In the U.S., 70 percent of plastics are made from domestic natural gas. By recycling plastics (or upcycling) we make that energy available for other purposes—like heating for the homeless.

Wave Tribe, with a desire to move away from plastic production, uses alternative material such as hemp, cork and upcycled materials in its products.

Upcycling is when you take something that is normally discarded (like a used Billboard advertisement) and then repurpose that material to create a new product (like a rad Wave Tribe board bag).

Here is a picture of us rolling out a billboard and considering innovative compositions.

Once we spot some design possibilities, our sewing goddess puts them together with USA made YKK marine zippers (if it’s good for a boat, it’s good for your boardbag) and metal hardware.

I bet your old board bag is constructed with plastic, was made in China, and looks like every other bag out there. Dude, time to make some changes.

The colors are awesome, the upcycled billboard is strong like bull, and the zippers will last you decades (if the zipper breaks we will replace it for free).

Each bag is unique and we can make custom sizes or funky shapes. But the most awesome thing about these bags is that they are make by your bros at Wave Tribe in California. When you buy a bag from us you support surfers that have dedicated their lives to bringing you eco friendly goods. That is an awesome gesture and we really appreciate your choice.

Buying local isn’t just for food bros, let’s bring our dollars back home and support our local shapers, farmers, and surf accessory makers.

You like?

Buying local is smart because 1) your $ are invested in your community ; 2) it decreased the environmental impact; and 3) it creates jobs for your bros.

Click Here to order one today.

The post 3 Reasons Why Buying Local is Smart appeared first on Wave Tribe Blog & News.

Are you looking for a quick and easy trip that offers quality waves, warm water, good food and a nice atmosphere?

The tip of Baja just might fit the bill, It’s a 2 hour flight from Los Angeles to warm waves and cold Coronas.

The Basics

Book your airline ticket for about $350—you’ll want to fly to San Jose Del Cabo (airport code SJD).

I like Alaska Airlines because they treat surfers right at $50 per board bag—no matter what you put in it.

The airport sits about 20 minutes from downtown San Jose and about 30 minutes from San Lucas. If you are into the party thing then you’ll want to head towards San Lucas and hang out with the college trippers and cruise ship peeps.

However, for a more relaxed setting check out San Jose—which is located closer to the Eastern Cape and also has plenty of waves right in town. You can be surfing within 40 minutes of landing.

There is a hotel right in front of Old Mans and right next to Zippers and The Rock called Cabo Surf Hotel that if you got the cash is your best location. It’s a really nice hotel that is steps away from the break.

Check other hotels here on Trip Advisor.

When you land you’ll need to rent a car. If you can afford it get something more 4x4ish than not. The road out to the Eastern Cape is dirt and can be full of potholes. Get the insurance—if you don’t the roads will rip apart your wallet.

The drive out to the Eastern Cape is about one hour depending on where you go, it’s not a bad drive at all. You might want to consider camping out on the beach a night or two if the swell is pumping. The winds tend to come up early and mess with the lineup so you’ll want to get on it early. You can camp along the beach for free but there isn’t much out there so bring along whatever you need to make it right.

It gets freaking hot in the day and there isn’t much shade so plan accordingly and take something to create a shelter.

Road To Eastern Cape

The Surf

Be respectful to the locals!

If you need a guide or some help finding your way you can check out SurfingCabo.com at ask them to take you around. I meet the owner and he was a nice guy that rips a SUP. They got boards for rent and will take you out to the waves along with a few friends if you desire.

Hit up Old Man’s for a meow session or paddle down to The Rock or Zippers for more challenging waves.

I had an epic session at The Rock, one of the best I have had in a while. Super fun! Watch out for the rocks. Sit right behind the one in the take-off zone for the best positioning.

Once you are ready to experience the Eastern Cape head east towards downtown and cross the large concrete bridge towards La Playa. You’ll make a few twists and turns along the way but just keep following the signs for Eastern Cape. The road turns into dirt about ten minutes in and you’ll start to see the swells slamming into the coast.

Shipwrecks

The first fun wave you’ll come across is called Shipwrecks, about 40 minutes out of town to the East. Shipwreaks is a nice right-hander off a beautiful point. There is a left in the middle of the beach too. When you see the Virgin Marry library you know you have found it. Really, I am serious. Oh, and the ship is gone, so don’t look for that.

Nine Palms is another break another 15 minutes down the road. It is a super fun point-break with some long rights and the occasional left.

Between 9 Palms and Shipwreaks is another fun waves called La Fortuna which offers a few options in the bay and also a right that breaks fast off an inside rock. There is a good restaurant at La Fortuna and has better camping than the other locations.

Surf Shop & Food

Did you forget wax or sun block?

The best surfshop in town is  Costa Azul Surfshop. I bought a rash vest that I used every day there and a pair of booties that I never put on. I’ll save them for Bali.

Shooters downtown has a really good vege burger and cold Coronas for 10 pesos.

The best place to eat in town is the Guacamaya. This is of my all-time favorite Mexican eateries EVER. You’ll love it!

People tend to like The Drunken Sailor in La Playa area for good seafood and some nice chill atmosphere. I thought their Margaritas were tops.

If you are chilling with your woman or want to go out and have an excellent organic meal then head for Huerta Los Tamarindos out in the fields towards the Eastern Cape. Finding the place is not easy and I am not going to even attempt to explain it but it’s worth finding this place. They have a great wine list and some of the best views possible.

For some good Italian food cooked to you liking check out Rustico and say Hola to Perla and Javiel the owners. Sit at the bar, you’ll enjoy talking with the owners and sharing their passion for food.

For the best coffee in town check out the La Dolce Villa, they got organic beans from Oaxaca and a real Italian coffee machine.

They got Italian Ice Cream too that is off the hook. If you are looking for a surf instructor while in Cabo ask for Victor at La Dolce Villa and he’ll find you one.

Have a great trip, email me for more info if you want.

 Download PDF of Cabo Map

The post A Surfers Guide To Cabo San Jose appeared first on Wave Tribe Blog & News.

When I stubbled upon Titus I was interested in the backstory of this surfing artist—having done a fair amount of painting in my own life it always amazes when someone chooses the life of an artist.

One of the reasons we surf is to capture something magical, almost ephemeral, and for someone to capture that ‘thing’ we all feel in surfing and translate it into an expression on canvas is a true gift.

Enter surfer and artist Titus Ruiz.

Where do you live and create your surf art?I was born in Peru but in the last 15 years I have been living in different parts of Central America, North America and Europe. Now I spend most of the year in Tenerife (Canary Islands) and the rest in Peru with my family.

The creative process is constant and everywhere, I always carry a notebook to write and sketch things that I see everyday: scenes or simple elements that serve as inspiration.

How did it all begin?

I am a graphic designer by profession, so I was always interested in art and graphics, but it was not until the year 1997 that I started experimenting with painting.

I moved to town and started to live alone, far from the big city, friends with no TV. The day grew long and I found two tubes of paint, blue and white, and that was it. I was slowly learning and teaching myself.
 
What inspires you to be a surf artist?

I believe that everything around us is always inspiring: the sea, sun, surf, women—the little details, music, and nature.
 
What other artists do you respect?

I respect all artists by the simple fact of being, and I mean those artists who work with their hands, mind and soul— those who have the ability to convey feelings about what they do and create.

What is art?

It is difficult to define, involves a myriad of features to consider and that makes it relative, but I would say that is the expression of what one carries inside and can transmit it to others, generating sensations or feelings.
 
What material do you use?

I use mainly oil, also I like drawing with markers, acrylic, ink, and pencils—I like to experiment with any medium.
 
Who buys your art?

Generally everyone who smiles and is happy seeing my work and wants to keep this feeling close, but most people who buy my work are surfers and people connected with the sea and nature.
 
You must be a surfer, what do you think of today’s surfing culture?

Yes I am.

I personally think that surf is now becoming fashionable and trendy—I am glad that there are still “soul surfers” who keep the essence of old school surf alive. Surf as something important, fun and part of nature, and I enjoy it in the most simple way.
 
Do you have any thought on ecology and surfing?

Definitely. All of us belong to nature, and we must take care of it, it is the environment in which we surf, and it makes us happy by giving us natural beauty. Being aware of this and spreading the form of caring is everyones responsibility.  What better than us surfers to be stewards of our ocean.
 
Where can people find your art online?

Well, i have a website  www.titusruiz.com where people can find some of my artwork.

And also a Facebook Fan Page with the latest news www.facebook.com/titusartwork

The post Surf Artist Titus Ruiz appeared first on Wave Tribe Blog & News.

How did you get the idea to start Coyote Adventures?  

First of all thank you for doing this feature on your site Derek, It’s a true honor. The idea came about from the love of surfing and adventure. My wife knows I love Tijuana and surfing, and while working in a Pacific Beach restaurant she actually suggested I should consider taking people on taco and culinary guides to Tijuana. I gradually developed the idea more into surfing and started integrating other aspects while bouncing off ideas with my friend Jorge.

I also wanted to demystify what the media has created—the drug and violence information we receive on a daily basis can be very debilitating. I feel so fortunate to be able to travel so easily into México and experience the colorful culture, food, music, art, waves and freedom my country of birth has to offer. Of course, when I travel I do it in an environmentally and socially consciousness way.

I want to share this experience and show people that there is a different face to Baja. They shouldn’t be intimidated by the thought of traveling and surfing there—it’s likely not what they think it is. When I go back to visit my family in Baja and surf, or simply spend the day with my wife or friends, we have a blast. In addition, my aunt and cousin are dentists so I always get the perks of that as well, it’s a great resource just across the border.

There is also a boom of the culinary scene there, the wine region is outstanding in Ensenada, the music is fantastic, and the murals of Tijuana are creative and beautiful. Our visual arts collective www.eye-94.com also had a show there this past November. There is a re-emergence and revival of Tijuana, and you do not want to miss it.

How is the trip different when you travel with a local?  

I was born and raised in Tijuana, México. I studied up to 11th grade in High School there and finished off in San Diego. I have lived in the United States for 11 years now—having knowledge of both cultures is ideal. I know my way around Tijuana and Baja really well and my immediate family lives in Loreto, Baja Sur (Southern), very close to Scorpion Bay, San Juanico. I grew up traveling Baja roads with my family, every summer we would drive to visit my grandma. We would fish, swim, hike, hunt for rabbits and quails and enjoy the beautiful climate; I am a true water and desert kid.

I have traveled extensively throughout Baja and feel that every time I end up meeting a local, I have an awesome experience. Local knowledge of a location will always show you a side of a place that you may have never even imagined existed.

What are some of the spots you surf with your clients?  

The common surf spots, depending on the season, run all the way from Playas de Tijuana to San Quintin. This includes Playas, Baja Malibu, Termoelectrica, Muelle (Pier)  Rosarito, Playita, Popotla, Calafia, k36 (Bus Stops), Teresitas, k38, k42 (Raul’s), Campito, Chivos, Campo Lopez, La Fonda, Sal Si Puedes, San Miguel, M’s, Stacks, California, Punta San Jose, Punta Cabras, Erendira, Camalu, Cuatro Casas, and many secret spots in-between.

Do you feel that traveling through Baja by car is safe?  

It is definitely safe as long as you do it by day, and I don’t say this because of hijacking. I say this because of the lack of illumination on some parts of the road. Once you get passed Ensenada there are many areas where it’s pitch black and there are a great number of semi trucks traveling all the way to Cabo San Lucas on this very narrow highway. Animals are another road hazard; you never know when they will cross the road and it’s especially dangerous at night.

Have you ever had any run-ins with the police or narcos?  

Honestly, the narcos obviously do exist but you would never know where they are or who they are for the most part—they do their thing and the rest of the population does theirs. If you have no reason to interfere with their business, then there is nothing to worry about. I have never had an incident of this sort in my 32 years. The cops on the other hand tend to be thieves, although I believe they have gotten much better. They used to come up with any excuse to pull you over and try to get a few bucks. This is not the case anymore, and since they have gotten stricter with drinking and driving policies, most people which go out now tend to take taxis and avoid the $1000 DUI fine. You don’t get out of jail until you pay it with time or dinero.

I recently witnessed an example in which my friend had a few beers at home before he picked us up at a bar to give us a ride to my other friend’s house later in the evening. There were four of us in the car, we got pulled over and my friend ended up getting the breathalyzer test. He was past the legal limit, so they asked for money. One cop talked to the driver and the other lectured us on how we should not be placing people in danger while driving. He was very cool about it and once they realized we did not have any money in our wallets they told us to park the car and take a taxi home. So we took a taxi home and it made me realize it had been the most humanly possible incident I have ever had with a cop in general. The city has truly changed.

What are some tips you could offer to other surfers traveling through Baja?  

Respect the culture and the people, try to blend in, learn some Spanish. Don’t drive on the road down the peninsula late at night, always be conscious of your surroundings, and most definitely don’t drink and drive.

Where is your favorite place to eat in Baja?  

I have many, but right now it is Erizo (sea urchin in Spanish). This restaurant is in Tijuana on Avenida Sonora, where my mother and her family grew up. It is located where the new gastronomic center will be located and it is owned by Chef Javier Plascencia. He is at the forefront of a new revolutionary style of cuisine called Baja Med, which is truly outstanding and affordable. My wife and I recently had an incredible lunch there that included clam and scallop ceviche in a cucumber, jalapeño, and tomatillo sauce. The ceviche was accompanied by a Tijuanero Taco that contained grilled octopus, shrimp, and skirt steak with a sriracha aioli and cilantro. Next to that was a shrimp taco with cheese (called quesa taco) and a Baja style chowder made with maiz. Is your mouth watering yet?

Where do you stay? 

I usually stay with family and friends but if I was taking someone on one of these excursions there are many awesome places to stay. Some examples would be the K38 Motel, La Fonda Hotel, Hotel La Mision, Hotel Calafia, Popotla Trailer Park, Hotel Las Rocas, Raul’s Surf Inn, Baja Seasons, Playa Saldamando, San Miguel, Hotel El Cid, Hotel California, Cuatro Casas Hotel and Coyote Cal’s.

There are so many beautiful Mexican ranches around the Santo Tomas region that offer campsites, water springs, showers, pools, grills and more—it’s where the local families go and they’re great.

I noticed that you go to 4 Casas, do you know Ricardo and Teresa the owners of the hostel?

I have camped there before but I have not actually stayed at the Hostel. I know they have been there for a very long time and I had planned in speaking with them about my new company. I have heard many nice things about them and I would definitely take excursion groups there once I have some contact.

Tell us about your company?

If you want to have a great time with someone who’s a native, knows the region, the culture, the breaks, and the language—well, don’t hesitate to give us a try. We help organize many different types of tours, from seeing the tourist site across the border to exploring Mexican cuisine as we chase waves down the coast. You tell us the experience you want and we’ll make it happen, from camping along the cliffs to sleeping at the ocean’s feet in a hotel. The company is fresh out of the box, so if you are looking for a unique experience send me an email or give a ring.

For more information on Coyote Adventures check out there webpage www.coyoteadventuresbaja.com

~

This interview was conducted and edited by Derek Dodds, eco warrior and founder of Wave Tribe. All photo credit by Ivan Feerman.

The post Baja Is Like a Coyote’s Call: Evasive, Mysterious & Mischievous appeared first on Wave Tribe Blog & News.

The Controlled Substances Act of 1970 made it a felony to grow cannabis, including hemp. Forty three years later capitalism is starting to push those puritanical interests aside.

The American hemp industry sells $450 million a year of product from hemp-oil to Wave Tribe surf gear. Yet all the raw material used to produce these products is still illegal to grow in the United States.

Is there a GREEN light at the end of the 2013 tunnel?

A few politicians are waking up to the benefits of growing hemp and have drafted some legislation that just might right the wrongs done in 1970. The Industrial Hemp Farming Act of 2013, introduced in the House on February 6 by Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY), would amend federal drug law to legalize growing cannabis that contains less than 0.3% THC.

Massie wants this bill for the struggling farmers and say, “Industrial hemp will give small farmers another opportunity to succeed.” As farming subsidies begin to dry up, American farmers are desperately looking for a cash crop—they have been for years—and Massie thinks that hemp might fit the bill (pun intended).

I applaud Massie’s vision and his desire to kickstart hemp farming in the good ol’ US of A—no matter his political intention.

Let’s be clear folks, hemp is not weed.

Hemp plants grown to produce oil or fiber are of the same species as cannabis grown for marijuana, BUT their genetics and the way they are cultivated are as different as a whale and a dolphin. Cannabis plants grown for marijuana are bred for high THC and given enough space to branch out so they can produce buds. Cannabis plants grown for hemp have much lower THC and are packed densely—typically 35 to 50 per square foot—the hemp stalks are the most valuable part because this is where the fiber and oils are extracted.

Eight states are already ahead of the federal legislative waltz (Colorado, Maine, Montana, North Dakota, Oregon, Vermont, Washington, and West Virginia) and have enacted laws legalizing farming, using the 0.3 percent THC standard to distinguish it from marijuana.

Bravo progressive states, you give me hope.

Unfortunately, closer the home Jerry Brown continues to disappoint.

California’s legislature voted to create a pilot hemp-farming project in several counties in 2011, but Governor Jerry Brown (kook) vetoed the bill, citing the federal ban—further evidence that you should never bring back a ‘has-been’ politician.

Canada on the other hand (damn I love Canadians) is way ahead of us.

Canada distinguishes between the two varieties of the plant. It legalized hemp cultivation in 1998. Farmers must be licensed and obtain approved low-THC seeds. Plants can be tested to ensure they contain less than 0.3 percent THC. Hemp is also legal in about 30 other countries, with China and France (where it was never outlawed) the leading producers. Eastern European countries like Romania and Hungary are trying to revive and modernize their hemp industries.

Yet my favorite argument comes from Eric Steenstra, head of the VoteHemp lobby group: “You could outlaw heroin, but you don’t have to outlaw poppy seeds on your bagel or muffin.”

True dat.

Dudes, wake up and let our farmers grow this crop. Let’s drop our ‘control on drugs’ mentality and move into a new era.

The post Republicans Want To Legalize Hemp? Something Smells Fishy appeared first on Wave Tribe Blog & News.

For the past few weeks I had been staying in San Juan Del Sur at that little Swedish hostel at the top of the ridge surfing some shitty river mouth waiting for an automotive part to be shipped down from the States for my 4X4. I had left California a few months earlier with the intention of driving to Costa Rica. 

  I was almost there. 

I had been chased, robbed, bribed, and conned along the way—all that was behind me now and what awaited me just across the border was worth all the suffering that I had endured to get to this point. Four months earlier I had quit my job working with the United States government. I sold all my worldly possessions and said goodbye to a version of me that was no longer. For the first time in my life I was choosing to live instead of being chosen. Living a dream instead of dreaming a dream.

It’s funny, looking back it seemed so easy to make that decision. Of course, everyone called me crazy:

 “You can’t drive to Costa Rica!”

My Dad even offered me money not to go. Now that I think about it I was being offered bribes on both side of the border. He kept doing that, offering me money to live a life that he felt was right for me. That’s what some inexperienced fathers do, try and protect their children anyway they can even though they are acting out of their own fear and insecurity. At some point I realized that I was the only person that was going to figure out what was ‘right’ for me and my life. And yes, most of the time I was wrong. But damn it, at least it was my wrong and not somebody else’s version of ‘right’.

On The Road To Witches Rock, Costa Rica

Crossing the border between Nicaragua and Costa Rica took way longer than I anticipated. Not only did the Nicaraguans need to ‘let me go’ but the Costa Ricans had to ‘let me in’. And everyone gets greased along the way. My glass-off session was lost somewhere between processing my fumigation papers and paying the pestering, but essential, tout to help get the proper vehicle stamps in my passport. What do you mean ‘dame tu passaporte?’ Handing over my passport to some pimple faced kid at the border station took a leap of faith, but somehow it always came back. Being at that border with my vehicle packed with my favorite quiver was like standing in the void between heaven and hell. The commandments were very precarious and the situation could tip in either direction very quickly.

A few hours after I started the process I was finished and on my way. Witches Rock was around the corner.

 What’s around your corner? 

The post Chased, Robbed, Bribed, and Conned in Costa Rica appeared first on Wave Tribe Blog & News.

Surfing France

Surf Guide Southern France: The Basics

A surf trip is an opportunity to see new places and to discover yourself through the expression of who you think you are beyond the borders of your country—it will expand your mind and enrich your life in very meaningful ways so please don’t wait to do it—in this article we will explore surf in souther France.

I have been traveling for over a decade in search of waves and experiences along European coastlines and I can tell you that there is much adventure awaiting you.

This guide was written with the help of a French local surfer with over 30 years of experience surfing in southern France, we asked him to help us create this Surfer’s Guide to Southern France. And he said yes, trés cool!

We will talk about the known spots in the southwest of France, unfortunately only the known ones. We were told by the locals that if we speak about the secret surf spots we could never have another chocolate French croissant and believe me this is a great punishment that we want to avoid—with a little creative exploration you’ll find some unknown oceanic French jewels.

Most of the known spots are crowded in the summer but you can find empty line-ups off the beaten path or during the fall and winter. The fall is our favorite time to travel to southern France and can be exceptionally warm. September and October serve up some solid swell with spring-suit or trunkable type conditions and is mostly outside of the European busy travel season (especially October).

It will be cheaper and the surf will be more consistent in the off season—June through the beginning of September can be packed like a Mexican pinada and unless you like the sardine feeling we’d recommend staying away from this season. Of course, you can go in the summer too—it’s a different place with topless girls and bronzed Italians, in winter the only thing topless will be your tequila bottle.

The winter can be brutal—you’ll want a 5/4/3 wet-suit with hoodie, gloves, booties and a bottle of tequila tucked into your wet-suit to keep you warm. You’ll need 3/2 full suit in October and sometimes into November. I lived in Lacanau in the winter of 2010, it can be punishingly cold (like snow-on the-beach cold) and the waves can get so big that you won’t be able to surf. But there will be many days in the winter with perfect uncrowded waves. Spring can also be enjoyable but the swells are less frequent and come from a different direction—May can be funA surf trip is an opportunity to see new places and to discover yourself through the expression of who you think you are beyond the borders of your country—it will expand your mind and enrich your life in very meaningful ways so please don’t wait to do it.

I have been traveling for over a decade in search of waves and experiences along European coastlines and I can tell you that there is much adventure awaiting you.

This guide was written with the help of a French local surfer with over 30 years of experience surfing in southern France, we asked him to help us create this Surfer’s Guide to Southern France. And he said yes, trés cool!

We will talk about the known spots in the southwest of France, unfortunately only the known ones. We were told by the locals that if we speak about the secret surf spots we could never have another chocolate French croissant and believe me this is a great punishment that we want to avoid—with a little creative exploration you’ll find some unknown oceanic French jewels.

Most of the known spots are crowded in the summer but you can find empty line-ups off the beaten path or during the fall and winter. The fall is our favorite time to travel to southern France and can be exceptionally warm. September and October serve up some solid swell with spring-suit or trunkable type conditions and is mostly outside of the European busy travel season (especially October).

View Southwest France Surf Spots in a larger map

It will be cheaper and the surf will be more consistent in the off season—June through the beginning of September can be packed like a Mexican pinada and unless you like the sardine feeling we’d recommend staying away from this season. Of course, you can go in the summer too—it’s a different place with topless girls and bronzed Italians, in winter the only thing topless will be your tequila bottle.

The winter can be brutal—you’ll want a 5/4/3 wet-suit with hoodie, gloves, booties and a bottle of tequila tucked into your wet-suit to keep you warm. You’ll need 3/2 full suit in October and sometimes into November. I lived in Lacanau in the winter of 2010, it can be punishingly cold (like snow-on the-beach cold) and the waves can get so big that you won’t be able to surf. But there will be many days in the winter with perfect uncrowded waves. Spring can also be enjoyable but the swells are less frequent and come from a different direction—May can be fun.

In mid September the tourists go back to work, so the surf is not too crowded, except in the areas of Biarritz, Hossegor, and Lacanau. The best surf is around Hossegor and Biarritz/Anglet. There are always a lot of surfers there, no matter of the season and sometimes a few pros dangling about—especially before the professional contests (usually in October).

The Surf Basics Southern France

The French southwest coast is mainly exposed to full west swells (much like southern California), which means that the off-shore wind is mainly from the east. Here are the wave facts:

The swells come from the northwest or the west.

The best swells come from the northwest.

The biggest and most powerful waves break on sand bars.

There are some reefs in the south, around Biarritz, mainly to the south of the city.

The best surf period is in fall during September, October and November. These three months are synonymous with ze’ French Power, with off shore winds, barrels, and some big swells. Water temperature is still good south of the Aquitaine region, between 60° – 70° Fahrenheit.

Getting There & Away

There are various ways to travel to southern France. The biggest French airport is obviously in Paris, but there is one small international airport in Bordeaux called Bordeaux Mérignac and hour flight from Paris. Flying into Bordeaux is the most convenient and most direct route to the surf.

There is also a national airport in Biarritz and this is a good second option if you can find an airline that flies there. There are numerous trains from Paris to Bordeaux (3 Hours on the TGV Fast Train) and Biarritz (5 hours)—in fact train travel in Europe is a great way to get around and if you take the fast train it can be quicker than flying and much cheaper to transport your boards. You can take your boards on the Train no problem.

From the States I recommend flying into Paris or Bilbao, Spain. It will cost you about $800 – $1200 round trip in the off season to fly from the Los Angeles, California, and it takes about 12 hours.

I recommend flying into Paris and hanging out there for a few days before or after your surf adventure (always depends on swell of course). The first thing you need to know is that Paris is split into districts, think of them as small neighborhoods. I recommend at least two days in Paris near the 6th district, it’s close to most everything and has great shopping and dining. It will cost you 50 euros to take a taxi from the Airport to the center of Paris and it will take between 20-40 minutes. You can also take the train but it’s a pain in the arse if you have boards and luggage with you. You’ll save like 30 euros, no really worth it in my opinion.

All trains departing for the southwest of France leave from Gare Montparnasse in the 14 district (an easy walk or Taxi ride from the 6th). You’ll want to take the TGV fast train to the south of France to Bordeaux, Dax or Biarritz. The train ticket to Bordeaux costs about $100 each way. Once you get to the south you’ll want to rent a car at the train station or airport ($500 for one week).

Booking your train tickets in advance can save you lots of dinero. Book your train tickets online here: http://www.idtgv.com/en/

It’s a little tricky to pre-book the car on the internet at the Bordeaux train station but with a little persistence you can do it. The train station is called Bordeaux Saint Jean Train Station and the car rental companies on location are Sixt, Avis, National, Europcar. The easiest way to book is to do it directly through the company websites.

French Car Rental

I usually fly into Paris and out of Bordeaux Mérignac (BOD) airport (you can fly to many other European locations from Mérignac) and they always let me pick the car up at the train station and drop it off at the airport at no extra charge. You can ask them about this when you go to pick up the vehicle.

If you fly into BOD and need to get to the train station there is a bus that will shuttle you either way for 7 euros. It leaves every 45 minutes and takes about 30 minutes depending on traffic. Give yourself an hour if you need to make a train or flight. At BOD the pick-up is in front of Terminal B at exit 11. Look for the sign in the picture above. If you taking the bus from the train station to BOD look for the same sign in front of the train station in Bordeaux.

If you decide to rent a car get the insurance. On one trip when I got home there was a letter waiting for me telling me that the rental car company had charged my card an additional 250 Euros for a small scratch on the fender, not trés cool. Pay a little extra to avoid those unforeseen charges, it sucks to get a large bill that you didn’t expect in the mail after an epic surf trip.On the main highway watch out for the radar cameras—you’ll see a warning sign before you hit the radar zone but if you don’t slow down and you see a flash you will get the ticket in the mail or the car rental agency will charge your card for the infraction. Sometimes the police will set up stops or use radar on the smaller roads leading into towns.

The French usually have border agents at the toll booths going back into France so you might want to dispose of any Moroccan goodies before you cross the border. I’ve never seen the Spanish stop or screen anyone going the other way.

Take soft racks. We recommend Wave Tribe Hemp Racks! Seriously though, cars in Europe aren’t like American behemoths and most likely you’ll end up renting a smallish car. Once you pile your wet-suits, wine, luggage and boards into the cramped space you’ll wish you had racks. Oh yea, don’t scratch the roof with the racks (see above) or leave your boards unattended—they might disappear.

Another option is to fly into Spain and drive up to the surf in France from Bilbao. It’s about a 3 hours drive from Bilbao to Bordeaux and the flight from the USA is about the same price. It’s a really easy drive and the car rental companies don’t mind that you cross the border into France or visa-vera.

Do you hate border crossing? Bad memories of Mexico? Well, where to grab your coffee and croissant is your greatest worry while traveling between Spain and France, the border crossing is a non-issue, you just drive straight through. If you do get stopped it will be on the French side at the toll booth.

Surfboards in France

As we all know, flying with boards is not that comfortable and can be very expensive. That’s why I must talk about surfboards in France. There are a lot of surf shops all along the coast, like everywhere in the world. You’ll find small funny surf shops, but also the branded surf shops. You’ll find exactly the same brands of surfboards in France as in US or Australia—and let’s not forget those cheap Chinese and Thai surfboards.

Another option is to rent your board. Nick at Ocean Gypsy Surf (http://oceangypsysurf.com) has a fine collection of surfboard rentals. He is located in Labenne Ocean, 5 minutes South of Hossegor and 20 minutes North of Biarritz. Send him an email info@oceangypsysurf.com or call him 33 (0) 6 33 82 14 26 to reserve a board.

Grub & Vin, oh la la

There are many different places for eat, from the worst to the best. Don’t worry about it before you come, if there is one thing that the French people don’t joke about, it is food and wine. You’ll find very French restaurants, but also food from all around the world. One thing to keep in mind is the afternoon eating schedule, the French tend to start lunch around one and they finish eating around three and if you arrive too late they might not serve you.

Vegans will find it hard to eat in France and vegetarians that eat cheese are in paradise. Grab a bottle of red, a French baguette from the bakery and a chunk of blue cheese and you are golden. You’ll also find a lot of street markets, organic or not. If you have an apartment, buying food at the street market and cooking it at home is the cheapest way to eat. But you’ll need a place with a kitchen, another reason to get an apartment.

If you like red wine, like me, then you are in the most bountiful wine zone of France with so many delicious Bordeaux’s that your head will spin when you walk into the store to select one. France’s first extensive vineyards were established by Rome in around 122 BC in today’s Languedoc and then later perfected in Bordeaux.

Map of Wine

The major reason for the success of wine making in the Bordeaux region is the excellent environment for growing vines. The geological foundation of the region is limestone, leading to a soil structure that is heavy in calcium.

In Bordeaux, almost all wines are blended. The typical blend consists of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon (and/or Cabernet Franc), with small additions of Petit Verdot and Malbec. So, my friends, the real gift the French have is in how they blend those varietals.

However, the French use one other interesting trick call chaptalization, which means they add sugar before undergoing barrel-ageing. In the south you can get a good bottle of Bordeaux for 4 Euros, so it won’t break your wallet either. Great red wine and sick barrels, what else could you ask for?

Budget

Accommodation will run $50-$100 a night in most places and your food budget is up to you. Shopping for fresh groceries and preparing meals will be much less than eating out every meal. Finding an apartment for part of your trip is what I recommend, most breaks in the south are within a reasonable driving distance from each other. You could do a ten day trip (with car) for about $2000 USD, less if you camp and prepare most of your own food. Add a few nights in Paris, some good meals out, and a few bottles of Bordeaux and that low budget could easily double.

Pillow Time

If you want to go to France in the summer, during July and August, it will be very expensive.

The well-known surf spots are more expensive.

Be forewarned, you must book your accommodation very early in the year for travel during the high season—if not you’ll be sleeping on the beach, which might be cool too

Camping

There are camp sites in every coastal city, prices vary depending on the popularity of the area—for example camping in the popular spots like Hossegor or Lacanau are much more expensive. You’ll find the prices on the internet. Here are some resources:

http://www.campingfrance.com/UK/

Guest Houses

There are not many guest houses in France. Chambres d’hotes are the way to go, you rent a room in a family house and can share meals and learn about the culture. Rooms can be offered in a home or in a spare room in the garden.

This is highly recommended for people that want to learn about French culture and lifestyle. You can, if you want, eat with the owner in some situations. There are a lot of different prices; this site is a good resource.

http://www.chambresdhotesfrance.com

Couch Surfing

This can be a fun way to travel, spend time in someone’s home or on their couch. France has a big representation on this site.

http://www.couchsurfing.com

Hotels

There are thousands of hotels in France. You’ll find all types of prices. You can book them on the internet:

http://www.hotel-france.com

Apartments

You might want to consider renting a place for a week or longer. There are lots of websites offering long term rentals. Here are a few links to get you started. I have used homelidays and liked it.

http://www.homeaway.com

http://www.homelidays.com

http://www.airbnb.com

Where to Go First in Souther France?

Lacanau is a small quaint town and a nice place to start your trip. The further south you go the more crowded it will be. From Bordeaux train station it’s about 45 minutes by car to Lacanau or about 1.5 hours to Hossegor. You’ll want to check the surf reports to see what’s the haps, but if there is swell all those places will be working.

Lacanau has a lower profile surf scene than its cousins in the south and is more laid-back, it feels more rustic and is a good place to ease into the southern vibe. You’ll find less crowds in this region and have the opportunity to explore some of the lesser surfed breaks to the north towards the Bay of Biscay.

SearchForWaves.com is a great resource for surf forecast in southern France while on the road. You can check surf spot information at:

http://searchforwaves.com/France

Surfline also has a forecast page:

http://www.surfline.com/surf-forecasts/france/southwest-france_2955

Wannasurf France section is good for chatting with local surfers and learning details:

http://wannasurf.com/spot/Europe/France/

Good site for wind:

http://windguru.cz/it

Region I: The Medoc

The best waves are in Médoc, suggests our French local. Even if it’s perfect, you can surf alone or just with your friends. The waves only break on sandbars and there is a spot on every baïnes—every 300 to 400 meters.

A baïne is a kind of big hole in the beach, parallel with the ocean, made by the currents. At the door of the baïne, you’ll find the sand bars. Be careful when surfing the baïnes, people die every year from the currents and they can be tricky to manage in big swell.

The worst thing about the Médoc is that there aren’t a lot of sheltered spots and the wind can cause some real havoc. When the wind is onshore, it’s best to look inside the mouth of the river called the Garonne—here you’ll find some off-shore waves, but usually a bit smaller than other places.

You can also check the waves north of Lacanau towards Soulac. The waves tend to get smaller as you travel north—depending on the swell and also remember to watch the tides.

My favorite place to surf is right in town at Lacanau.

There are a few really good sandbars and jetties that produce barrelling waves when the conditions are right. This place changes on the tide swings and can look totally uninviting at low tide and then turn on at high tide, so keep an eye on it and don’t be surprised if it jumps within a few hours. You can go hang at Le Kayoc where they have free wifi and watch it. Le Kayoc is the restaurant at the end of the main drag and looks out onto several breaks. The food is ok.

Region II: The Landes

The best waves in France are around Hossegor, Seignosse and Capbreton—simply put, the surf is world class in this area and this is where they hold the professional surf contests each year.

There is a very deep fault at the bottom of the ocean in front of this region (much like Blacks in California). This means that the swell arrives extremely fast onto the sand bars, creating very large and powerful barrels (like the one on the previous page). Unfortunately, this region is cursed with the same wind issue as in the Médoc.

You can surf big waves in la nord (north) in Hossegor—from 12 to 14 feet. The southern beaches in Hossegor are a bit more sheltered from the larger swells if that’s more your style. So if it’s too big in the north, try hitting the southern beaches. It can be twice as big on the northern beaches—it’s a strange phenomenon, just a few hundred feet north it starts to get much bigger.

If it’s really big try heading for Capbreton, you can surf sheltered waves at the Santosha, but just as in le sud that damn French wind blows hard and could ruin your session. I have had some great sessions over the years in this region and I find the French trés cool in the water. Always remember to be respectful of the locals and other surfers in the water and follow courteous surfing etiquette—no snakes.

Region III: Pays Basque (Basque Country)

The Basque country has a wide variety of waves with wonderful quality—this is one of the most beautiful coastlines in all of Europe. The mountains and ocean are married at the same place. That means that in winter time, you can have a surf session and a snowboard session on the same day.

In Anglet and Biarritz you’ll find hollow waves on sand bars. If you go south from Biarritz you’ll find a lot of different waves on reefs and sand bars. There are a lot of sheltered spots in the Basque region and it’s the best place to surf when the wind is howling or the surf is gigantic. A solid swell at Biarritz can be super fun with options at Anglet five minutes away and playful reefs in the southern part of the city.

Surfing at Grande Plage in Biarritz can be really fun, it’s a thumping wave and when it’s going the peaks shift around so you can get waves even in the crowd if you work it.

Try sitting outside near the rocks to catch some of the larger sets.

You can find miraculous waves without too many people if you hunt for the right spot, or keep going south to Spain—a totally different experience, one you will not want to miss!

Surf Guide To Northern Spain

San Sebastian is only about 30 minutes from downtown Biarritz and if the swell is too big in France it might be perfect in San Sebastian—check out the map.

The winds are also different in Spain and sometimes it can be totally blown-out in France and glassy in Spain.

San Sebastian is a very protected spot that is protected by huge cliffs from the north and south. It’s a nice day trip from France.

Follow the signs out on the main highway and head toward Spain, the boarder is about 30 minutes from Biarritz.

You’ll go through several tolls on this route so grab some spare change. Depending on how deep into Spain you go you’ll need about 20 euros each way.

Most of the tolls are automated, you throw the change into this bucket and the gate opens. It’s a pain if you don’t have the exact change, in fact they will make you turn around if you can’t pay.

Once you enter Spain the coast make a large sweeping turn here and the beaches go from facing west facing to north facing in just a few miles. Thus the more northerly swells slam right into Spain, providing epic waves just around the corner.

San Sebastian

San Sebastian is a fun wave and will hold plenty of swell.

Try and find a parking spot at the north end of the beach against the cliff. There is also a paid parking structure two blocks off the beach, just follow the signs. Don’t leave any valuables in your car.

You can’t miss the wave at San Sebastian, there is a left off the jetty and a fun right next to the rocks at the north end of the beach. Sometimes it breaks in the middle section too, depends on the swell.

This is a fun place to hang out for the day and you’ll be surprised how different Spain is compared to France.

Mundaka

If you have crossed the boarder into Spain you are not far from one of the premiere waves in Europe—Mundaka.

The tides, wind and swell have to be just right but if you are lucky you might score this wave.

If there is a lot of swell I’d check it for sure, it needs 3-5 meters to work. Mundaka is situated on a beautiful cliff overlooking a breathtaking rivermouth. Look up the river and be blown away by the immense beauty of this place.

Getting there by car look for the Gernika exit right before (coming from France) the city of Bilboa. Follow the signs towards Bermeo and eventually you’ll drop right in to Mundaka about 20 minutes off the main highway. If you get lost along the way just pull over and ask any local: “Donde esta Mundaka?”

Mundaka, Spain

Once you are in Mundaka prepare yourself for a small maze of streets, work yourself towards the harbor—the main break is right in front of the harbor opening. If you have a van you can even camp right in the main parking lot above the break, but as always be respectful and if the police come to your vehicle offer to buy them a beer.

To get to the main break head toward to harbor and jump in next to the boats (see picture below)  and paddle about 30 yards into the lineup.

Check the middle and inside sections of the waves too, sometimes if the peak is crowded the middle section can be super fun.

Mundaka Harbor

Most people know Mundaka as a fun left but if the sandbars are setup just right you can also surf a sweet barreling right.

When we were there in 2012 we surfed some of the best right tubes of the trip. You just never know in Europe.

There is also a super fun beachbreak across the bay and a reef break near the island at the mouth of the river. Do some exploring, you’ll be stoked!

Bon Voyage!

Have a great trip, let us know what you think of the Wave Tribe Surf Travel Guide Series and don’t forget to check out Wave Tribe for great eco surfing gear before your trip.

Go out there and score some waves. Traveling will change your life and is one of the most precious activities you will ever do!

Derek Dodds, Founder Wave Tribe

PS. Bali, Cabo, Peru, Brazil, South Africa Surf Guides in the pipeline—always free to the Wave Tribe family!

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