Surfing passion explodes in the Landes: «Never has the ocean welcomed so many riders».»

With line-ups packed to the rafters and boards from all over the world, the Côte Landaise is sold out from the very first swell. The effervescence around surfing literally transforms Hossegor, Capbreton and Moliets-et-Maâ 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.

Saturation at Landes surf spots: overcrowded line-ups

On Capbreton's Santocha beach, there's a constant ballet of surfboards. More than 200 surfers The scene is reminiscent of a traffic jam on the A63 on August 15. The region's surf schools, including the Hossegor Surf Club, 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.

• Record crowds on legendary spots (see the beaches of Hossegor)
• New young/old rivalries in the line-ups
• Increased professionalization of supervisory staff (instructors, safety teams)

Spot	Average visitor numbers (summer 2025)	Dominant boards
La Nord (Hossegor)	Up to 250 riders/day	Shortboards - All Mer, Quiksilver
Capbreton Santocha	200 riders/matinee	Longboards - Oxbow, Billabong
Moliets	170 riders/day	Soft tops - Olaian, Rip N Dip

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 passage of a hurricane last autumn further whetted the appetite of discerning loaders.

Impact on spot sharing and water safety

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.

• Increased awareness right from the school briefing
• Dedicated initiation zones to contain the influx
• Lifeguard jet patrols on the biggest spots

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.

A powerful economic driver: surf business and tourism in the Landes region

Since the Covid-19 pandemic, the Côte 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.

1. Surfcamps open in Moliets-et-Maâ and Vieux-Boucau
2. Boards and equipment sales soar (see equipment in Hossegor)
3. Increasing numbers of surfers, from solo surf trips to wellness holidays (surf & yoga)

Brand	Equipment trend 2025	Average price
Quiksilver	Shortboards performance	650 €
Olaian	Soft tops for learning	249 €
Gorilla Surf	Anti-slip pads	40 €
Saint-Jacques Wetsuits	Innovative combinations	330 €
Oxbow	Longboards & accessories	780 €

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 surf report Hossegor.

Technical innovation and the democratization of practice

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 (see swell alerts), awakening the sliding instinct in young and old alike.

• New bio-sourced materials tested on boards
• Dedicated community managers for each surfcamp
• Regular meetings between entrepreneurs and clubs, from Rip N Dip to Oxbow

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.

New tensions and adapting to the surf boom in the Landes region

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-Maâ, the emergence of protected areas now marks out the spaces, imposing strict charters, on pain of seeing the vibe go out of control.

• Surfing charter established by local authorities and clubs
• Better defined bathing and surfing areas
• Eco-friendly initiatives at Billabong, Quiksilver and Saint-Jacques Wetsuits

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 (discover the right board for La Nord).

Problem	Local solution	Impact
Line-up traffic	Creation of time slots for schools	Less conflict, better flow
Beach litter	Regular collection campaigns	Cleaner coast, better image
Decline of local identity	Surf culture events organized by clubs	Passing on and renewing traditions

Far from being limited to business, surfing is lived here as a way of life, a routine punctuated by the swell (consult the swell), wind and respect for the crew.

What changes can we expect in the future?

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.

• Better structuring of teaching to keep pace with exploding enrolments
• Promoting local handcraft in the face of rising mass production
• More responsible and inclusive events

Tomorrow, the Côte Landaise intends to remain one of the capitals of surfing, in a resolutely committed and inspired mode.

Frequently asked questions about surfing in the Landes

Which spots are the most crowded in summer?
La 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 surf-hossegor.com allow you to choose the best time slots.

What type of board should you choose for these spots?
For 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.

How are schools coping with the massive influx of students?
Schools 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.

Are there any alerts related to safety or exceptional conditions?
Yes, cyclonic swell alerts are broadcast on specialized platforms such as surf-hossegor.com/alerts-swell-cyclone-surfers, to anticipate major depressions and guarantee the safety of the community.

What are your top tips for preserving the Landaise vibe despite the crowds?
Respect 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.