Esk8 Weekend in Pornichet
Three days of riding and reunions, April 17-19, 2026
The Pornichet esk8 gathering took place from April 17-19, 2026. Three days designed to make electric skateboarding accessible to all: street, all-path, and all-terrain riding united in a relaxed atmosphere. The idea was to allow everyone to experiment, feel the differences between surfaces and boards, better understand their ride profile, and connect with other riders about their preferences. An immersive and friendly format. Here's a recap of the weekend.
Weekend Recap
Friday: Starting in the Woods
The first riders arrived at the shop in the early afternoon. The team welcomed everyone, adjusted boards, checked equipment, and answered questions from newcomers.
In the late afternoon, we headed to Bois-Joalland in Saint-Nazaire. The BMX track offered a great session, with well-designed bumps and a pleasant surface. The spot is locally known for its lines suitable for all levels: new riders got their bearings on the lower bumps while more experienced riders linked jumps and more committed lines.
In the evening, we met at Camping Le Bel Air for dinner. Accommodation in mobile homes and meals on-site complemented the daytime welcome at the shop. Everything was designed to streamline logistics and allow riders to extend their conversations without worrying about transport.
Saturday: The Day We Won't Forget
The shop was busy all morning. New riders arrived, while others came to try a second board or compare models. This was also when the team took the time to explain in detail the differences in board behavior and guide each person according to their ride profile.
We rode together to Up to Play, a few streets from the shop, for a high-speed indoor session. This indoor karting track was repurposed for the second-hand as an esk8 track: smooth surface, banked turns, long straightaways. A rare playground that allowed riders to push their boards safely, away from urban constraints.
The highlight of the weekend was the evening aperitif. The esk8riders event was coupled with the GlissEvolution anniversary. Kite and wingfoil riders from the community joined us, creating a meeting point between the house's watersports disciplines. Nearly 200 people were present, with a burger food truck and an atmosphere that lasted late into the night.
Sunday: Mountain Boarding to Finish
In the morning, we left Camping Le Bel Air after returning the mobile home keys, then headed to Rouans. The Loire-Atlantique Mountain Board Park awaited us, about 45 minutes from Pornichet.
The terrain at L.A. Mountainboard Park impressed those discovering it: committed descents, pump tracks, jumps on the BoarderCross. The Diablo and Renegade were perfectly suited. Several riders who had stuck to their street boards ended up trying them too.
Lunch on-site brought everyone together around the barbecue. Yvan and Max took the opportunity to perform some demos on the park's most challenging features, a concrete demonstration of the boards' potential in technical conditions. The weather remained mild throughout the weekend, allowing the program to be maintained to the letter. The afternoon remained free, with everyone continuing to ride at their own pace before heading home.
Boards Available for Test Rides All Weekend
Weekend Conditions
Mild weather over the three days, clear skies on Saturday, slight ground humidity Friday morning in the forest. Three spots, three atmospheres, and three very different surfaces: exactly what's needed to understand how a board reacts depending on the terrain.
At Bois-Joalland, the BMX track was dry in the early afternoon: rough asphalt in places, smoother sections elsewhere, and some traces of dirt in the curves, typical of a well-used spot that mixes surfaces. The forest environment also provided welcome shade during the afternoon sessions.
Up to Play, being indoors, removed the weather variable from the equation: karting surface, consistent rolling surface from lap to lap. A rare comfort to push hard without worrying about the outside.
The L.A. Mountain Board Park in Rouans was in excellent condition, the features recently maintained, the grass dry between zones. Real test conditions to measure the behavior of the Diablo and Renegade on challenging terrain.
Ideal conditions for riding boards without mechanical constraints, and especially for comparison: clean street, mixed forest, open terrain. Three interpretations of 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, compare the sensations between a bamboo deck and a carbon deck, between street wheels and all-terrain wheels.
Riders primarily exchanged with each other during the weekend: sensations, settings, usage feedback. More than individual tests, it was the conversations that made the difference.
Beyond the convivial aspect, the weekend had a clear educational dimension. After these three days, everyone left with concrete information about their board, their own ride profile, and a better understanding of what suits them. Knowing what you like, what you're looking for, what you don't use: that's what allows you to make the right choices without guessing.
What We Learned from the Riders
What emerged from the discussions was, first and foremost, the pleasure of being able to test the models in various conditions over the same weekend. Many riders primarily use their boards for street riding, and the format allowed everyone to broaden their horizons: trying terrains they don't necessarily frequent daily, feeling how a board behaves on other surfaces, and sometimes discovering a type of ride that resonated more than they expected.
Ultimately, there's no single perfect board. It all comes down to personal preferences, intended use, rider physique, and the terrains you ride daily. Everyone builds their setup based on how they actually ride, and that's what makes our range so versatile.
"Trust is invaluable; trusting customers enough to keep the stock open was truly appreciated. The boss being involved, approachable, and sharing his vision – that's awesome."
A rider from the weekend
"The seafront is legendary for riders who don't live on the coast."
Grégory Schneckenberger
Thank You
To everyone who made this weekend unforgettable
To all the riders who traveled, some from very far: thank you. You brought the skill, the camaraderie, and the good vibes, transforming a mere event into a truly memorable weekend.
A huge thank you also to the GlissEvolution kite and wingfoil community who joined our Saturday evening get-together. Seeing our worlds connect for an evening was truly special.
Thanks to Camping Le Bel Air for the hospitality, 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 event
The E-Skate Weekend is an annual event open to all riders, regardless of brand. Registration is free, the atmosphere is open, and there are no barriers to entry. esk8riders organizes it, alongside other rides and introductory sessions offered throughout the year.
The 2027 edition is already in the works. Dates, program, and registration details will all be announced on their website in the coming months.
esk8 Weekend in Pornichet FAQ
Do you need to be an experienced rider to attend the e-skate weekend?
No, all skill levels are welcome. The event brings together experienced riders and curious newcomers alike. Sessions are open, everyone rides at their own pace, and the Evolve team is there to guide and advise based on individual profiles.
Can I come without an electric skateboard?
Yes. Evolve and EVO-Spirit make their full range available for test rides 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 board to participate?
Not at all. The event is open to all brands. Whether you ride a Lacroix, Backfire, Meepo, Ecomobl, or another, 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 the latest news on esk8riders' social networks.
Evo-Spirit
Evolve
