France weekend trip to Quiksilver Pro

[Dex101]

Hi All,

So not really a surf break question but have a holiday to france planned and just noticed its at the same time as the Quiksilver pro, its not too far out of the way but would it be worth going over for the weekend or something?

Not sure how it actually works, is it ticketed?

Also what's the general vibe like? I am going with my wife who although I am slowly coaxing into the water isn't really that into surfing.

Any help would be great. Was really looking for where we could surf, but sounds like all the breaks might be busy!

[BaNZ]

I've only been to the WSL one. It isn't ticketed but it is normally packed. I don't see how they can stop people from going to the beach.

I went to the one in Portugal and although the break isn't that far from the shore. I could barely see what is going on. In the end I just looked at the live tv being broadcast.

The vibe is good and you can meet the surfers.

[Dex101]

Thanks, that's really useful, wasn't sure how likely it was you could see anything but also what its actually like there.

[LiveSwell]

Hey Dex,

The main contest site for the Quik Pro will be held at La Graviere and pretty much everywhere between Capbreton through Seignosse will generally have an influx of visiting pros. If you have a rental car I would highly recommend avoiding Hossegor in general during the contest window as the main banks will be extra crowded. It may be worth just driving a few km's north or south in either direction and you may get lucky with a random sand bank and no one out

The contest is worth checking out though. The waves often times get very good and its a wild exprience to see that level of talent up close and in person. For the wife who may not be as into the surfing, there are a number of exceptional restaurants and beautiful beaches within a stone throw of the main contest site.

enjoy !!

[RinkyDink]

If I were taking a surf trip to France, I'd skip the contest and find a place to do some surfing. However, I would probably only have that one trip to surf in France. Your wife might prefer a relaxing trip to the beach over a crowded contest, but seeing the locals at the contest would probably be fun. Ask her what she's into. I know that when I have the choice between being in the water on a beautiful day or walking around in the sun, I always choose the water. Hanging out in the sun is nice if I can get some shade, a nice view, and a nearby supply of good, inexpensive beer. Chips and salsa help too. Tough call.