All you need to know about surfing in Hossegor with Surf Guides
Surfing lessons
Choose from our private, group, club or coaching lessons to progress at your own pace in Hossegor.
Group or private lessons?
It all depends on you and your surfing project.
One-to-one lessons are ideal for individual tuition and rapid progress. We can tailor the session, date and time exclusively for you. If you want to learn on your own or with a few friends/family, private lessons are for you! We accept all levels! Find out more
Group lessons are less expensive than private lessons. If you want to improve your surfing technique, meet other surfers of your age and level and encourage each other, group lessons are for you! Our groups are made up of a maximum of 5 surfers, which means we can tailor our progress to your needs! We accept all levels! To find out more
We also offer private group bookings for up to 8 people. Contact us for your special requirements!
Why choose a session with a surf guide?
Perhaps you've surfed Hossegor many times before and want to try something new? Can you surf with confidence on your home beach but need some advice in this new area? Or maybe you just fancy a day trip to score the best waves of the day!
Our surf days and half days are perfect if you want to explore new beaches and find different waves. With this option, you can discover new surfing destinations in complete safety, benefit from tailor-made coaching and the knowledge of your local guide.
We welcome all levels and your guide, we also welcome «non-surfers» to share the trip with you and soak up the local surf culture.
Is it possible to privatise a session?
We offer private group bookings for up to 8 people. It is sometimes possible to take more students on special request (in which case we will advise splitting the group, and recommend hiring additional instructors).
Please note that groups of 1 to 3 surfers are classified as private lessons. Groups of 4 to 5 surfers are classified as group lessons.
Is it possible to take courses all year round?
At Surf Guides, we give lessons and sessions with a surf guide all year round, from sunrise to sunset! Don't hesitate to ask!
We provide equipment for all seasons, including balaclavas, booties and gloves for winter.
The surf clubs de Raph are open from March to December (excluding the summer holidays).
Level
Our coaches tailor each session to your level for safe, motivating and effective learning.
I've never surfed before, what would you suggest?
Before joining our surf club or taking part in a guided day trip, it's a good idea to try out surfing and take your first lesson!
The private lessons are ideal for individualised teaching and rapid progress. We can customise the session, date and time exclusively for you. If you want to learn on your own or with a few friends/family, private lessons are for you!
The group courses are less expensive than private lessons. If you want to improve your surfing technique, meet other beginners your age and get motivated in a group, group lessons are for you! Our groups are limited to a maximum of 5 surfers.
I already have surfing experience, what can you offer?
The private lessons are perfect for more experienced surfers. We can personalise the session exclusively for you and adapt our choice of spots, teaching and surfing to your personality, style and level. We can also film/photograph you to improve your techniques and as a souvenir to take home!
If you wish to follow a certain number of sessions, the surf clubs de Raph operate from March to December every weekend (excluding summer holidays) and are an excellent cost-effective solution.
I've been surfing for a while, what can you suggest?
Take a look at our adventures with a surf guide half-day and full-day courses.
On the day
Meet at the designated spot, equipment provided, with parking and amenities nearby.
Do I need to arrive early?
Please arrive between 30 and 15 minutes before your lesson. It may take a little time to put on wetsuits, get kitted out and warm up.
We want to make sure you get the most out of your time in the water!
What should I bring?
We'll provide you with surfboards for all levels, wetsuits for all seasons, as well as balaclavas, booties and gloves for the winter.
> Don't forget to bring a towel, sun cream, water and your swimming costume.
For the guided tours, We'll work with you to organise what you need to bring, based on the adventure plan!
Can I store my belongings and valuables?
You can leave your belongings in our mini bus or in your car. However, we recommend that you do not bring any valuables.
We accept no responsibility for anything left in our minibus, in accordance with our Terms of Use. GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS.
Do you provide refreshments?
We do not usually provide refreshments. In summer, there are cafés, restaurants and shops close to each meeting point. However, as there are not many cash machines, you may need to bring cash. It's a good idea to bring your own snacks and drinks, especially water.
For the guided tours, We'll discuss snacks, lunch and drinks with you, based on the adventure plan!
Are there any toilets nearby?
In summer, there are public toilets close to each meeting point.
However, they are often closed in winter. So be prepared!
Do you have a changing room and a shower?
We love our life around our mobile surf school, so we've installed a single changing room and a quick rinse shower at the back of our mini bus!
What happens if the waves aren't suitable?
We all know that surfing depends on Mother Nature!
> The 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 work very well while another is wave-less, like a lake! Your instructor/guide will make the best decision for you.
> We have our own mini-bus, which is an excellent way of changing location if necessary.
You will receive an email 2 days prior to your booking to remind you to contact your guide to confirm your session times. In special circumstances such as thunderstorms and lightning, or extreme conditions, your session will be rescheduled or adjusted as discussed with your instructor/guide.
As for the rain issue... well, we haven't yet mastered keeping our hair dry while we're surfing, so a little rain won't hurt!
Reservation
Easy booking, secure payment, deferment or credit note in case of unforeseen circumstances.
Do I have to book and pay in advance?
Yes, it's best to book at least a week in advance so that we can organise our timetable.
However, we can sometimes accept last-minute bookings. If this is the case, don't hesitate to text us on (+33)6 20 13 69 30.
You will receive an e-mail requesting payment after booking.
To confirm your booking, you must pay either in full by bank transfer, or a deposit of 30% by bank transfer, and the balance in cash at your first lesson.
Do you have a payment terminal?
No, we don't have a payment terminal.
Can I pay in instalments?
If you have booked a lot of courses, this is a possibility. Please contact us to discuss this.
What are your cancellation conditions?
No refund will be made for any absence or cancellation by the trainee (unless medical justification is provided).
In the event of being unable to take part in a scheduled activity, the student must contact SURF GUIDES at least 48 hours in advance in order to be able to reschedule. If SURF GUIDES is unable to propose a new date within a reasonable time, particularly for trainees on holiday locally for a limited period, reimbursement may be considered in accordance with the following rules:
> If you cancel more than 48 hours before your performance, we will refund your booking in full.
> If you cancel less than 48 hours before your event, we will refund your booking less a deposit of 30% of the total amount.
In the event of bad weather conditions (lack of waves, heavy seas, pollution, storms, etc.), the trainee will be informed by telephone as soon as possible. Services that cannot be carried out will be agreed with the trainee:
> Replaced by alternative activities (coastal lifesaving, bodysurfing, physical training, rowing exercises, etc.)
> Postponed to a later date
> Refunded if substitution or rescheduling is not possible within a reasonable time.
During the off-season, SURF GUIDES reserves the right to cancel group lessons if a minimum of two trainees are not present. In this case, any lessons not taken will be refunded.
Do you sell gift cards?
Yes, we think that offering an adventure is an extraordinary gift!
Please email raph@surf-guides.com to discuss gift card options.
Insurance
All our sessions are supervised by qualified instructors and covered by professional insurance.
Is learning to surf dangerous?
Surfing is, of course, an extreme 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 the dangers and keep you surfing safely.
Our local beaches are sandy rather than coral or reef. This means there is an incredible variety of waves and it's very safe to learn to surf with a sand landing! Our sandbanks allow us to teach in shallow water close to shore where we can always have our feet on the ground.
Raphaël is your experienced local guide who has :
> French Surfing Federation Instructor Diploma
> Federal Coaching Diploma
> First aid and rescue diploma (specific to surfing) - renewed every year
Getting up early, looking out over the ocean and knowing when each sandbank is working according to the tide, wind and swell is Raph's daily routine! Sessions will always be adapted to your level and the conditions of the day.
Any other instructors you may have will also be local, fully qualified and experienced.
Do you have insurance? Do I need my own?
By registering with SURF GUIDES, students over the age of majority and students under the age of majority and their parents or legal guardians accept the risks associated with surfing, Stand up Paddle, BodySurf and Bodyboarding under normal conditions.
SURF GUIDES has taken out Professional Civil Liability insurance with Allianz. It covers the supervision of all the activities offered only for the duration of those activities. The terms of this insurance can be consulted on request at the following email address: Raph@surf-guides.com. SURF GUIDES cannot be held responsible for accidental or deliberate damage, nor for any moral prejudice, caused to the participant or the equipment by third parties during the activities.
It is therefore advisable to take out personal liability insurance to cover water sports. You can check with your personal insurance to see if you are covered, but very few policies cover water sports by default.
Here are a few ways to insure yourself:
> Multisport insurance is available on a daily basis for occasional use.
Impact Multisports offers customers cover in Europe for around 3 euros a day, or 51 euros a year. You can view the cover on offer and take out a policy very quickly before the event at www.impact-multisports.com.
> If you surf regularly, you can join the Fédération Française de Surf (FFS) by buying a sports licence. This licence will cover you all year round.
Should I tell you about my health problems?
After booking, you will receive an email with a registration form attached for you to sign and return to us. There will be a section for you to write down any health problems, medication, or present/past injuries you may have. We will take this into account when planning and running your course.
Your instructor will always be by your side, so don't hesitate to let him or her know if you have any doubts during the lesson or if you feel the need to take a break.
Our guides and instructors will always carry a rucksack on the beach for health and safety reasons. You can store any medical equipment or medication you may need (such as inhalers, insulin, etc.) in this bag.