Wanna learn to surf? Surfing for us is the most natural and liberating sport one may ever experience. Though difficult to learn, the rewards can be almost immediate. Without those rewards, most people would have given up at an early stage. Luckily there are plenty of rewards along the way.
Many a beginner have tried to learn surfing without any guidance and experienced severe punishments before they could taste the rewards. For some, a brutal experience ended what could have been a life long love story. Alone, only the most resilient persevere (read story).
These days, finding a surf school is not difficult. They all provide similar lessons in groups of 10 or more. The spirit of surfing however, may get lost in the process. Why? Learning an activity such as surfing doesn't lend itself well to institutionalised group lessons. In fact it seems antithetical to the spirit of individual expression, freedom, and courage that surfing fosters.
Therefore the SurfBuds team does not advocate or impose a rigid structure over your first surfing experience. We give you plenty of good guidance, preparation and individual advices. However we do not want to taint your first surfing experience by having you wear a jersey and feeling limited by a strict policy and time limit.
Our coaches can be booked for one on one individual lessons and small group of friends. We do not pass on to you the cost of running a surf school and paying our coaches a wage and a commission. Each coach works indepentendly. We just provide an avenue for you and your coach to meet and schedule a lesson.
Surfing preparation
Before you start surfing, be prepared. If you are planning to book a lesson there are a few things you can do to accelerate your progress: push-ups, swimming, and stretching (legs, arms and back). One must remember surfing is 90% paddling. The stronger paddler you are, the faster your progress.
A good understanding of swells, waves and currents is essential for learning to surf safely. Beginners often underestimate conditions and put themselves in danger. To build your confidence level, you will be taught to understand and read ocean conditions via case studies and surf forecasting.
Self knowledge and understanding your body cannot be underestimated. How long can you hold your breath? How long can you swim? You will be surprised to find out how and why you can hold your breath longer than you think. An essential aspect of surfing is to learn to relax when you are in critical situations. This requires a good understanding of your body and its energy requirements.
Daily surf-trips with Philip
Because of changing conditions on a daily basis, Philip will drive you to the best surfing location on any given day. Every surf spot has its own characteristics. Good local wave knowledge is important for your safety and for your progress: Philip will be happy to give you some good tips.
Daily surf-trips to various surf spots are available to anyone regardless of surfing level. We provide transport to and from these surf spots. If your priority is to avoid crowded conditions and to surf pristine barrels or to learn surfing without the crowd, Philip will take you to some of his beloved secret spots.
Surfing the Tides and not the times
Surfing the Tides and not the times is very important on the French coast due to massive tidal changes. Strong shore breaks are highly dangerous therefore we do not surf the high tide shore break.
The better time for surfing is at low tide on an incoming high tide. You have a longer run and more chances to get to your feet with the incoming push of the tidal change providing you the speed you need for stability. Some point breaks such as Parlementia work on all tides while others might be dangerous at low tide due to rocks and boulders.
Individual Coaching
Individual Coaching is necessary to improve your surfing as everyone has their own unique style. Holding groups of 5 surfers maximum per lesson (as opposed to 10), your coach will be able to iron out any wrinkle hindering your surfing technique.
People come in all shapes, ages and athletic abilities. Some might be good swimmers, snowboarders or skateboarders, others may have no skill in any related sport. With the right equipment and preparation however, everyone can experience the pure pleasure of getting their first ride on a surfboard.
One on one lessons or collective lessons for a small group of friends can be requested. Our coaches can be booked through SurfBuds. For availability please send us an inquiry with your prefered dates.
Introduction to big waves spots
The South-west of France is reknowed for big fall and winter swells. Occasionally, big swells hit the coast during summer time. While big La Nord in Hossegor is often picured in magazines, the more consistent action takes place in the Basque country closer to St Jean de Luz.
Some of the most consistent and often surfed big wave spots in the Basque country are located in front of Guethary. Parlementia is the most famous of them and often compared to Sunset beach in Hawaii. Avalanche across the channel from Parlementia holds even bigger swells.
Some of our coaches have plenty of big wave experience. They can help you get comfortable in these treacherous looking waves. Note that you must have an adequate surfing level, and be in good sufing shape.
Wanna learn to surf? Surfing for us is the most natural and liberating sport one may ever experience. Though difficult to learn, the rewards can be almost immediate. Without those rewards, most people would have given up at an early stage. Luckily there are plenty of rewards along the way.
© surfbuds 2008-2009