Initiation course

Salty memories, splashes of laughter and a safe first glide!

Introduction to surfing in Lacanau-Océan

Have you never set foot on a surfboard before? Are you a little (or a lot) impressed by the ocean? Don’t panic, that’s exactly why we’re here.

A beginners’ course at Big Mama Surfschool is the perfect opportunity to discover surfing in a safe and friendly environment. Our qualified instructors will guide you step by step, both in the water and on the sand, teaching you the basics with patience, teaching… and always with a smile.

You’ll learn to get to grips with the marine environment, get to know your equipment, and launch out onto your first waves with confidence. All in a relaxed, pressure-free atmosphere, with just one objective: to make sure you enjoy yourself, even (and especially) if it’s your first time.

And let’s be honest: if you’re going to try surfing once in your life, you might as well do it in Lacanau, the cradle of surfing in France and a mecca for international surfers since the 1950s.

What will you learn?

Introduction and first waves

Discovery of equipment: surfboard, bodyboard, wetsuit, leash, wax, etc.
Learn about the ocean: how to select a surfing or swimming area, spot the currents, etc.
First contact with the waves: learning to dive under the waves, introduction to bodysurfing, finding your bearings in the water.
Learn how to ride your board safely in the waves and catch a long wave.
Learning the stand up technique on the beach.
Master the stand up technique on the waves (foam) and manage to glide while keeping your balance.
Begin to change direction on your board.

Why choose Big Mama for your first time on a surfboard?

Support

Our qualified and professional teaching team will accompany the whole family in the water throughout the sessions. Safety, progress and fun are our watchwords.

Fun

Fun, smiles and amusement will enliven the sessions. Our ultimate aim is to make you enjoy the waves in complete serenity.

Equipment

With over 200 boards in stock, you're sure to find a board to suit your size and ability. Recent foam boards for optimum safety.

Location

The school is located near Lacanau's Plage Nord (supervised beach), which is ideal for learning to surf as it is much less busy than the more central beaches.

Price of our begginers surf lessons in Lacanau-Océan

High Season

July - August

1 lesson 42€
2 lessons 78€
3 lessons 120€
4 lessons 156€
5 lessons 169€

Low Season

Rest of the year

1 lesson 36€
2 lessons 69€
3 lessons 105€
4 lessons 138€
5 lessons 159€

All the equipment you need is provided: board and wetsuit selected according to your level and body shape.

Access to changing rooms, toilets, showers and lockers is possible before and after the session.

Various methods of payment: bank transfer, credit card, ANCV cheques, sports vouchers, cash, cheques.

Frequently asked questions about our introductory surfing session

Do you need to have surfed before to take this course?

No, this course is specifically designed for people who have never surfed before. It allows you to discover the technical basics and safety rules, in a structured and caring environment.

What do I need to bring for the course?

All equipment is provided (board and wetsuit). All you need to bring is a swimming costume, towel and sun cream. We also advise you to bring water to hydrate yourself after the session.

What is the minimum age for participation?

We welcome children aged 4 and over. The instructors adapt their teaching to the age and pace of each participant, to guarantee safety and progress.

What happens if the weather is bad?

Wet for wet, courses are maintained in the event of rain. On the other hand, if the conditions appear to us to be impracticable, the session is postponed or cancelled. Don’t worry, we’re cautious and true ocean professionals.

Opinions and testimonials

We came as a couple to discover surfing in Lacanau and this school perfectly met our expectations. We were delighted to learn this sport with Romain, who is as kind as he is educational. We’ll be back!

A most enjoyable afternoon! The welcome and the instructors were really top-notch! Great teaching and a very relaxed atmosphere! Thank you for this surfing session! I’d love to go back! Don’t hesitate Big mama surf school is great!

Nice school and promises kept, we ended up standing on the board 😉 Preferred structure as they take their time and easy access to the north beach (much less crowded than the central). Young, smiling, available and attentive team. A recipe for success! We’ll be back with great pleasure.