Surf trips are great. We’ve been on plenty and love the thrill of exploring new waves. But as exciting as it is to land in a new place, there’s always a bit of “surf admin” to figure out.
-Where do I rent a board?
-Which spots work best for my level?
-What are the best tides and times to surf?
-If I catch an epic wave, who’s going to see it? :)
The truth is, finding the right waves at the right time—especially in a place like Hossegor, with its ever-changing sandbanks and massive tide swings—isn’t always straightforward. That’s where surf guiding comes in.
Imagine rocking up to a new spot and having a local friend who has everything dialed in—boards, wetsuits, transport, conditions, and the best times to surf. No stress, no wasted time—just surfing. That’s exactly what our surf guiding at SWSH is all about.
Daily Surf Guiding- How it Works
Daily Plan
Each evening, the guides analyse the forecast, tides, and sandbanks to plan the best sessions for the following day.
After dinner, they’ll break it down for everyone—what the conditions are doing, the best options, and the general vibe for the next day (sunrise session, all-day beach hangs, or multiple surfs).
We will always make a solid plan that maximises surf time in the best conditions. Theres never any pressure to join, but everyones more than welcome to join in and surf as a crew.
Surf Check and Getting to the Beach
The guides will usually do a quick surf check to make sure we are on.
The surf truck is loaded with boards and wetsuits, ready to go.
Most sessions happen right out front at Estagnots Beach (500m from the house), but if conditions call for it, we’ll drive to a different break.
Grab a bike or take a short walk—your board will be waiting for you at the beach.
Pre-Surf Breakdown
Our guides will make sure you are on the correct surfboard for the days conditions and your ability.
Before paddling out, the guides explain the day’s conditions, currents, and best paddle-out points.
We always offer two surf zones:
-Whitewater – For those working on their pop-up and wave-catching.
-Out-the-back – For those comfortable paddling for unbroken waves.
• Our guides don’t just point from the beach—they’re in the water with you, helping you position yourself, reading the waves, and making sure you’re in the right spot.
The Surf Session
In the whitewater – Guides help you position yourself, time your pop-ups, and get in as many reps as possible.
Out the back – They’ll show you best best place to paddle out and guide you through the lineup, help you find take-off spots, and give in-water tips and feedback.
Some guests want more hands-on coaching, others just want a crew to surf with—we cater to both.
Our guides will stay in the water for a good amount of time—whether you need help or just want to soak up the energy, they’re there.
Post-Surf
No set session lengths—surf as long as your arms hold up.
If conditions allow, we’ll run multiple sessions throughout the day. You can meet the guides at the beach at the planned times or;
The surf truck will usually stay at the beach—so you come grab a board and paddle back out as you please.
On a typical summers day we will set up a beach camp with umbrellas and blankets, and people can hang out all day and surf as much as they want.
Beyond the Guiding – Coaching and Feedback
At Southwest Surf House, surf guiding isn’t just about getting you to the right surf spot—it’s about helping you progress. Whether you’re paddling out for the first time, chasing bigger waves, or learning maneuvers, we integrate coaching and feedback into the experience, but we opt for a more relaxed and casual approach.
Land-Based Coaching
Each week, our head surf coach runs a land-based coaching session at the Surf House, breaking down the fundamentals;
Pop-Up Mechanics – Fixing common mistakes and fine-tuning your technique.
Paddling & Positioning – How to generate speed, where to sit in the lineup, and how to put yourself in the right place for the right wave.
Reading the Ocean – Breaking down waves, currents, and surf conditions to help you make better decisions in the water.
These interactive sessions aren’t just theory—you’ll get real-time corrections and personalised feedback, helping you fine-tune the small details that make a big difference in the surf.
Live-in Surf Guides
One of the best things about surf guiding? You’re living with the guides.
Ask questions over breakfast, talk through sessions over dinner, and get surf tips whenever you need them.
Our guides aren’t just there to surf—they’re here to share their wealth of knowledge, and help you improve.
Need feedback on a session? They’ll happily break it down over a post-surf coffee.
It’s like having personal surf coaches on hand, without the pressure of a structured lesson.
Video Analysis – A new Addition for 2025
This season, we’re rolling out video analysis—a premium coaching tool, included in your stay:
We’ll film one of your surf sessions during the week.
Our head coach will break it down frame by frame, pinpointing what’s working and where you can improve.
You’ll get actionable feedback, helping you refine your technique and progress faster.
This is a super effective way to help improve your surfing. If all goes well this year it will be implemented as part of our surf guiding program.
Surf Guiding for All Levels
A common misconception about surf guiding? That it’s only for experienced surfers. In reality, it’s for anyone who can paddle for and catch waves on their own—whether you’re still in the whitewater, in the lineup, or fine-tuning your turns.
For Beginners Who Can Catch Their Own Waves
If you’re past the stage of needing a push but still figuring things out, surf guiding is the perfect next step.
You’ll be taken to the best spots for your level, avoiding crowds and heavy breaks.
Our guides help you read the conditions, so you know where to paddle out and position yourself.
You’ll have the freedom to practice at your own pace, with experienced surfers nearby to offer tips and guidance.
And if you feel like you need more structure? No problem—you can book a surf lesson mid-week to sharpen your fundamentals.
For Intermediate Surfers Looking to Improve
If you’re already catching unbroken waves and working on maneuvers, surf guiding really comes into its own.
We take you straight to the best peaks for your ability.
In-water guidance—our guides surf with you, offering real-time feedback or answering questions when needed.
Not only will you be with the guides, but you will be with a group of surfers of similar ability to yourself. This provides an excellent low pressure environment where you can watch and learn and soak in the experience.
Video analysis option—see exactly what to tweak in your technique.
This is the sweet spot for surf guiding—getting local knowledge, the right waves, and a crew to push your surfing further.
For Advanced Surfers Who Just Want to Score
Maybe you don’t need coaching—you just want as many waves as possible.
Get daily condition updates so you’re always in the right place at the right time.
No hassle—surfboards, transport, and logistics are taken care of.
A crew to surf with—because good waves are better when shared.
And if you’re chasing Hossegor barrels, our guides will make sure you’re in the right lineup when the swell hits.
Final Thoughts
Surf guiding at SWSH is all about making your surf trip as smooth and enjoyable as possible. No wasted time figuring out conditions, no stress about where to go—just good waves, good company, and the right setup to help you progress.
Whether you want pointers from the guides, a crew to surf with, or just the convenience of having everything sorted, our surf guiding takes the guesswork out of your sessions. We would hate for you to spend a week in Hossegor and miss all the memorable surf sessions- thats why we offer surf guiding.
