So. FR?

[Lee Murian]

Anyone been for surf? We're going in October. Have a friend's house for a few weeks in Provence, how un/likely are waves on the Med? Also planning on climbing and cycling, the limestone Calanqes look sick!

Then heading to Atlantic side. Don't want to rent a car, plan to stay in Biaritz and hang there for a week or so...sounds like a fun place, any advice for staying here? 4/3? Pretty consistent waves in October? Rain? Crowds? Loud party scene in town? Any and all recommendations for a family trip (wife and toddler) to Provence and beyond?

peace...

[CascadeCrudSkier]

Pretty consistent waves in October? Crowds?

I've never been but Biarritz looks fun. Plus, I've always wanted to surf next to a castle.



As far as wave consistency goes, the ASP World Tour runs through France/Portugal in late September/mid October so I think you're there the perfect time of year.

[hop]

I've never been but Biarritz looks fun. Plus, I've always wanted to surf next to a castle.

Plenty of that in Scotland. Water's a bit colder though.

[robnow]

I highly recomend venturing over onto the Spanish side. I've only been between Anglet and San Sebastian for a couple weeks during summer but absolutely loved SS. Even though its all Basque country the approachability of the Spanish woman beat out the hotness of the French women, not that you're interested because you got that covered anyway, but yeah in general the Spanish were much friendlier than the French. Biaritz was good for a day but that was enough for me.

If you have a vehicle there are probably a ton of great different places to see within short proximities to one and other.

As far as waves, in general Anglet and North to Hossegor will be heavier shore pound. Had it messy in Biaritz so can't comment when the waves are better, and SS was mellow but fun. Don't miss out on the paella.

[CascadeCrudSkier]

Plenty of that in Scotland. Water's a bit colder though.

Not to divert this thread too much but besides the cold water, how much good surfing was there in Scotland? The magazines make it seem like it's great except the cold water but how many days does the wind actually go offshore w/ a decent swell? It seems as fickle as Washington/British Columbia. For now I think I'll take surfing in France over Scotland but they both would be cool experiences.

[hop]

Not to divert this thread too much but besides the cold water, how much good surfing was there in Scotland? The magazines make it seem like it's great except the cold water but how many days does the wind actually go offshore w/ a decent swell? It seems as fickle as Washington/British Columbia. For now I think I'll take surfing in France over Scotland but they both would be cool experiences.

It's fickle, but it can get remarkably good if you nail the right place at the right time. Unfortunately most of my free time for exploring came in the summer when the swell isn't as consistent, but we found a lot of places that would be awesome with just a bit more push than we had at the time. I bet if I had more time during fall/winter/spring, I would have consistently found the goods.

I'm kicking myself for not buying a car as soon as I got there since all winter I was living only 45 min. away from the Broch, which is one of the best most consistent breaks on the E coast (consistent offshores).

[Lee Murian]

thanks CCS and robnow. As much as I want to check SS, it'll have to be for another trip...

I'm pretty sure we'll post up at Biarritz; if there's waves than it's all good. If no waves, it looks like there is other stuff to do??

We leave Tuesday, we'll miss the pro tour, but hopefully we'll have decent conditions...Still curious about wetsuit and temps??

Scotland sounds fun, but too familiar to what we have in the PNW, and what I'm trying to get away from...except for the castles of course...

[COUSINELVIS]

YOU DO NOT HAVE TO LEAVE AMERICA TO SURF IN VIEW OF A CASTLE AT ALL

THE PLACE ACTUALLY GETS EPIC

AND NO SNOBY FROGS TO DEAL WITH

JUST SPUN METH HEADS

[Misty_Fly]

There's some great surf in the med but information is pretty closely guarded regarding the secret spots etc. Buy the stormrider europe guide, it has good info on the med as well as the west coast. SW france has some of the best beachbreaks in the world, especially in the autumn. Very wind dependent though as the whole coastline basically faces straight west. 4:3 would definitely be enough rubber, could even get away with 3:2. enjoy!

[Lee Murian]

^^^^That's what I was hoping for! Thanks MF, I have the EU Stormriders and there's some good looking potential, but few details anywhere else. I guess I wouldn't advertise good surfing on the Med either...

It looks like only an hour from Biarritz to San Sebastian, it might be worth a visit 'cross the border...

nice that the state department just issed a travel advisory for Eu, we fly tomorrow, fuggin terrorists