Bodyboard School in Capbreton
Discover bodyboarding in Capbreton, in the Landes region, with the Santocha school. Introduction and progression lessons for all levels, coached by Derek Crater, a certified BPJEPS instructor and international competitor. Our sessions take place on the best spots between Capbreton, Hossegor and Seignosse.
Our lessons
Bodyboard lessons in Capbreton
Group lesson
Small group lessons with Derek Crater. Equipment provided, all levels, from age 8.
50EUR / session
or 36EUR/session with 5-lesson pack
Bodyboard rental
Bodyboard + fins for hire. Ideal for practising on your own after a lesson.
5EUR / hour
Equipment rental
Surfboards, bodyboards, wetsuits and fins available for hire.
5EUR / hour
The sport
Bodyboarding: a sport in its own right
Created in 1971 and popularised in the 1990s, bodyboarding is a relatively young sport that deserves greater recognition. Although practised worldwide, it remains under the radar compared to surfing — despite having a comparable number of riders in countries like Portugal and Australia.
Australia is currently the driving force of the sport, yet several French bodyboarders have brilliantly represented their country at the highest level: Nicolas Capdeville, Mathieu Walbrou, as well as Amaury Lavernhe and Pierre-Louis Costes, both world champions. They are, remarkably, the only two Frenchmen to have achieved this double in the entire history of European wave sports.
Today, 5 Frenchmen feature in the world top 16. Though more discreet, French bodyboarding is a thriving community with enormous potential. It is a sport that is only waiting to be developed and pushed to the next level.
Fancy trying bodyboarding?
Introduction lessons from age 8, equipment provided, certified instructor.
Capbreton & the Landes
Capbreton, the heartland of French bodyboarding
The Landes region and Capbreton in particular are closely tied to the history of French bodyboarding. This is where prodigy Pierre-Louis Costes honed his skills before being propelled onto the world stage and becoming an undeniable icon of the sport.
The Landes waves offer ideal conditions for bodyboarding: from powerful shorebreak to perfect barrels, the spots of Capbreton, Hossegor and Seignosse are internationally renowned.
At Santocha, we are proud to carry on this tradition and contribute to the development of bodyboarding in Capbreton, with a dedicated section coached by Derek Crater, competitor and passionate instructor.
Benefits
Why bodyboarding?
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Accessible to everyone
Bodyboarding is easier to learn than stand-up surfing. The prone position offers natural stability and the thrill comes from your very first session.
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Intense thrills
Barrels, aerials, manoeuvres: bodyboarding delivers unique sensations and lets you ride waves that stand-up surfing sometimes cannot reach.
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Perfect complement to surfing
Ideal for big wave days or as a complement to surfing. Many of our members practise both disciplines.
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A growing sport
With French world champions and an international circuit, bodyboarding is a discipline that keeps growing and gaining recognition.
Frequently asked questions about bodyboarding
Is bodyboarding easier than surfing?
Yes, bodyboarding is generally more accessible because you stay lying on the board. The thrill of riding waves comes faster, making it an excellent gateway to wave sports.
What equipment do I need for bodyboarding?
You need a bodyboard suited to your height and weight, fins (essential for catching waves) and a wetsuit. All equipment is provided during our lessons and available for rental.
Can you do both bodyboarding and surfing?
Absolutely! Many of our members practise both disciplines. Bodyboarding is ideal when the waves are too big for surfing or simply for a change of pace. Check out our surf lessons in Capbreton.
What is the minimum age for bodyboarding?
Bodyboarding is accessible from age 8, or even younger with adapted supervision. It is often the first wave sport we recommend for young children.
Why are Capbreton and the Landes region famous for bodyboarding?
Capbreton and the surrounding Landes area are closely tied to French bodyboarding. This is where prodigy Pierre-Louis Costes, double world champion, honed his skills. The Landes waves between Capbreton, Hossegor and Seignosse offer ideal conditions for the sport, from powerful shorebreak to perfect barrels. Santocha organises the French Bodyboard Open in Capbreton each year.
Is bodyboarding a recognised competitive sport?
Yes, bodyboarding is practised worldwide with a professional world tour (IBC World Tour). France currently has 5 riders in the world top 16. French champions like Amaury Lavernhe and Pierre-Louis Costes have been crowned world champions.
Book a bodyboard lesson
Introduction or progression — book your bodyboard lesson online with Derek Crater.