{"id":426,"date":"2026-06-30T03:33:25","date_gmt":"2026-06-30T01:33:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/surf-hossegor.com\/passion-surf-landes\/"},"modified":"2026-06-30T03:33:26","modified_gmt":"2026-06-30T01:33:26","slug":"passion-surf-landes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/test.surf-hossegor.com\/en\/passion-surf-landes\/","title":{"rendered":"Surfing passion explodes in the Landes: \u00abNever has the ocean welcomed so many riders\u00bb.\u00bb"},"content":{"rendered":"<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">With line-ups packed to the rafters and boards from all over the world, the C\u00f4te Landaise is sold out from the very first swell. The effervescence around surfing literally transforms Hossegor, Capbreton and Moliets-et-Ma\u00e2 into veritable peak zones, where local riders and holidaymakers alike flock relentlessly. Fueled by the media coverage of surfing at the Olympic Games, the post-pandemic boom is attracting thousands of new enthusiasts, boosting the local economy, but also generating friction and debate over regulations. The explosion of the market, with Quiksilver, Rip Curl, Billabong and other behemoths such as Olaian and Saint-Jacques Wetsuits, is only adding to an already palpable craze in the water... and on the sand. Catch the thrill: in Les Landes, surfing passion has never been so unleashed.<\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Saturation at Landes surf spots: overcrowded line-ups<\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">On Capbreton's Santocha beach, there's a constant ballet of surfboards. More than <strong>200 surfers<\/strong> The scene is reminiscent of a traffic jam on the A63 on August 15. The region's surf schools, including the <a href=\"https:\/\/surf-hossegor.com\/\">Hossegor Surf Club<\/a>, All of our products are sold out: demand is exploding, and children and adults alike are signing up by the bucketful, taking off one after the other despite the tumultuous series.<\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Record crowds on legendary spots (<a href=\"https:\/\/surf-hossegor.com\/plages-surf-hossegor\/\">see the beaches of Hossegor<\/a>)<\/li><li>New young\/old rivalries in the line-ups<\/li><li>Increased professionalization of supervisory staff (instructors, safety teams)<\/li><\/ul>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table>\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th>Spot<\/th>\n<th>Average visitor numbers (summer 2025)<\/th>\n<th>Dominant boards<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td>La Nord (Hossegor)<\/td>\n<td>Up to 250 riders\/day<\/td>\n<td>Shortboards &#8211; All Mer, Quiksilver<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Capbreton Santocha<\/td>\n<td>200 riders\/matinee<\/td>\n<td>Longboards - Oxbow, Billabong<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Moliets<\/td>\n<td>170 riders\/day<\/td>\n<td>Soft tops - Olaian, Rip N Dip<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table><\/figure>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Faced with this influx, locals now prefer less exposed spots, where the vibe remains more rootsy, away from the crowds and summertime binge. As for events, the <a href=\"https:\/\/surf-hossegor.com\/pierre-rollet-hossegor-ouragan\/\">passage of a hurricane<\/a> last autumn further whetted the appetite of discerning loaders.<\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Impact on spot sharing and water safety<\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In this new Wild West, the rules of priority and respect for the line-up are all too often flouted. Collisions, ripped leashes and dented boards are commonplace when a clean series comes along. The instructors are sounding the alarm: a charter of good conduct, initiated by the Hossegor Surf Club, is trying to ease tensions.<\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Increased awareness right from the school briefing<\/li><li>Dedicated initiation zones to contain the influx<\/li><li>Lifeguard jet patrols on the biggest spots<\/li><\/ul>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">With surfing on the rise, some are even calling for stricter regulations. But for the purists, there's no question of killing the surfing spirit, even if sometimes chaos lurks.<\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">A powerful economic driver: surf business and tourism in the Landes region<\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Since the Covid-19 pandemic, the C\u00f4te Landaise has been taken by storm by a public, often CSP+, in search of surfing and lifestyle. Historic brands and new labels are competing: the presence of Quiksilver, Rip Curl, Billabong and Gorilla Surf can be seen on every board and wetsuit. Decathlon's investment in Olaian has turned the situation on its head, further democratizing access to equipment.<\/p>\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Surfcamps open in Moliets-et-Ma\u00e2 and Vieux-Boucau<\/li><li>Boards and equipment sales soar (see <a href=\"https:\/\/surf-hossegor.com\/surf-hossegor-materiel\/\">equipment in Hossegor<\/a>)<\/li><li>Increasing numbers of surfers, from solo surf trips to wellness holidays (<a href=\"https:\/\/surf-hossegor.com\/hossegor-yoga-surf\/\">surf &amp; yoga<\/a>)<\/li><\/ol>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table>\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th>Brand<\/th>\n<th>Equipment trend 2025<\/th>\n<th>Average price<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td>Quiksilver<\/td>\n<td>Shortboards performance<\/td>\n<td>650 \u20ac<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Olaian<\/td>\n<td>Soft tops for learning<\/td>\n<td>249 \u20ac<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Gorilla Surf<\/td>\n<td>Anti-slip pads<\/td>\n<td>40 \u20ac<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Saint-Jacques Wetsuits<\/td>\n<td>Innovative combinations<\/td>\n<td>330 \u20ac<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Oxbow<\/td>\n<td>Longboards &amp; accessories<\/td>\n<td>780 \u20ac<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table><\/figure>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Surf tourism is one of the region's main sources of income, supporting campsites, restaurants and specialized stores. To keep track of the state of the sandbanks and the swell, riders consult in real time the <a href=\"https:\/\/surf-hossegor.com\/surf-report-hossegor\/\">surf report Hossegor<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Technical innovation and the democratization of practice<\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Access to surfing is expanding thanks to more stable and affordable boards from Olaian and All Mer. Progress, long reserved for the initiated, is accelerating: intensive courses and events, such as the cyclonic swell alert (<a href=\"https:\/\/surf-hossegor.com\/alertes-houle-cyclonique-surfeurs\/\">see swell alerts<\/a>), awakening the sliding instinct in young and old alike.<\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>New bio-sourced materials tested on boards<\/li><li>Dedicated community managers for each surfcamp<\/li><li>Regular meetings between entrepreneurs and clubs, from Rip N Dip to Oxbow<\/li><\/ul>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The local economy is booming, buoyed by a booming surf business and the influence of major international players. The next wave? Sustainable development on all fronts.<\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">New tensions and adapting to the surf boom in the Landes region<\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">While the massive influx of surfers is a boom for some, it's also creating a stir: historic locals, enamored of their terroir, denounce the lack of respect for elementary rules, both on the water and in the parking lot. In Moliets-et-Ma\u00e2, the emergence of protected areas now marks out the spaces, imposing strict charters, on pain of seeing the vibe go out of control.<\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Surfing charter established by local authorities and clubs<\/li><li>Better defined bathing and surfing areas<\/li><li>Eco-friendly initiatives at Billabong, Quiksilver and Saint-Jacques Wetsuits<\/li><\/ul>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Local collectives step up to the plate: exhibitions, clean-up days and awareness-raising events punctuate the seasons, creating links between residents and visiting riders. The more seasoned riders opt for the more remote corners, enjoying a clean spot while the crowds flock to the better-known sandbanks (<a href=\"https:\/\/surf-hossegor.com\/quelle-planche-pour-surfer-la-nord\/\">discover the right board for La Nord<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table>\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th>Problem<\/th>\n<th>Local solution<\/th>\n<th>Impact<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td>Line-up traffic<\/td>\n<td>Creation of time slots for schools<\/td>\n<td>Less conflict, better flow<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Beach litter<\/td>\n<td>Regular collection campaigns<\/td>\n<td>Cleaner coast, better image<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Decline of local identity<\/td>\n<td>Surf culture events organized by clubs<\/td>\n<td>Passing on and renewing traditions<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table><\/figure>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Far from being limited to business, surfing is lived here as a way of life, a routine punctuated by the swell (<a href=\"https:\/\/surf-hossegor.com\/houle-cyclonique-hossegor-surf\/\">consult the swell<\/a>), wind and respect for the crew.<\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What changes can we expect in the future? <\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The pressure on spots is leading to collective reflection: how far can we open our arms to the new generation, without losing the Landes heritage? Can we moderate the summer horde while cultivating the gliding spirit? For the specialists, the key lies in passing on the values of sharing, respect and a thirst for discovery. Surfing in the Landes is more than just a sport: it's a whole culture that balances movement, tradition and innovation.<\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Better structuring of teaching to keep pace with exploding enrolments<\/li><li>Promoting local handcraft in the face of rising mass production<\/li><li>More responsible and inclusive events<\/li><\/ul>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Tomorrow, the C\u00f4te Landaise intends to remain one of the capitals of surfing, in a resolutely committed and inspired mode.<\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Frequently asked questions about surfing in the Landes<\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Which spots are the most crowded in summer?<\/strong><br>\nLa Nord in Hossegor, Santocha in Capbreton and the central beach of Moliets concentrate the majority of surfers between July and September, with line-ups that can exceed 200 riders on the best swells. Updated reports on <a href=\"https:\/\/surf-hossegor.com\/surf-report-hossegor\/\">surf-hossegor.com<\/a> allow you to choose the best time slots.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>What type of board should you choose for these spots?<\/strong><br>\nFor heavy, hollow beachbreaks (e.g. La Nord), Quiksilver, All Mer or Rip Curl shortboards are preferred. Beginners prefer Olaian soft tops or Oxbow longboards for stability.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>How are schools coping with the massive influx of students?<\/strong><br>\nSchools divide students by level and start time, use specific areas for initiation, and collaborate with local clubs. Ongoing training for instructors is reinforced, often in partnership with brands such as Saint-Jacques Wetsuits or Billabong.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Are there any alerts related to safety or exceptional conditions?<\/strong><br>\nYes, cyclonic swell alerts are broadcast on specialized platforms such as <a href=\"https:\/\/surf-hossegor.com\/alertes-houle-cyclonique-surfeurs\/\">surf-hossegor.com\/alerts-swell-cyclone-surfers<\/a>, to anticipate major depressions and guarantee the safety of the community.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>What are your top tips for preserving the Landaise vibe despite the crowds?<\/strong><br>\nRespect for the line-up, involvement in local eco-responsible actions, and support for Landes handcraft (All Mer boards, Gorilla Surf accessories) help to preserve authenticity. We also recommend discovering new spots outside peak periods.<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Entre line-up bond\u00e9s et planches de tous horizons, la C\u00f4te landaise affiche complet d\u00e8s la premi\u00e8re houle. L\u2019effervescence autour du surf transforme litt\u00e9ralement Hossegor, Capbreton ou Moliets-et-Ma\u00e2 en v\u00e9ritables zones de pic, o\u00f9 riders locaux et vacanciers affluent sans rel\u00e2che. Aliment\u00e9e par la m\u00e9diatisation du surf aux Jeux olympiques, l\u2019essor post-pand\u00e9mique attire des milliers de [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":680,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","ast-disable-related-posts":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"set","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":"","_members_access_role":[],"_members_access_error":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[6,33,35,34,8],"class_list":["post-426","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-blog","tag-landes","tag-ocean","tag-passion-surf","tag-riders","tag-surf"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/test.surf-hossegor.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/426","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/test.surf-hossegor.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/test.surf-hossegor.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/test.surf-hossegor.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/test.surf-hossegor.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=426"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/test.surf-hossegor.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/426\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":572,"href":"https:\/\/test.surf-hossegor.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/426\/revisions\/572"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/test.surf-hossegor.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/680"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/test.surf-hossegor.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=426"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/test.surf-hossegor.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=426"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/test.surf-hossegor.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=426"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}