Why is surfing in a group the best way to learn and have fun?
If you’ve ever watched a surf beach, you’ve probably noticed one thing: no one really surfs alone. Beginners catch their first whitewater waves side by side, teens cheer each other on loudly, and even experienced surfers end up waiting for their turn together at the line-up. Surfing is a collective sport, even when you’re alone on your wave.
So, why not embrace that from the start and join a group surf lesson? In Lacanau, with Ocean Ride surf school, you’ll quickly see that the group experience makes learning more motivating, more fun, and truly unforgettable.
Learning Together: A Real Progress Booster
Surfing solo is possible. But let’s be honest: it’s slow, sometimes discouraging, and you miss out on tons of tips.
In a group, you benefit in several ways:
- Observation: Watching another beginner succeed (or fail) helps you recognize your own mistakes faster.
- Sharing: Everyone asks different questions to the instructor, so you pick up advice you might not have thought to ask for.
- Motivation: Wiped out and hesitating to try again? Your teammates cheer you on, and you jump right back in.
Shared Emotions, Multiplied by the Group
Standing up on your board for the first time is a thrill you’ll never forget. Now imagine doing it in front of your friends, who explode with joy. Or missing your take-off in such a funny way that everyone bursts out laughing—yourself included.
These moments create a special vibe. Surfing becomes more than just a sport; it’s a shared experience. You’ll leave with memories, photos, and inside jokes that still come up months later around a barbecue.
In fact, a group surf session feels a bit like an impromptu summer camp: it brings people together, even if you didn’t know anyone at the start.
Surfing with Family or Friends: Bonding Guaranteed
Surfing has a magical way of leveling the playing field. Your little brother nails his take-off before you? Cue the laughter. Your kids crack up at your wipeouts? Even better—they’ll want you to do it again.
It’s the same with friends. Some are competitive, others just want to have fun. You’ll mix friendly challenges (“who can stay up the longest?”) with lots of laughs. And after the session, the good times continue on the beach—ice cream, a beer, or just sunbathing.
Group surfing is the perfect excuse to share something out of the ordinary.
Group Lessons: Learning, Safety, and Great Vibes
You might think being in a group means less attention. Wrong. Instructors know exactly how to adapt their coaching:
- Complete beginners → basics (balance, safety, take-off)
- Intermediates → turns, timing
- Advanced → fine-tuning technique
Safety is the top priority: equipment is adapted, practice areas are supervised, and safety rules are repeated until they become second nature. You learn with confidence, and since everyone progresses at their own pace, no one is left behind.
Lacanau: A Legendary and Accessible Surf Spot
It’s hard to talk about surfing without mentioning Lacanau. With its wide sandy beaches, consistent waves, and surf-city vibe, it’s the perfect place to learn. Every summer, the town buzzes with competitions like the famous Lacanau Pro, yet the waves remain beginner-friendly the rest of the time.
And let’s be real: learning to surf in Lacanau feels like being on holiday. Even if you’re just here for a weekend, you’ll leave feeling like you’ve truly escaped.
Teambuilding: Strengthening Bonds Through the Waves
Companies often look for original activities to boost team spirit. Surfing checks all the boxes:
- No hierarchy in the water—the boss struggles just as much as the intern.
- Successes and wipeouts become shared moments.
- The collective energy lasts long after the session.
Honestly, it’s hard to find a better way to bond a team and create an unforgettable teambuilding event.
Group Surfing: An Intergenerational Experience
One of the biggest advantages of group surfing is how inclusive it is. Kids have fun, parents learn, and sometimes even grandparents give it a try. Everyone has their place in the water.
And beyond the technique, surfing brings true well-being: connection with the ocean, physical activity, and total mental release. It’s like yoga—but with a board and waves.
Surfing in a group is so much more than “taking a lesson.” It’s about learning faster, pushing yourself without pressure, sharing intense emotions, and leaving with unforgettable memories.
With Ocean Ride in Lacanau, you’ll enjoy an exceptional setting, a passionate team, and options to suit every need. So—ready to give it a try? The waves are waiting for you!
AQ – Everything You Need to Know About Group Surfing
Absolutely. Group lessons are designed for people who’ve never touched a surfboard before. We always start with the basics: positioning on the board, a smooth take-off, balance, and—most importantly—safety rules.
And here’s the best part: being with other beginners helps you feel less self-conscious. Everyone wipes out, everyone laughs, and everyone progresses at their own pace. The goal isn’t performance—it’s about getting comfortable with the ocean in a safe, supportive way.
Each group has a maximum of 8 participants. Why? Because it keeps the vibe friendly while still allowing personalized coaching.
With 8 people max, you get plenty of time to surf, listen to feedback, and rest between waves. It’s the perfect balance for effective learning—without pressure.
Because Lacanau is a benchmark surf destination. Its wide beaches host international competitions every summer but stay accessible to beginners the rest of the year. The waves are consistent, gentle enough to learn on, yet powerful enough to help you progress.
Plus, the vibe is unbeatable. Lacanau isn’t just a surf spot—it’s a lively seaside town with terraces, ice cream shops, and a strong surf culture. After your lesson, you can keep the good times going right on the seafront.
A standard group session lasts 2 hours. That includes a beach briefing, warm-up (important to avoid cramps!), practice in the water, and a short debrief at the end.
It’s the ideal length: long enough to get plenty of attempts and progress, but short enough that you don’t come out completely exhausted. If you want to take it further, we also offer multi-day surf camps to really solidify your skills.
