Welcome, fellow wave chasers and board enthusiasts! We understand the perennial question that's been gnawing at your sun-kissed souls: to book a surf guide in Hossegor or dive headfirst into a surf lesson when gracing the golden sands of southwest France?
Fear not, saltwater-infused friends, for we have braved the mighty waves of uncertainty to provide you with the answer. So wax up your board, slap on some sunscreen and let’s paddle out into the sea of knowledge.
Ready to ride the world famous surf spots of Hossegor your way? Let's get cracking.
Surf guiding / For everyone from confident learners to advanced surfers
Surf guiding is the ticket for all you confident learners, intermediates and advanced surfers out there.
We even accept self-confessed kooks so long as they behave.
Jokes! But seriously, surf guiding isn’t about learning the absolute basics, but rather about having a local, wave-savvy guide who'll take you to the funnest, most appropriate surf spots in Hossegor.
They'll steer you clear of the tourist-laden beaches when possible and instead take you directly to the wave-rich, lesser-known corners of the coast. What's the catch? You'll need to have a basic knowledge of surfing fundamentals… and a healthy appetite for adventure.
Essentially, surf guiding is a fast track to the best waves without the time-wasting guesswork involved when trying to dial in a new location. And it's great if you only have a week or so to make the most of good conditions.
Pros and cons of surf guiding in Hossegor
Pros
Free: Fortunately for you, surf guiding with Southwest Surf House is free when you book accommodation! This means you needn't budget for this extra service - save your money for all the tasty French cuisine you'll be inhaling!
Wave selection: Your guide will have the local knowledge to direct you to the best waves based on the current conditions.
No time wasted: Say goodbye to the trial and error of discovering good surf spots.
Off-the-beaten-path experiences: Surf guides can help you escape the crowded touristy beaches.
Tailored tips: Get advice to improve your surfing skills tailored to your ability level and the current conditions.
Safety: Surf guides are familiar with the local hazards which can help ensure your safety.
Cultural insights: A local guide can offer unique insights into the local culture and environment.
Networking: You'll likely meet other passionate surfers during your guided sessions.
Equipment advice: Professional surf guides can also offer equipment advice and recommendations.
Flexibility: Surf guiding sessions can be more flexible with schedules and locations compared to surf lessons.
Cons
Skill level: It's not really for true beginners. You need to have a certain level of surfing know-how to fully benefit from guiding.
Less structured: Unlike lessons, guiding might lack a structured learning process which can be less beneficial for someone looking to improve specific aspects of their surfing.
Limited availability: High-quality surf guides can be in high demand, especially in peak season, meaning less flexibility in scheduling your sessions.
Surf guiding Hossegor FAQ
Do I need my own surf equipment for surf guiding in Hossegor?
While having your own surf equipment is a bonus, it's not a must. We include a range of wetsuits and boards as part of your booking.
Can beginners take part in surf guiding sessions?
Surf guiding isn't usually the best fit for true beginners, but so long as you have a basic understanding of surfing, we can accommodate you.
How do I choose a good surf guide in Hossegor?
Look for surf guides with good reviews, local knowledge and relevant qualifications. That’s generally the way to go. Of course, since we offer surf guiding in-house, you could always just reach out and ask about our own surf guides.
How long does a surf guiding session usually last?
On average, surf guiding sessions can last anywhere between 2 to 4 hours, but the exact duration can vary depending on the conditions on the day and what you feel like doing. We’re totally flexible.
What should I bring to a surf guiding session in Hossegor?
Aside from your surf equipment, bring plenty of water, snacks, a towel, change of clothes, sunscreen and of course, your adventurous spirit!
Can I book a surf guide for multiple days?
Absolutely! We offer multi-day or week-long surf guiding. Essentially, so long as you’re staying with us, you have access to a surf guide who’ll ensure you get the most out of your Hossegor surf trip.
Surf lessons / Ideal for true beginners or first-timers
Surf lessons are the perfect pick for those who are still dipping their toes in the world of surfing.
These structured sessions are run by experienced instructors who'll guide you through the basic techniques, safety rules and the etiquette of surfing. You'll start on the sand, practising your pop-up and getting familiar with your board, before you head into the water to catch your first waves alongside your instructor.
Ultimately, surf lessons offer an all-inclusive, step-by-step program to get you up and surfing with confidence and style in the shortest amount of time possible.
Note that while we don’t run the surf lessons, we do use a trusted English and French-speaking surf school by the name of Ecole de Surf Cote Francaise (ESCF) who are located just down the road at Les Bourdaines.
Pros and cons of surf lessons in Hossegor
Pros
Structured learning: Surf lessons follow a step-by-step process, ensuring you cover all the basics and progress in a systematic manner.
Professional instruction: You’ll be taught by experienced instructors who know how to translate complex techniques into digestible lessons.
Safe environment: Lessons are conducted in controlled environments which are typically safer for beginners.
Feedback and correction: Instructors provide instant feedback and correct your posture or techniques, helping you to avoid developing bad habits.
Social interaction: Surf lessons are a great opportunity to meet fellow beginners, making your learning experience more social and fun.
Wave selection: Instructors select waves that are suitable for your skill level, making your initial forays into surfing less daunting.
Equipment provided: Since surf schools will provide you with equipment, you needn’t worry about investing in your own gear right away.
Consistent practice: Regular surf lessons provide consistency, accelerating your learning curve and progress in the sport.
Cons
Group sizes: Lessons are usually in group settings. While this can be fun, it can also mean less one-on-one attention from your instructor.
Scheduling: Surf lessons typically follow a fixed schedule. This could mean less flexibility around when you can surf, especially if you're trying to fit it in around other holiday activities.
Limited challenge: Once you've grasped the basics, you might find the waves selected for lessons too tame. It can sometimes be a slow process to progress to more challenging waves in a lesson structure.
Uniformity: Every student is different, but in a group lesson, instructors often have to adhere to a one-size-fits-all approach which may not cater to individual learning styles or goals.
Surf lessons Hossegor FAQ
Do I need my own surf equipment for surf lessons in Hossegor?
Nope! Even though most surf schools in Hossegor provide all the necessary equipment, you can also grab boards and wetsuits from us.
I've never surfed before. Are the lessons suitable for true beginners?
Absolutely! Surf lessons are tailored especially for beginners. The instructors start from scratch, so you're in safe hands. You'll be riding the waves in no time.
How many people will be in a group lesson?
Group sizes can vary. On average, you can expect around 5 to 8 people max per lesson. If you prefer, ESCF offers private lessons too.
Do I need to know how to swim to take surf lessons?
Yes, you do. Since surfing takes place in the ocean, knowing how to swim is essential.
What should I bring to my first surf lesson?
Here's your checklist: a towel, water, sunscreen, a swimsuit to wear under your wetsuit if you want and a hearty breakfast in your belly. Be ready for some serious fun!
Final thoughts
At the end of the day, the choice between surf guiding and surf lessons in Hossegor ultimately hinges on your individual experience and objectives.
Are you a keen beginner or seasoned surfer eager to discover the best secret spots and shred epic waves? Surf guiding is your ticket. New to the surf scene and keen to get your feet wet (literally) in a safe and structured environment? Surf lessons will do you a world of good.
Just remember, the ocean doesn't discriminate - it's all about having a crack and enjoying yourself regardless of skill level. Should you still be in two minds or have any other questions about an upcoming surf trip to Hossegor, don't hesitate to drop a line to the friendly team at Southwest Surf House.