't use empowers you to make informed choices. This eliminates guesswork.
What We Heard From Riders
The biggest takeaway from our conversations was the sheer joy of testing different models in varied conditions over a single weekend. Many riders primarily use their boards for street riding. This format allowed everyone to expand their horizons. They could try terrains they don't usually encounter, feel how a board performs on different surfaces, and sometimes even discover a type of ride that resonated more than they expected.
The perfect board doesn't exist. Your preferences, how you ride, your body type, and your preferred terrains are the deciding factors. You build your setup based on your actual riding style. That's the strength of our range.
"Trust is invaluable; it was great that they trusted customers enough to leave the stock open. The boss participated, was approachable, and shared his vision, that's awesome."
A weekend rider
"The seafront for riders not living on the coast is legendary."
Grégory Schneckenberger
Thank you
To Everyone Who Made This Weekend Happen
To all the riders who traveled, some from great distances: thank you. You brought the skill, the conversations, and the good vibes. You transformed a mere schedule into a truly memorable weekend.
A huge thank you to the GlissEvolution kite and wingfoil community who joined us for Saturday evening's aperitif. It was fantastic to see our worlds intersect.
Thanks to Camping Le Bel Air for the warm welcome, to Up to Play for lending the track, and to Loire-Atlantique Mountain Board Park for hosting us on Sunday. Without these partners, this weekend's format wouldn't be possible. And thanks to the entire esk8riders team for all the behind-the-scenes organizational work, from start to finish.
See you next year! We already have ideas for what's next, and many of them came from you.
Video produced by esk8riders, the weekend organizers.
The Next Gathering
The E-Skate Weekend brings together riders of all brands every year. Access is free, and registration is free. The esk8riders association leads the organization. It also offers numerous rides and discovery sessions throughout the year.
The 2027 edition is already in the works. Dates, program, and registration details will be announced on their website in the coming months.
Pornichet esk8 Weekend FAQ
Do I need to be an experienced rider to attend the e-skate weekend?
No, all skill levels are welcome. The event brings together seasoned riders and curious newcomers alike. Sessions are open, everyone rides at their own pace, and the Evolve team is on hand to guide and advise based on each person's profile.
Can I come without an electric skateboard?
Yes! Evolve and EVO-Spirit provide their full range for testing throughout the weekend. It's the perfect second-hand to discover electric skateboards or compare several models before making a decision.
Do I have to ride an Evolve to participate?
Not at all. The event is open to all brands. Whether you ride a Lacroix, Backfire, Meepo, Ecomobl, or another brand, you are welcome. The spirit of the weekend is to unite the esk8 community, regardless of brand.
How do I register for the next weekend?
Registration is free and can be done online at esk8riders.com (or directly on-site). An optional all-inclusive package (accommodation + meals) is also available for those who wish to stay on-site. Follow all updates on esk8riders social media.
Evo-Spirit
