As surfers, going on a bona fide surf trip can be a key and exciting part of the surfing experience. And while far flung places like the Metawais, Bali, or Tahiti, are often the places surfers dream about first, we’ve often thought about getting over to the “Continent” to surf France or Spain.
Our friends over at Surfholidays.com have provided us with their fave top five European surf destinations. Check it out!
If you ever have the chance to take that a once in a life time surf holiday then there is no better option than a trip through Northern Spain and South West France. We have taken a look at the 5 places that you have to visit along the way.
1. Mundaka
We’ll start here as for many it’s the easiest to get to. The city of Bilbao is only 25kms away and most major airlines fly here. Now what you do in Mundaka really depends on what kind of a surf vacation you are on. If you’re a good surfer you will definitely want to try it, if not then you can marvel at it from the viewing area and watch surfers catch barrel after barrel as the water travels in land to the town of Guernica. Mundaka is a very traditional Basque town; it’s also worth taking some time to wander the narrow streets.
2. Zarautz and San Sebastian
From Mundaka make your way back on to the motorway for a quick hour drive to Zarautz or else stick on the country roads; great if you have time as they are picturesque and mountainous plus there are a few surf spots along the way. Zarautz is home to arguably Spain’s biggest surf town. While it’s not a big town as such, the main reason it’s so popular is because of its 3kms beach that runs parallel to the towns promenade. The promenade is packed full of restaurants, bars, basketball courts, skate parks, cycle lanes, skate lanes and many other amenities that make it a great place to send some time. The beach is a great beginners surf beaches, a perfect spot for surfing lessons and because of its length there are numerous points for improvers and the more advanced. The town is host to a WQS event every September
3. San Sebastian
20kms from Zarautz is San Sebastian. It is without doubt one of Europe’s most beautiful cities. The focal point of the city is its old town – packed with lively bars and delicious restaurants – it is often referred to as the gastro capital of Spain. The city also has what every city can only dream of, two spectacular beaches, one of which is the very consistent La Zurriola. Spend as long as you want here, sitting in the sun and surfing it as often as you like.
4. Biarritz
This can also be a starting point thanks to the cities international airport which is only 10kms from the city itself. It’s 40kms from San Sebastian. The city has been described as the birthplace of European surf. Its two beaches offer perfect conditions for all standards and both comes alive during the summer with surf festivals and events taking place almost every day.
5. Hossegor
While Biarritz might be where European surf began, Hossegor has become its surf Capital. Just 30kms north of Biarritz lie beach after beach of perfect surf. This is what surfing holidays in France are all about. Three towns join together, Capbreton, Hossegor and Seignosse and possess the best beach breaks in the world. The WCT has held an event here for years and it’s easy to see why. Hossegor really has it all but be careful, the beach bars come alive at night and you might never get to sleep…
Picturesque San Sebastian
The cruisey promendade at Zarautz.
Biarritz!
Surf Stronger Fit Challenge #1
Ball push ups are a rad, surf-specific exercise you can do when you are cross training for surfing. The ball push up is an excellent surf-specific movement, because it builds strength in the chest and arms for paddling and simulates the unstable, wobbly nature of duck-diving. You’ll appreciate the benefits of these push ups during tough paddles and whenever you have to perform several duck-dives in a row.
The challenge:
Perform as many one legged ball push-ups as you can in one minute, on one side. Rest one minute, then switch feet and attempt as many one legged push ups on the other leg.
Rules: Your chest must lightly touch the ball on every push-up — you can’t bounce off the ball. One foot must be on the ground, and the other suspended in the air. Do as many as you can in one minute on one leg, rest for one minute, then switch legs. Email us your numbers at info@surfstronger.com. Winner gets a free, limited edition, Surf Stronger “Mind, Body, Surf” t-shirt. Contest closes midnight February 12, 2009.
Disclaimer: Always consult with your physician before beginning any exercise program. The suggestions here are in no way intended to substitute for medical advice.
Ball push ups are just one of many effective surf-specific exercises from the original, best selling, Surf Stronger–The Surfer’s Workout, available on DVD and as digital download.
Ball Push Ups on One Leg -- a great surf specific exercise.
Limited edition, Surf Stronger, "Mind, Body, Surf" t-shirt.