Frequently Asked Questions
On this page you can find the answers to our most frequently asked questions broken down into categories. If you can’t find the question or answer you’re searching for, don’t hesitate to send us a message and we will get back to you as soon as we’re out of the water!
Why should I come to Hossegor and Les Landes?
Hossegor is one of the most famous places to surf in the world! The World Surf League tour stops here every year.
Because of being so close to Spain and the Basque country, we have a great mixture of food, culture, mountains, and ocean.
The most popular activity is surfing, but we are nature lovers here and there are countless other activities to do from horse riding, to tapas tours, to mountain walks.
Les Landes is beautiful! Everyday we see beautiful sunrises over the green pine forests, and colourful sunsets over the ocean.
What are the surf and weather conditions like in Hossegor and Les Landes?
Our local beaches are sand rather than coral or reef. This means that there is an amazing variety of waves and it’s very safe to learn to surf without the danger of coral cuts and scrapes. In the Basque Country there are a number of beautiful smooth rock beaches.
The waves here can vary from 10cm to 6m! We have a great mixture of lefts, rights, long, short, hollow, smooth….. Every beach is different and every day is different.
The average water temperature is 22˚C in summer, 18 ˚C in autumn, 13 ˚C in winter, and 16 ˚C in Spring.
The average air temp is 26 ˚C in summer, 21 ˚C in autumn, 14 ˚C in winter, and 17 ˚C in Spring.
Should I take group lessons or private lessons?
Private lessons are great for one on one tutoring and fast progression. We can customise the session, date, and time exclusively for you. If you want to learn alone or with a few friends/family then private lessons are for you! All levels welcome. Know more
Group classes are lower cost than private lessons. If you want to improve your surfing, meet other surfers of your age/ability, and cheer each other on then group lessons are for you ! Our groups will never be bigger than 5 students. All levels welcome. Know more
We also offer group bookings for parties of up to 8 people. Contact us
Why should I choose a Guided Surf Adventure? What level do I need to be for this option?
Maybe you’ve already surfed in Hossegor a thousand times and you want to try somewhere new? Maybe you can confidently surf on your home beach but you need some guidance in this new area? Or maybe you just fancy a day trip!
Our surf guiding days and half days are great if you want to explore new beaches and find different waves. With this option you can discover new surf destinations safely, with the knowledge of your local guide.
We welcome all levels and your guide will offer teaching and guidance along the way if you would like it. We also welcome “non surfers” to come along and soak up the sites. Know more
I’m with a group of friends/family and we’d like to surf together. Is this possible and how many students can you take in one lesson?
We offer group bookings for parties of up to 8 people. It is sometimes possible to take more students upon special request.
(Please note that 1 -3 surfers is classed as a private lesson. 4-5 surfers is classed as a group lesson.) Contact us
Is it possible to take lessons all year round? Do you offer winter surf lessons?! Do you offer sunrise and sunset surf sessions?
At surf guides we offer lessons and guiding all year round, sunrise to sunset!
We provide equipment for all seasons including hoods, booties, and gloves for winter.
Raph’s weekly clubs run from March to December (excluding summer holidays). Know more
I have been surfing for a while and am searching for something different than group lessons. What can you offer?
Have a look at our full and half day guided surf adventures.
I already have surfing experience and would like to improve my ability, what can you offer?
Private lessons are great for more experienced surfers. We can customize the session exclusively for you and and adapt our teaching and surf spot choice to suit your character, style, and level. We can also film/photograph you to help progress your techniques and as a souvenir to take home!
If you want to take a number of sessions, Raph’s weekly clubs run from March to December (excluding summer holidays) and are a great cost-effective solution.
I have never surfed before, what can you offer?
Before signing up to our weekly clubs or committing to a guided day trip, it’s best to test the waters and take a lesson!
Private lessons are great for one on one tutoring and fast progression. We can customize the session, date, and time exclusively for you. If you want to learn alone or with a few friends/family then private lessons are for you!
Group classes are lower cost than private lessons. If you want to improve your surfing, meet other beginner surfers of your age, and cheer each other on, then group lessons are for you ! Our groups will never be bigger than 5 students.
Where do we meet for the lesson and where will we surf?
Surf Guides is based in Capbreton/Hossegor, but we are flexible! Thanks to our orange private mini bus we can move to different surf spots to adapt to the ever-changing conditions of our beautiful ocean.
For lessons and surf guiding days:
Soorts-Hossegor: La Sud, La Centrale, La graviere, Les Culs Nus
Seignosse: Les Gardians, Les Estagnots, Les Bourdaines, Le Penon, L’Agréou, Les Casernes
Capbreton: Notre-Dame, Le Prévent, Santocha, La piste, Les VVF, La Pointe
For surf guiding days and special requests only:
Pays-Basque Français : Labenne, Tarnos, Anglet, Biarritz, BIdart, Guethary, SaintJean-de-Luz, Socoa, Hendaye
Pays-Basque Espagnol
Other locations may be possible on request
Our 5 official meeting points con be found on the “Where&When” section of every Lessons pages. (your meeting point can be adjusted if needed).
Do the lessons include equipment; wetsuits, surf boards, hoods, boots, gloves? Can I use my own surf equipment?
We will provide you with Surfboards for all levels, wetsuits for all seasons, plus hoods, booties, and gloves for winter.
You are welcome to use your own equipment.
Do you have a permanent surf school base or reception?
We don’t have a physical building. Surf Guides is based in Capbreton/Hossegor, but we are flexible! Thanks to our orange private mini bus we can move to different surf spots to adapt to the ever-changing conditions of our beautiful ocean.
Will my surf lessons be in the same place everyday?
It all depends on mother nature! If the location of your lesson changes due to weather and ocean conditions just hop in our mini bus and off your go!
Knowing when and where to surf and how to find your own waves is the hardest part of our sport. Raph will use his local knowledge to find the best for you and your level. He will also take time to teach you how to do this for yourself so that you are able to practice your surfing outside of the lesson.
Do you provide transportation?
Yes. We have a cool orange mini bus!
For private and group lessons you will usually be given a meeting point. However, if there is a need to move to another beach or you have a special request then just hop on our private mini bus.
For guided surf days and half days you will be picked up from your home or an agreed upon location.
What do I need to bring?
We will provide you with surfboards for all levels, wetsuits for all seasons, plus hoods, booties, and gloves for winter.
You are welcome to use your own equipment.
Don’t forget to bring a towel, suncream, water, and your swimwear.
For guided days we will discuss with you what you need to bring depending on the adventure plan!
Should I arrive early for my surf lesson?
Please arrive 30 – 15 minutes before your lesson. It can take a bit of time to get wetsuits on, surf boards ready and to find the best waves at the location. We want to make sure we maximise your time in the water!
Is there somewhere I can store my belongings and valuables?
You can leave your belongings in our mini bus or in your locked car. However we recommend that you don’t bring any valuables. We don’t take responsibility for anything left in our minibus.
Do you provide refreshments? Are there food shops and cafes nearby?
We don’t usually provide refreshments. In the summer there are cafes or shops open near to each meeting point. However, there are not many cash points so you may need cash. It’s a good idea to bring your own snacks and drinks, especially water.
For guided days we will discuss snacks, lunch, and drinks with you depending on the adventure plan!
Are there toilets at the beach or near the meeting points?
In the summer there are public toilets near to each meeting point, however, these are often closed in the winter.
Do you have a changing room and shower?
We have a basic pop-up changing room and shower attached to our mini bus!
Will Raphael always be our surf instructor and guide?
Yes! (hopefully that’s the answer you wanted to hear!) Surf Guides is a small independent business set up and run by Raph.
For special requests such as large party bookings we may provide a second instructor.
What qualifications do Surf Guides instructors have?
Raphael is your experienced, friendly, local surf guide who has:
- French Surfing Federation Instructor Diploma
- Federal Coach Diploma
- First Aid & Life Saving (surf specific) Diploma – renewed every year
How/where can I write a review?
After the lesson you will receive an email with a link to leave a review on the website.
You can also leave a review on Trip Advisor.
Or on google: LINK
We especially love seeing/sharing your photos and reading about your Surf Guides adventures on Instagram and Facebook. Just use #surfguideshossegor or tag @surfguideshossegor.
How do I book?
You can request to book online via our booking page.
Send us an email raph@surf-guides.com
Or give us a call +33620136930
Follow these links for more information on the booking process:
Where, When, & How To Book : Private Lessons
Where, When, & How To Book : Group Lessons
Where, When, & How To Book : Surf Guiding
Where, When, & How To Book : Raph’s Weekly Clubs
Do I need to book and pay in advance?
Yes. It’s best to book at least a week in advance so we can organise our schedule.
However we can sometimes accept last minute bookings. For this, please give us a call on +33620136930
You will receive a payment request email after booking online. To confirm your booking, you must pay either in full via bank transfer, or a 30% deposit via bank transfer, and the rest in cash at your first lesson.
Do you have a Machine Card at the beach?
No, sorry!
Will I definitely be able to surf on the day I select at booking?
We will try our best to carry out your lesson on the day selected at booking, however, we are a small company and so may call you to adjust the date for reasons such as combining similar abilities in group lessons.
For more information about what happens in the event of bad weather or unforeseen conditions please ready the question on this page titled “What happens if the conditions are too big or too flat? What if it’s raining?!”
I have booked lots of lessons. Can I pay in instalments?
Yes this is a possibility. Please email raph@surf-guides.com to discuss.
Do you offer photographs or videos to take home?
We can film/photograph you to help progress your techniques during the lesson and as a little souvenir to take home for free.
There may sometimes be a professional photographer with the lesson. You will be able to purchase these photos at the end of the lesson.
Do you sell gift cards? Can I offer someone a surf experience as a gift?
Yes. We think offering an experience is an amazing gift! Please email raph@surf-guides.com to discuss the gift card options.
Do you have insurance? Do I need my own insurance?
By registering with SURF GUIDES, students accept the risks related to the normal practice of surfing, stand up paddle boarding, bodysurfing, and bodyboarding. Parents or guardians of underage/minor students accept these risks.
SURF GUIDES is covered by a Professional Liability Insurance contracted with the company Allianz. It covers the supervision of all proposed activities during the duration of these activities. The terms of this insurance can be consulted by contacting raph@surf-guides.com.
In the event of a personal injury, the SURF GUIDES insurance will only cover the student to be taken to, and treated in, the closest hospital. It is therefore strongly recommended for students to take their own “Individual Liability Insurance” that covers the practice of water sports.
You can check with your personal insurance if you are covered for the practice of surfing. Please note that most contracts do not automatically cover water sports.
Here are some easy ways to take your individual liability insurance:
If you only surf occasionally, or are visiting on holiday, you can buy a multi-sport insurance per day or per year.
Impact Multisports covers multiple sports activities, including surf, in Europe. The price is 3 euros per day, or 51 euros per year. You can consult the options and subscribe very quickly and easily before your lesson here: www.impact-multisports.com.
If you surf regularly, you can join the French Federation of Surf (FFS) by purchasing a sports license from them.
class=”orangelink”>LEASE READ OUR TERMS AND CONDITIONS FOR MORE INFORMATION LINK
Is learning to surf safe?
Surfing is, of course, an extreme outdoor sport. That’s why we love it! As with other similar sports there can be risks, but our guides are fully qualified and trained to minimise danger and to help you enjoy surfing safely.
Our local beaches are sand rather than coral or reef. This means that there is an amazing variety of waves and it’s very safe to learn to surf with a soft sandy landing! Our sandbanks enable us to teach in shallow waters close to the shore where we can always have our feet on the ground.
Raphael is your experienced local guide who has:
- French Surfing Federation Instructor Diploma
- Federal Coach Diploma
- First Aid & Life Saving (surf specific) Diploma – renewed every year
Getting up early, watching the ocean, and knowing when each sandbank works due to tide, wind, and swell direction is Raph’s daily routine! Sessions will always be adapted to your level and the conditions of the day.
Any other instructor you may have will also be local, fully qualified, and experienced.
Do I need to tell you about any health issues? When/how can I do this?
After booking, you will receive an email with an attached form to return to us. There will be a section on this for you to write any health issues, medication, or present/past injuries you may have. We will take this into account when planning and carrying out your lesson.
Your instructor will always be close by, don’t hesitate to let him know if you have any doubts during the lesson or feel the need to take a break.
Our guides and instructors will always have a backpack on the beach for health and saftey purpouses. You are welcome to store any medical equipment or medications you may need (such as inhalers, insulin etc.) in this bag.
What happens if the conditions are too big or too flat? What if it’s raining?!
We all know that surf depends on mother nature!
Getting up early, watching the ocean, and knowing when each sandbank works due to tide, wind, and swell direction is Raph’s daily routine! Sessions will always be adapted to your level and the conditions of the day. Waves often look smaller or bigger from the shore, and one beach may be working great whilst another is flat as a lake!
Your instructor/guide will make the best decision for you, and we have our own private mini bus, which is a great way to change locations if needed.
You will receive an email 2 days before your booking reminding you to contact your guide to confirm the timings of your session. In special circumstances such as lightning, or extreme conditions, your session will be re-scheduled or adjusted as discussed with your instructor/guide.
As for the raining question….well we haven’t quite mastered keeping our hair dry whilst surfing yet, so a little rain won’t hurt!
How can I cancel or reschedule my lesson or surf guiding day?
Don’t worry if you need to make a change!
If you would like to cancel, reschedule, or adjust your surf session please contact us as soon as possible via email raph@surf-guides.com. If you need to cancel or edit your booking urgently or within short notice, please contact us by phone +33620136930
For our cancellation/refund policies please check the FAQ “What are your Cancellation/refund policies?” on this page.
What are your Cancellation/refund policies?
- If you cancel more than 48 hours before your surf session, we will refund your booking in full.
- If you cancel less than 48 hours before your surf session, we will refund your booking minus the 30% deposit
- Special circumstances (such as medical issues or extreme weather) discussed with us via phone, email, or in person will be refunded as agreed upon.