Frequently Asked Questions

A group lesson lasts 2 hours, including warm-up, technique explanation on the beach and practice in the water. Private lessons last 1 hour.

Yes, swimming ability is mandatory for everyone's safety. We recommend being able to swim at least 25 metres.

Children can start from age 8. There is no maximum age limit — we regularly welcome adults in their 40s, 50s and even 60s discovering surfing for the first time.

Yes, all our lessons include full equipment: a board suited to your level, wetsuit and lycra rashguard. Just bring your swimsuit and a towel.

Our group lessons are limited to 8 people maximum per instructor, ensuring quality coaching and personal attention.

Surfing takes practice, but the basics come quickly with proper coaching. In your very first lesson, you will learn to stand up on the board in the whitewash. Most of our students stand up during their first session!

Typically, 3 to 5 lessons cover the fundamentals: standing up, gliding straight and starting to steer the board. To surf independently on green waves, expect around ten sessions.

Lessons may be postponed if conditions are dangerous (lightning, waves too large). Light rain or moderate wind won't stop us. In case of cancellation, your lesson is rescheduled or refunded at no charge.

A group lesson is 50EUR per session (2 hours, equipment included). The 5-session pack at 180EUR works out to just 36EUR/session — a 28% saving compared to the single rate. Private lessons are 100EUR (1 hour). All prices include equipment and insurance.

Yes, we offer tiered pricing for families and groups. Contact us for a personalised quote based on the number of participants.

Yes, club members enjoy a 10% discount on all surf school lessons. Check the membership page for club rates and training programmes.

You can book online through our booking system or by phone at +33 6 43 92 98 86. During peak season (July–August), we recommend booking in advance as slots fill up fast.

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before your lesson. If conditions are deemed dangerous by our team, your lesson is rescheduled or refunded at no charge.

Payment is made online when booking (credit card) or on-site (card, cash, cheque). A deposit may be required for packs and multi-session packages.

Both! Santocha is the only community surf club in Capbreton, founded in 1975 and affiliated with the French Surfing Federation (FFSurf). It also runs a surf school with state-certified instructors.

Membership (30EUR) lets you support the club and attend events. The FFSurf licence (included in the 60EUR option) adds the compulsory federation insurance for competitions and supervised training sessions.

Not at all! Santocha welcomes all skill levels, from complete beginners to competitive surfers. Club spirit is about sharing a passion for surfing, regardless of your ability.

Santocha offers several options: weekly training (330EUR), twice-weekly training (580EUR), adult sessions (300EUR) and a competition programme. Each option includes the FFSurf licence and access to club events.

Yes, registration is open throughout the season, subject to availability in the training groups. The fee is adjusted pro-rata for the remaining season.

Foam surfboard: 15EUR/hr or 20EUR/2hrs. Bodyboard: 5EUR/hr or 10EUR/2hrs. Wetsuit: 5EUR/hr or 7EUR/2hrs. Fins are included with bodyboard rental.

Booking is not required but is recommended during peak season (July–August) to guarantee availability.

For beginners, we recommend foam boards (softboards). They are stable, buoyant and forgiving if you fall. Our team will advise you on-site.

In summer (July–August), the water reaches 20–22°C and you can surf in a shorty or even a swimsuit. The rest of the year, a full wetsuit is recommended.

Absolutely! Santocha is a sandy beach break with regular waves — ideal for learning. It is the most accessible spot in Capbreton, with smaller crowds than nearby Hossegor.

You can surf year-round! Summer (June–September) provides ideal conditions for beginners with mellower waves and water at 20–22°C. Autumn delivers more consistent swell for experienced surfers.

Like all beaches along the Landes coast, rip currents (baïnes) can form. Our instructors know the spot inside out and choose the safest zones. Never swim against a rip — swim parallel to the beach instead.

Ideal conditions combine a 0.5–1.5m swell for beginners, light or offshore wind (blowing from the land) and a mid-to-high tide. Check our webcam and online forecasts (Surf-Report, Windguru).

An offshore wind blows from the land towards the sea. In Capbreton, that means an easterly or south-easterly wind. It smooths the wave face and makes waves hollower and cleaner — perfect for surfing.

The water reaches 20–22°C in summer (July–August). In spring and autumn, it ranges from 14–18°C. In winter, it drops to 10–13°C. A suitable wetsuit is essential outside the summer months.

The surfer closest to the peak (where the wave breaks first) has priority. If someone is already riding the wave, you must not drop in. This rule prevents collisions.

Yes, a leash is mandatory. It attaches your ankle to the board and stops it from becoming a dangerous projectile. It is also a safety feature that lets you retrieve your board quickly.

Do not fight the current — you will exhaust yourself. Swim parallel to the beach to escape the rip, then make your way back to shore. If you are tired, signal to the lifeguards and stay calm by floating.

No. In summer, supervised swimming zones are marked with flags. Surfing is prohibited there to protect swimmers. Surf in the designated areas, usually indicated by signs.

Bodyboarding is generally quicker to pick up. From your very first session, you will be riding waves. The prone position is more stable and fins make it easier to catch waves.

Bodyboarding is done lying on a shorter board, with fins on your feet. It tends to be more accessible for beginners. Surfing is done standing on a longer board.

Yes, fins are included when you rent a bodyboard. They are essential for catching waves and manoeuvring effectively.

Yes, all our instructors hold the BPJEPS Surf qualification (a French state diploma). This guarantees their teaching skills and safety expertise.

Yes, several of our instructors speak English and can run lessons for international visitors. Please mention your preference when booking.

We do our best to accommodate requests, especially for private lessons or ongoing coaching. Let us know your preference when booking.

Santocha Surf Club is located at 3 Rue de la Savane, 40130 Capbreton, right on Santocha Beach. Free parking is available nearby.

The club is open daily from 9 am to 7 pm in season (April to October). Out of season, contact us by phone or email to arrange a visit.

By phone at +33 6 43 92 98 86, by email at contact@santocha.org, or drop by the club on Santocha Beach in Capbreton.

For lessons, booking is strongly recommended, especially in summer. For equipment rental or enquiries, feel free to drop in during opening hours.