2 types of lessons at COCO SURF

The operation in summer and off-season is somewhat different. In spring and autumn, meeting places may vary depending on the very changeable conditions during these periods. The locations and lesson times are set a few days in advance.

In summer, the teaching spot remains fixed and lesson times are set several months in advance, as the milder summer conditions allow for quality teaching at all tides and in most weather conditions.

Meet at the yellow Cocosurf truck. Once there, it's time to choose your wetsuit and get changed. Off to the spot.

Off-season, you have to carry your board alone or in pairs to the beach (5-10 minutes walk). If it's heavy, don't panic, the strong members of the group are called upon!

In summer, a 20-minute walk to the spot (but no boards to carry thanks to the school's trolley) allows you to get to know each other and start warming up. The reward is there: an empty spot to choose the best waves and ensure maximum safety!

The lesson then proceeds as follows: a friendly time for introductions, analysis of the day's conditions and explanation of safety rules, warm-up, then it's time for surfing.

Through progressive exercises and individualized advice, the objectives and progressions will be specific to each person. Examples: discovering gliding and making your first stand-ups for beginners, refining your posture and making turns in small waves for 'false beginners', or discovering or refining catching waves from the outside for intermediates... The instructor accompanies you as much as possible during the session.

Finally, after surfing (about 1h30), return to the beach for a debriefing session together, then return to the parking lot with equipment (off-season) or without equipment (summer). It's time to change and say goodbye!

The total time taken is between 2h30 and 3h depending on the location of the lesson (more or less walking between the parking lot and the spot). The lesson lasts 2 hours and the total surfing time is about 1h30. This is quite sufficient, as your energy will already decline after about 1h15.

In summer, the lessons take place exclusively on the Côte-Sauvage de la Tremblade and the location is fixed.

In spring and autumn, the locations are variable and may take place on a beach in Royan or on the Côte-Sauvage. The spot is chosen a few days in advance because the weather is very changeable during these periods.

Yes, of course! Foam boards adapted to each person, and winter or summer wetsuits depending on the season.

Maximum 8 students per instructor, so 16 students maximum in summer since we have 2 instructors. In such cases, we always divide the group into two (based on levels and affinities) and each instructor manages their group.

Everything! The lesson, equipment rental, expert advice, and good vibes.

Professional Liability Insurance is also included (in case of injury to a student caused by a mistake of the instructor).

In case of damage not covered by the instructor's liability, your personal Liability Insurance (which we normally have in our school or home insurance) should be activated.

For your information, neither any student nor myself have needed to use our Liability Insurance in the last 5 years.

1st lesson: basic safety, choosing the right 'foam', catching it by paddling lying down, and starting to stand up (variable according to each person's performance)

2nd and 3rd lessons: improvement of previous points, as well as postures and techniques to ride the wave for as long as possible

4th and 5th lessons: knowing how to analyze the day's conditions, understanding offshore surfing safety, getting past the break, catching a small smooth wave, and then turning in the foam.

Firstly, for your safety: the ocean can be dangerous for a novice without knowledge and supervision. Lessons will help you understand the dangers of the ocean (rips, currents) and the proper conduct for safe practice.

Secondly, to progress quickly: surfing is sometimes a challenging sport, so it's better to stack the odds in your favor!

Off-season, you have to carry your board alone or in pairs to the beach (5-10 minutes walk). If it's heavy, don't panic, the strong members of the group are called upon!

In summer, a 20-minute walk to the spot (but no boards to carry thanks to the school's trolley) allows you to get to know each other and start warming up. The reward is there: an empty spot to choose the best waves and ensure maximum safety!

This is our number one concern in all our lessons. Here is a non-exhaustive list to reassure the most anxious parents:

We use one of the world's top 3 brands of foam boards: SOFTECH.

All sizes are available, from 6'0 for children to 8'0 'extra large' for adult beginners.

Surfers with their own equipment can also bring it to lessons if they wish. We also have different brands of wetsuits (quiksilver, o'neill, c-skins).

Cancellation or absence due to the client

In case of cancellation due to bad weather conditions (no waves, storm), the courses that cannot be conducted will, in agreement with the participants:

Of course, it's even one of the great advantages of surfing. Surfing is a great time for sharing and laughter with family!

All practitioners surf in the same beach area (children closer to the shore, adults a little further), so we can have lessons with different ages and levels. We adapt our instructions to each participant, but the practice area is the same for everyone.

In summer, you have a choice of 3 schedules:

Just beach essentials in a backpack: flip-flops, swimsuit, sunscreen, hat or cap, and a water bottle.

Yes! As they say, wet or wet, might as well go in the water! Rain is not a reason for cancellation. And rest assured, you'll be warm in your wetsuits.

In the case of a small group (7 or 8 students or less), there is one lesson and levels and ages are mixed. But your instructor will individualize their teaching and exercises for each participant!

With 9 students or more per lesson, we have 2 instructors and split the group into two teams based on levels and/or ages.

No, it's not necessary. But in case of health problems, please discuss them with the team beforehand.

From the mini 3-course stage, your instructors will give you a personalized Cocosurf diploma. You will find all your achievements and what you still need to learn to become a true ocean Jedi.