France
Vive la France - freistil invites you to the new destination in France. Excellent surf conditions, freistil's usual high quality, and the relaxed surfing flair are all awaiting you!
We welcome you to our new surf camp in Carcans Ocean, northwest of Bordeaux and directly on the Atlantic.
The name upholds everything that it promises, because our surf camp lies directly on the ocean..the sandy beach and the infamous atlantic waves are just steps away - the perfect conditions for an unforgettable summer surf vacation!
Location
The charming little town of Carcans can be found 50km west of Bordeaux at the center of the Medoc peninsula. Carcans-Plage lies on the Silver Coast, which means that the beaches are at the center of activity. Lacanau, famous for holding the surfing world championships, is a neighboring beach. The on-site beaches and waves are perfectly suited for surfing vacations. Picturesque dunes and the back-country with its lakes and pine forests invite guests to explore and discover the grounds on foot, horse, bike or even skates.
Carcans is also located on one of the largest freshwater lakes in France, the Lac de Hourtin et de Carcans. Plus, watersport fanatics travel far and wide to spend their time kitesurfing, sailing, and windsurfing on the Atlantic waters. In the evening, you can enjoy the dreamy sunsets on the beach, chill out with new and old friends at the camp, or try out the delicious French wines in the local bars.
Trips to Bordeaux and the Dune du Pilat or to Lacanau - a Mecca for surfers across the world because of its waves and unique surfing flair - are not just recommended, but are also organized by us. One thing is for sure - it will never be boring at the freistil camps!
Board & Lodging
Behind the dunes, in the shade of the fragrent pine trees, lies the freistil camp on the campground "Camping Municipale de L'Ocean". Just 150 meters separate you and your comfortable tents from the expanses of the Atlantic and the sandy beaches.
With easy access to the beach, you can enjoy everything that belongs in a summer vacation: a laid-back surf atmosphere with cheerful decorations, clean quality-approved tents, new ideas for a change in pace at the camp with sport tournaments, beauty day, sunset-stick-bread, entertaining evening shows and cozy nights with crepes and wine.
Of course there are a lot more tasty treats than just crepes and stick-bread: fresh coffee, cocoa, tea, juice, cornflakes, cereal, fruit, fresh baguettes, cold cuts and many other delicious things will guarantee a good start in your day! You are also welcome to take something from the large breakfast buffet for later in the day. And since a day on the ocean can make you hungry, we meet up again as a group every evening in the open-air. Our kitchen whips up a delicious meal for supper with salad, a warm main course, and dessert. No worries, we also consider vegetarians.
So that everything runs smoothly, we need your help: Once a week, the kitchen team appreciates your help with meal preparation.
The surf class
We would like to offer every surfer - whether beginner or advanced - the opportunity to experience this fantastic sport. The course selection is divided into various levels according to surfing experience. Surfing is definitely not an easy sport, therefore it is important to start with the right tips and techniques from the very beginning.
We take you step by step onto the board or we will optimize your skills. The courses are led in both English and German by our international, licensed surf instructors, who are competent in both the teaching setting and on the water.
The beginner's course consists of two parts. In the first few days, we will help you become confident with the basic Know-How, for example the correct paddle-technique, the traversing of waves, controlled falls, smooth standing-up in the beachbreak and becoming confident on the waves. Extensive safety lessons are also included at the beginning. This phase of the course will be accompanied by the corresponding surf theory, at which point you will learn about board care (maintenance and washing), choosing waves, fluidics, understanding the tides, right-of-way rules, etc.
In the second part of the course, you will begin to learn how to use the techniques in the break and build your abilities and self-confidence while under the watchful eyes of your coach. We will also record your progress and play back the videos to aid the coaching. This way you can learn directly from your mistakes. By the way, all courses start with special and essential warm-up exercises.
Our facilities are stocked with the right surf equipment for both beginner and advanced surfers. We work primarily with renowned brand-name manufacturers. Campers are trained on new BIC surfboards and we supply you with new Billabong shortys and Rash-Guards (Lycras), which help prevent unpleasant friction burns. Extra for you: The Billabong Lycra can be taken home as a souvenir of the surf vacation. Enjoy the waves!
