Recently booked a surf trip to Hossegor but don’t know what you need to bring? Here are some surf trip essentials that will make your stay at Southwest Surf House more comfortable.
If this is your first surf trip to France or your first surf trip full stop, then you might be asking yourself “What the hell do I even need to pack”?
Well, the answer really depends on what season you intend on visiting us. To make the question about surf packing easy though, we decided to write this article.
Called Surf trip essentials: What do I need to bring?, this post details everything you need in order to make the most of your stay at Southwest Surf House. However, we also provide some more general advice regarding surf trip essentials that you can take on other trips.
Read on if you want to become a pro when it comes to surf packing. And don’t forget to reach out if you have any queries. Our friendly team is always happy to help out.
Packing for the season
As we said earlier, what you pack for your surf trip to Hossegor really depends on the weather for that time of year. To ensure that you take the correct surf trip essentials for the season, here’s an overview as to how each month unfolds in terms of weather.
Spring – May
· Average daytime temperature: 20˚C
· Minimum nighttime temperature: 12°C
· Average water temperature: 16˚C
May is an excellent time to book a surf trip to France. Those wild winter swells have simmered down and there’s light at the end of the tunnel in terms of daily temperatures rising.
Prices for certain things still tend to be lower and the later in May that you arrive, the higher your chances of scoring beginner conditions and summer-ish days. If you do come in early May though, that’s also not a problem. There will definitely be less people, which means more waves for you!
Summer – June, July and August
· Average daytime temperature: 24˚C
· Minimum nighttime temperature: 17˚C
· Average sea temperature: 20˚C
Summer is when Hossegor has the best waves for beginners, but it also receives the odd overhead swell for more advanced surfers.
The water throughout Summer is considerably warmer than in spring and braver souls will be able to surf in boardshorts or a bikini on sunny, windless days. And although the waves don’t get as big as autumn or winter, there’s still pretty much always something for you to surf. Not to mention the fact that the vibe around town is absolutely buzzing!
Autumn – September
· Average daytime temperature: 24˚C
· Minimum nighttime temperature: 15˚C
· Average sea temperature: 20˚C
The golden period in Hossegor. Autumn is epic because it’s still warm enough to surf in boardshorts or a bikini, but the swell is beginning to pick up and the sand banks have settled.
The summer rush has somewhat subsided and there are still heaps of days for beginners to enjoy. In short, the start of autumn is one of the best times to visit Southwest Surf House no matter whether you’re just learning to surf or you’ve been shredding since you were a little grommet.
10 secret surf packing tips from the crew at Southwest Surf House
In addition to our surf trip essentials for every season, here are a few items and techniques that you might also consider for Hossegor. Note that you don’t necessarily need all of these things, but they’re worth mentioning purely because they’ll help you be more prepared for your next surf trip.
1. Ziplock bags
Ideal for those days when you want to take your phone to the beach, but you’re worried about getting it sandy. Also helps to provide some water protection in case you want to stash wet gear in a backpack near your phone.
2. Reef-safe zinc
Zinc is better than sunscreen when it comes to keeping the sun off your face, ears and neck. But don’t just splurge on any old tub of zinc. Make sure to get zinc that’s marked as being reef-safe. That way you won’t have to stress that your zinc is negatively impacting the ocean.
3. Book
Another surf trip essential is a good book or Kindle. Perfect for those arvos when you just want some me time or those nights when you need help falling to sleep. Pro tip? A good book pairs well with our comfortable hammocks and a cold beer.
4. Massage ball
Surfing is taxing on the whole body, but it’s especially taxing on your upper back and shoulders. To ensure you don’t stiffen up, use a massage ball to alleviate tension in your muscles. It’s amazing how much better 10 minutes with a massage ball can make you feel.
5. Travel towel
Travel towels with microfibre fabric are epic when it comes to efficient surf packing. Not only are they lightweight, but they can be shoved into backpacks, boardbags and tote bags without adding bulk. They also dry super fast, which is ideal if you plan on surfing multiple times a day.
6. Comfortable shoes
Sandals and flip flops are made for the beach. A good pair of shoes, however, will also serve you well on a surf trip. This is because you’ll probably spend a lot of time walking and exploring your surroundings by bike – two things that get real old, real fast if you don’t have a comfy pair of shoes. Plus… flip flop tan lines.
7. Reusable water bottle
Hydration is key when it comes to spending the day at the beach. And no… we’re not just talking about drinking beer and wine either. By bringing a reusable water bottle (1L plus is best), you can assuage thirst, stop muscle cramping and otherwise stay hydrated between sessions.
8. Washable face mask
We were open all season in 2020 and it looks like we’ll remain open in 2021 too. Still though, it doesn’t hurt to be prepared. We suggest bringing a decent face mask rather than buying disposable ones for the sole reason that disposable masks tend to end up on the side of the road, in gutters, on the beach etc.
9. The rule of three
The rule of three is a surf packing technique that’s been around for ages. Essentially, all it involves is taking three items of clothing for a summer surf trip, since you’ll prob be in minimal clothing during the warmer months anyway (although you might want to bring more than three pairs of underpants if you’re staying for over a week).
10. Surf Ears
Designed to reduce ear infections and eliminate the risk of developing surfer’s ear, Surf Ears is an epic little product that’s easy to pack and easy to wear while in the water. If you’re coming during the colder months or you’ve had ear problems in the past, this innovation will definitely make your surf trip way more enjoyable.
Frequently asked questions about surf packing for Hossegor
If you’re still wondering what are the surf trip essentials that you need to pack for Hossegor, wonder no more. Here are the answers to some of our most frequently asked questions.
Q. Do I need to bring my own surfboard?
Nope! We have a huge collection of soft tops for you to use. These boards aren’t your typical rental boards either. We actually look after them, which means they both look good and do the job. You also don’t need to lug them from our surf house to the beach. Just grab them from our truck (that’s conveniently parked right next door to said beach) and you’re ready to go.
Q. Will I need a wetsuit?
That depends on what season you visit us in. If you come in spring, you’ll probably want to wear a 3/2. If you come in summer or early autumn though, you can get away with boardshorts and a vest, a bikini or a short-arm spring suit. Wetsuits do eliminate wind chill though, which means they allow you to surf for longer. They also offer protection from bumps that you might sustain while learning to surf.
Q. Do I need a beach towel?
You will definitely need a towel, but we suggest a travel towel if you can get your hands on one. They dry faster than a bulky cotton beach towel and they’re easier to pack. If you don’t have one though, no stress. You tend to dry out quickly on those warm and sunny Hossegor beach days.
Q. What type of sun protection is best for France?
A hat, sunglasses and sunscreen are all great for protecting your skin from harmful UV rays while on the beach. When you’re in the water though you’ll need something a bit more substantial. Reef-safe zinc is a fantastic option, given that it won’t wash off after your first wave, nor will it harm the environment.
Q. Can I buy surf trip essentials in Hossegor?
Of course! There are over a dozen different surf stores plus plenty of cafes, supermarkets and boulangeries for your surf trip essentials. Truth be told though, we have pretty much everything you need for the perfect surf adventure in Hossegor right here at Southwest Surf House.
Put these surf packing tips into practice – book with us today!