Most people would like to give surfing a go – and many more can now experience this fantastic sport due to advances in equipment and teaching methods. Seawater temperatures in south west France are ideal, with an average of 25°C during the summer months. The sea temperature remains above 18°C into late October and doesn't fall lower than 12°C for the coldest winter months. This means summer is board shorts and sun cream and a shorty wet suit can be worn in autumn.


A surfing holiday is great for families (children should be over 5 years old) or groups of friends learning together. Stories can be swapped around the dinner table after the spills and thrills of a day’s surfing at one of a choice of beaches. Over 50 beaches exist on the stretch of coast from Biscarrosse in the North of Landes to Hendaye in the South of Basque country adjoining Spain, not including all those secret spots that the locals try to keep to themselves!


Any surfer will tell you that good tuition in the early stages can save many hours of frustration and really is worth its weight in gold. Each person should be able to swim 50m in open water and have a reasonable level of fitness. To get the best out of your surfing holiday it is advisable to carry out an exercise program a couple of weeks beforehand to build your strength and stamina.