Evaluate your surf level
Surfing levels according to Natural Surf School in collaboration with the FFS
To make the most of your surfing holiday in Landes, before you leave, assess your surfing level and check the wave forecast. Depending on your expectations, you can book a single surfing lesson, a 3- to 5-day surfing course or surfing coaching. Once you arrive, take a good look at the spot before jumping in! This advice applies to both surf lessons and free surfing.
What is your surf level : beginner, intermediate, advanced or expert?
Beginner surfer
Beginner level: First foam board at Vague de Bronze 1 (French Surfing School (EFS) levels)
I have never surfed before (complete beginner) or I have surfed occasionally. I can stand up on the board in the foam but I fall quickly and frequently. I struggle against the elements and waste a lot of energy trying to catch the wave and then ride it, but I keep coming back for more! I tell myself it would be easier with a shortboard ;-) but that choice would be counterproductive to learning to surf successfully. I am regularly surprised by the waves and am not used to moving around with a leash and a surfboard. Due to my lack of experience, I have trouble controlling my board and let go of it easily. I haven't spent enough time in the water yet to master the safety reflexes, which is why foam boards or softboards are the most suitable boards. A surfing lesson to get started or refresh the basics is recommended, if not necessary.
Intermediate to advanced level
Intermediate level: Bronze Wave 2 to Silver Wave 1 (EFS levels)
I have been surfing for 2 to 3 years and have several weeks of surfing experience at more or less regular intervals. Surfing is becoming more and more important in my life and I dream of practising more. I have acquired some knowledge of the environment and waves and know how to recognise a rip current. I adapt to changes in the rhythm of the foam by using my body weight and support correctly.
I know the rules of priority and how to behave in the water, but my experience in the line-up is limited to waves of 1 metre maximum. I know when to use the bridge, turtle and release techniques safely. I sometimes come out by releasing my board in the shore break. I catch ‘real’ waves, but my take-off timing is still inconsistent. I sometimes go straight ahead rather than into the opening. I can describe the surfing conditions at a spot in simple terms. I surf progressive boards between 7' and 7'4". Coaching in the water is tailored to my progress.
Advanced level: Silver Wave 1 to Silver Wave 2 (EFS levels)
I have been surfing for at least 4-5 years. I surf regularly several times a year (weekends and weekdays). I am hooked and try to free up as much time as possible to surf. I understand surfing jargon and have mastered technical terms (bottom turn, roller, cut back, etc.). I know how to get into the water at the right place and get to the peak without too much effort, respecting the rules and how the line-up works. But I sometimes lack confidence in positioning myself and catching waves when it's crowded, in waves up to 1.30 metres high. Technically, I have good timing on take-off and I go frontside or backside on every attempt. I am working on my speed and controlling my board in all situations. I can tell which type of board is right for me and in which conditions. I surf progressive boards < 6'8". I am starting to do duck dives. Video coaching is available from this level.
Advanced to expert level
Advanced level: Silver Wave 2 to Gold Wave (EFS levels)
I have at least 5 years of experience, surf very regularly and have already been on a surf trip. I am able to pass the bar and even impressive shore breaks. I have mastered the duck dive technique and can take off on every wave. I surf waves on the frontside and backside and generate good speed to prepare my manoeuvres and link them together. I am comfortable in waves of 1.30m and above. I am able to choose the right board dimensions (size and volume) for my surfing and the wave conditions. I choose my spot on my own and know where to enter the water. I only catch waves in the line-up. Video coaching is essential to my progress.
Expert level: Gold Wave in Competition (EFS levels)
I have been surfing for at least 10 years, almost every day. I have a strong surfing culture and my travels have led me to surf all types of waves (reef, point and beach breaks). Hollow, powerful and fast waves are challenges that I love to take on. I surf every wave with total commitment. My surfing is harmonious, even if it is more or less radical, and I have a substantial repertoire of manoeuvres. I am able to express my style with anticipation in my positioning, with rhythm, flow and varied manoeuvres, regardless of the surfing conditions and how busy the line-up is. My boards are custom-shaped, and I can have a conversation with a shaper in search of the ‘magic’ board. I have a quiver of boards with specific dimensions depending on the type of waves I'm surfing. Coaching and in-depth video analysis are essential to my continued progress. I remain humble and share the line-up.
