The French Atlantic coast is known for its expansive sandy beaches and impressive waves, creating optimal conditions for surfing. Whether you want to experience adrenaline-pumping waves here or at one of our other surf centers around the world, you'll need patience, good balance and strong shoulder and back muscles. Of course, you'll also need the courage to take a few cold ones along the way! It can be a challenge, but the overwhelming feeling when you manage to master your first wave is unbeatable. Surfing is something that everyone can learn!
A typical day
Each training session lasts around 2 hours and instruction is personalized and intuitive. For beginners, the day starts on land with a review of basic safety rules and techniques, followed by practical exercises in calm waves. The focus is on developing the feel for the board and the sport. For more experienced surfers, we focus on choosing the right waves, managing fatigue and the ability to surf as long as possible with minimal effort.
Types of waves
Beach waves
When a wave moves from deep to shallow water over a sandy seabed. These types of waves are best suited to beginners and amateur surfers as they generally break with less force than a reef break and are a little kinder to those trying to master them. Although the waves are usually short, the risk factor is much lower as you fall on the sand.
Reef breaks
Places where waves break over a coral reef or rocky seabed are usually more suited to intermediate or advanced surfers. These waves usually break quickly and with greater force compared to beach breaks in shallower waters. However, the shape of the reef and variations in depth can lead to waves of varying shape, size and strength. Typical of these reef breaks is that the waves travel from deeper water to a shallow reef, creating a wave that requires a fast and exciting start for the surfer.
Point or bow waves
Occur when waves break against and follow along a rocky headland, resulting in a wave that moves in only one direction. These waves are often some of the longest and easiest to ride, making them ideal for honing surfing techniques. They generate long rides with open wave fronts, perfect for practicing turns and gliding along the line of the wave. Point or bow waves are particularly suitable for intermediate surfers who have mastered techniques such as the bottom turn and can surf sideways along the wave.
When & where should I go?
March - May
Travel to one of our destinations in the Canary Islands, Fuerteventura or Lanzarote! During these months, the Atlantic swells are usually more consistent and powerful, resulting in better waves. The winds are also more stable and tend to be more favorable for creating good surfing conditions.
May - August
During this period we can recommend Bénodet, Bombannes or Port d'Albret. These months are particularly favorable if you want to surf in France, as the sea is warmer and the winds are usually milder!
September - November
Travel to one of our destinations in the Canary Islands, Fuerteventura or Lanzarote! During these months, the Atlantic swells are usually more consistent and powerful, resulting in better waves. The winds are also more stable and tend to be more favorable for creating good surfing conditions.
How fast can I learn?
The pace of learning varies from person to person, but for beginners it's all about understanding the dynamics of the waves, feeling the board and the balance. After a few days of intensive training, you can expect to be able to ride small waves and have a basic feel for the sport.
Your rate of progress will largely depend on your previous experience in similar water sports and your ability to adapt to the new challenges. Wave surfing requires perseverance and patience, but it is one of the most rewarding water sports to master.
So, how quickly you learn to wave surf with UCPA depends on your own dedication and commitment. With the right attitude and willingness to train, you will experience the amazing feeling of mastering the power of the waves and enjoying it to the fullest!
Choose the right Wave surfing level
2
3
1
Where can you go?
Destination
UCPA - Freely translated to English as "National Federation for Sports and Outdoor Centers" - has a history of over 50 years. It is, in short, a non-profit, all-French organization supported by, among others, the French state. The purpose is to give ordinary people the opportunity to learn and develop in one or more sports together, in pleasant and unpretentious forms. The organization has about 80 centers in France and the West Indies, 28 of them are located at well-known winter sports resorts in the French Alps.
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