If you’re planning a surf trip to our Surf House in Hossegor, you’ll come across two options: Surf Guiding and Surf Lessons. Both are designed to help you get the most out of your time in the water, but they serve very different purposes. In brief;
-Surf lessons are structured coaching sessions that take you through the fundamentals of surfing, perfect for beginners or those who want hands-on instruction.
-Surf guiding, on the other hand, is all about making sure you surf at the best times and spots, with local knowledge and a crew to surf with—without the formal structure of a lesson.
So, which one should you choose? Let’s break it down.
What is Surf Guiding?
Surf guiding is for surfers who already know the basics and want to maximize their time in the water without the hassle of figuring out tides, sandbanks, and conditions on their own.
At Southwest Surf House, our in-house surf guides assess the ever-changing surf conditions daily and plan the best time and place to surf. Here’s how it works:
• We pick the best surf spots for the day based on conditions and group ability.
• Transport is sorted—all boards are loaded into our surf truck and driven to the beach. Guests can bike or take a short stroll to join.
• Pre-surf breakdown: Guides explain the conditions, the break, and offer surf spot options:
- One for whitewater beginners.
- One for more experienced surfers who want to surf out the back.
• In the water:
- One guide stays with the beginners in the whitewater, helping them with positioning and technique.
- The other guide takes those heading out the back, helping them navigate the lineup, find the best takeoff spot, and improve their wave selection.
• Surf as long as you want: No set session length—stay out until your arms give up.
It’s a low-pressure way to surf, improve, and enjoy the ocean with a crew. If you want pointers, ask. If you just want a crew to surf with, no worries.
What is a Surf Lesson?
Surf lessons are a structured, 90-minute session designed to teach the fundamentals of surfing. These are run by a certified local surf school, not the Surf House, as only licensed schools can offer lessons on the beach in France.
Here’s what you can expect:
• One instructor per eight students max.
• Hands-on coaching: Instructors may push you into waves or stand in the water giving feedback.
• All about technique: You’ll learn everything from pop-up positioning to paddling, timing, and stance.
• Fixed schedule: Lessons happen at set times based on tide conditions.
• Perfect for complete beginners or anyone wanting focused, in-depth coaching.
If you’ve never surfed before, a lesson is the best way to build a solid foundation before joining the guiding sessions.
Who Should Choose Surf Lessons?
Surf lessons are ideal if:
• You’ve never surfed before and want to start with the right technique.
• You want a structured, step-by-step approach with clear instructions.
• You need hands-on help in the water, including being pushed into waves.
• You want to focus on pop-up technique and fundamentals in a controlled environment.
For those looking to improve quickly, some guests book a five-lesson package for a complete progression, while others take one or two lessons before switching to guiding.
Who Should Choose Surf Guiding?
Surf guiding is for you if:
• You can paddle for and catch your own waves without assistance.
• You want local knowledge to surf at the best times and avoid the crowds.
• You prefer a relaxed, free-flowing experience rather than a structured lesson.
• You just want to surf as much as possible and let someone else handle the logistics.
Many guests find guiding the best way to explore Hossegor’s waves while improving naturally through time in the water.
Can You Do Both?
Absolutely. Many guests find that a mix of lessons and guiding is the perfect balance.
Some start with one or two lessons to build confidence, then switch to guiding for the rest of their trip.
Others begin with guiding and realise they need a refresher lesson to refine their technique. Either way, our team is happy to help you adjust your plan on arrival to make sure you get the best experience.
The Value of Surf Guiding
There’s a reason surf guiding is included in your stay at SWSH—it takes the guesswork out of your surf trip and lets you focus on what matters: catching waves.
• No wasted time—our guides know the best spots at the best times, so you’re always in the right place when the waves are firing.
• No rental hassle—boards, wetsuits, and transport are all taken care of, so you can just show up and surf.
• No stress about conditions—Hossegor is a tricky surf zone with shifting sandbanks and big tide swings. Our guides have it dialed.
• No need to surf alone—you’ll always have a crew to paddle out with, whether you’re looking for a group to push your limits or just a few mates to share the stoke.
It’s like having a local friend waiting for you at a new surf spot, making sure you’re in the right place at the right time, and getting you onto the best waves of the day.
Read more about Surf Guiding HERE
Still Can’t Decide?
Still not sure what’s right for you? No stress—here’s how to decide:
• If you’re unsure about your ability, book one lesson and see how you feel. You can always add more later.
• If you’re confident in the water, join the guiding sessions, and if you feel like you need extra coaching, we’ll set you up with a lesson.
• If you’re completely on the fence, just chat with our surf guides when you arrive. They’ll help you figure out the best option.
At the end of the day we want you to get the most out of your surf trip. With these two options you can do more of what you came here to do- surf.
