The language of the surfer
The Atlantic Ocean is famous for its beautiful waves. So it's hardly surprising that one of the most popular sports in the Landes region is surfing. It's without doubt the department's most popular board sport, followed by stand-up paddle, bodyboarding, sea kayaking and kite-surfing. Before you head out to discover surfing and the best surfing spots in the Landes region, let's take a look at the vocabulary!
Surfing is more than just a sport, it's a way of life in the Landes region, characterized by its own specific expressions. It's a very specific language, with an English accent, that you need to get to grips with. For example, if you're just starting out, it's best to look for a beach break, i.e. a beach where the waves break close to the shore, allowing you to learn in a safer environment. When it comes to choosing a board, beginners opt for a soft board, a large foam board that enables them to float better and manage their balance. Experienced surfers, on the other hand, often opt for a shortboard, a fish or even a gun board, and sometimes a longboard, depending on the type of wave and the weather. Once you're on the board, you need to get to the line-up, the area offshore where you wait for the waves. When you feel the wave, you stand up - that's the take-off ! Finally, did you know that most boards are made by craftsmen called shapers? Each board is fitted with a leash, a sort of "leash" to be attached to the ankle to link the rider to the board. The leash was invented by Georges Hennebutte, one of Biarritz's very first surfers. Surfing in France was born in Biarritz, a few kilometers south of the Landes region.
Surfing in the Landes
Originating in Hawaii, the sport arrived in France via the Basque coast in 1956, transforming Biarritz in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques into the cradle of surfing. The quest for the perfect spot led surf enthusiasts to explore the Landes region. Surfing then spread all along the Atlantic coast. Along with other surfers, they settled in Contis to enjoy the waves and the tranquility of the area. Since then, a whole industry has developed in the department. From Biscarrosse to Capbreton, surfers come together to ride the waves all year round, adapting to the weather, tides, wind and swell. The Landes region is one of the world's top surf spots, attracting professional and amateur surfers from all over the world. Tourists from all over the world flock to Hossegor, which is considered the surfing capital of Europe thanks to its many popular spots offering exceptional waves and a uniquely relaxed atmosphere. It's also here that the world's greatest surfers have come to compete, including Gabriel Medina, Kelly Slater, Mick Fanning, John Florence and, of course, the Frenchmen Jérémy Florès, Johanne Defay, Maud Lecar and the Tahitian Kauli Vaast. A number of professional surfers have also settled in Hossegor to take advantage of the spot's year-round conditions.
The best surf spots
Perhaps you're wondering where to go for your level of surfing? When you think of surfing and the best surfing spots, the first thing that comes to mind is Hossegor. Popular thanks in part to the film Brice de Nice, Hossegor is a wellness destination with a vibrant surf culture, where the local atmosphere blends with the international, Californian flavour. Surf spots are very popular in Hossegor: La Sud is an ideal beach break for all surf enthusiasts, with waves that are particularly accessible and attract many tourists. The beach is very busy, but the spot is well worth a visit, especially for beginners. But Hossegor's beaches aren't the only ones where you can enjoy great waves!
Beginners can also try their hand at swell surfing in the Huchet current nature reserve, which links Lac de Léon to the ocean (central beach in Moliets), or further south in Capbreton, at the Prévent and Santocha spots. If you're in the north of the Landes, the spots at Biscarrosse (La Nord) and Mimizan (Plage Remember) are just as nice and accessible for beginners, depending on the weather conditions.
For more experienced surfers, the beach break La Piste in Capbreton offers great fast waves. Or, in the pretty seaside resort of Soustons, enjoy a more intimate, peaceful setting overlooking the Landes forest. The Vieux-Boucau and Messanges spots are also interesting, but very popular in summer. In Seignosse, Plage des Estagnot is renowned for its regular waves, where surfers venture to improve their skills. More experienced surfers can head to La Gravière in Hossegor, where the Quiksilver and Roxy Pro France competitions were held for several years. A little further down, La Nord (still in Hossegor) offers powerful, thick waves over a long distance: a technical and impressive spot much appreciated by professional surfers. For nature-lovers, the 27 kilometers of beaches at Côte Landes Nature are a must-see because they are unspoilt. Here, respect for nature is an inviolable law - in short, an ideal wild coast. Three small villages offer ideal conditions for surfing: Contis, Cap de l'Homme and Vieille-Saint-Girons. To the south, on the border with the Basque country, the waves are powerful and continue to offer superb natural and wild landscapes, as is the case on the beaches of Labenne, Ondres and Tarnos. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned surfer, the whole Landes coast is yours to discover! But remember, every surf spot is different. They all constantly evolve according to the size of the swell and the sandbank, as well as the tide. To make the most of your surfing experience, but above all to stay on the safe side (watch out for baïnes and currents!), don't hesitate to enlist the help of approved instructors for group or private lessons at an accredited surf school.
Must-see events
Every year, from April to October, the Landes region is alive with surfing events. The coastline plays host to world-renowned events, attracting thousands of spectators who come to admire professional surfers in action and the stars of the sport. The Hossegor event is a must-see. For years, the famous Quiksilver and Roxy Pro France events have been held in Hossegor in October. From 1987 to 2019, these events were part of the World Surfing Championship calendar, a competition where the world's surfing elite compete over several days on the waves. In 2020, the World Surf League decided to abolish this stage. Since 2023, it has been replaced by the Quiksilver Festival, held in Capbreton, Hossegor and Seignosse from late September to early October, a festival of surf culture initiated by French professional surfer Jeremy Florès. A fun and innovative competition is still organized (but no longer part of the world championship), as well as live concerts, DJ sets, skate demos, film screenings, autographs and many other activities.
In Hossegor, you can also attend the Royal Barrique competition. This event brings together some fifty surfers who challenge each other on the water, but here: only the tubes count!
Also discover the Closing Spot festival in Biscarrosse in September. Held at various locations around Biscarrosse-Plage, this small, intimate festival brings the season to a close with concerts in a variety of musical styles, a DJ competition and a surfing competition. The atmosphere is convivial and it's a great way to end the summer!
Finally, to admire the surfers in competition, you can also go to the beach and lay down your towel facing the ocean during the French Open, the French and European Championships, or the paddle and bodyboard championships. From Mimizan to Capbreton, via Moliets and Vieux-Boucau-les-Bains, the spots vary from year to year. The full calendar of championships is available on the French Surfing Federation website.
