Let's be real: flat days happen. Even in Hossegor, where the swell seems to have a direct line from the Atlantic, there are those mornings when you check the beach and it's just... ankle slappers. Or worse; completely flat.
The ocean doesn't owe us anything, and honestly? These flat days are when you get to know a place beyond the lineup. When you slow down, explore, and remember there's more to life than checking Surfline every twenty minutes.
So here's what we do when the waves take a day off.
The Forest: Your Reset Button
The Landes forest isn't just a backdrop, it's one of the best things about this place. When there's no surf, it's the perfect excuse to actually explore it.
The network of pine-lined trails is incredible. You can run, walk, or cycle for hours without seeing the same path twice. There's something about being surrounded by trees, the smell of pine resin, the filtered light, the silence broken only by your footsteps or the occasional bird call. It clears your head in a way the beach can't.
Our go-to is a morning run through the forest. There's a loop that takes you from the Surf House through shaded trails, past hidden lakes, and back again. It's about 5-8km depending on which turns you take, but you can make it shorter or longer. The soft sand and pine needle trails are gentle on the legs, perfect for active recovery after a few big surf days.
If running isn't your thing, just walk it. Bring a coffee in a thermos, take your time, breathe deep. The forest has a way of slowing you down in the best way possible.
Skate
No waves? Skate.
Hossegor and the surrounding towns have some surprisingly good skate spots. There's a decent skatepark in neighbouring Capbreton. Smooth concrete, a few bowls, some ramps. On a quiet weekday morning, you might have the place to yourself.
But honestly, some of the best skating happens on the bike paths. Long, smooth stretches of pavement winding through the forest and along the coast. Bring a longboard or a cruiser and just carve. It's meditative, keeps your legs moving, and scratches that same itch surfing does; flow, rhythm, balance.
We keep surfskates at the Surf House for exactly this reason. They mimic the feeling of surfing on land, and they're one of the best tools for improving your turns and generating speed. Flat days become training days without even trying.
Cycle to Capbreton
One of our favourite flat-day rituals: bikes to Capbreton.
It's only about 15 minutes from the Surf House, and the ride takes you along quiet roads and coastal paths. Capbreton has a different vibe to Hossegor; more fishing village, less surf town. The harbour is worth wandering around, and there are some great little cafes and seafood spots.
But the real move? Fresh mussels at one of the amazing seafood restaurants at the port. It's become a bit of a tradition. You've earned it, you checked the surf three times before accepting it was flat. Treat yourself.
If you're feeling ambitious, you can keep riding north to Seignosse or south toward Labenne. The whole coast is connected by bike paths, and you can easily string together a 20-30km ride without touching a main road.
Yoga and Mobility
This one's less "fun adventure" and more "your body will thank you later," but it matters.
Surfing is hard on the body. Your shoulders get tight, your lower back aches, your hips lock up from all that pop-up repetition. Flat days are the perfect time to give your body some attention.
We run yoga sessions at the Surf House specifically for this. It's not about Instagram-worthy poses or advanced flexibility, it's about undoing the damage, opening up the shoulders, stretching the hip flexors, and reminding your spine that it's allowed to move in directions other than "paddling" and "crouched."
Even if you're not into yoga, just spend 20 minutes stretching. Foam roll. Do some mobility work. Your next surf session will feel completely different. Trust us on this.
Explore the Lakes
The Landes region is dotted with freshwater lakes, and most people who visit never see them. That's a mistake.
Lac d'Hossegor is the obvious one, it's right there, calm, picturesque, and surrounded by cycle paths. You can paddleboard on it, swim in it, or just sit by it with a book. The water is warmer and calmer than the ocean, which is a nice change of pace.
But venture a bit further and you'll find spots like Lac de Soustons or L’Etang Blanc. They're quieter, more secluded, and perfect for a lazy afternoon. Pack a picnic, bring a frisbee or a football, and just exist for a few hours without thinking about swell direction or tide times.
Hit the Gym
Look, not everyone wants to train on their holiday. We get it. But if you're the type who likes to stay sharp, flat days are ideal for a proper workout.
We've got a small gym setup at the Surf House, nothing crazy, just the essentials. Resistance bands, dumbbells, pull-up bar, a few kettlebells. Enough to get a solid session in. Focus on surf-specific strength: shoulders, core, legs. Or just do whatever feels good.
If you'd rather get outside, there are calisthenics parks scattered around the area. Beach workouts are also a vibe, sprints on the sand, push-ups, bear crawls. The sand adds resistance, and you get a tan while you're at it. Win-win.
Or… Just... Chill
Here's the thing we don't say enough: it's okay to do nothing.
The Surf House has hammocks for a reason. Grab a book, lie down, let the afternoon slip away. Take a long siesta. Play cards with whoever's around. Take a slow breakfast and actually enjoy it instead of rushing to check the surf.
Flat days remind you that this whole experience isn't just about the waves, it's about the rhythm of being here. The people, the place, the pause between sessions. Some of the best conversations happen on flat days. Some of the best friendships start when nobody's in a rush to get anywhere.
So if the ocean's taking a break, maybe you should too.
One Last Thing
Flat days never last forever. The swell always comes back. And when it does, you'll paddle out feeling rested, refreshed, and maybe even a little grateful for the break.
But until then? Make the most of it. Hossegor has plenty to offer beyond the waves. You just have to look around.
