The History of Surfing – Surfing Now & Then

With over 20 million participants worldwide, surfing has experienced a dramatic evolution. From its spiritual beginnings to earning its place in pop culture, surfing has transformed into an international, multi-billion-pound industry. But how did surfing begin? And how did surfing spread from Hawaii to Europe?

To help you understand the history of surfing, we’ve shared the key events that have developed surfing into the sport we recognise today.

 

How did Surfing begin?

Whilst most people believe surfing originates from Hawaii, that may not actually be the case. Although surfing was spread by Polynesian migrants from Indonesia through Fiji, the Marquesas, Tahiti and Hawaii, the first activity that can be recognised as surfing was in Peru!

The history of surfing goes back to around 3000 to 1000 BCE, Peruvian fishermen built ‘caballitos de totora’ to transport their nets and collect fish. A type of reed watercraft fisherman used to straddle the craft liking horses, hence its name ‘little reed horses’ in English.

Although it is debated in the surfing world as to whether ‘caballitos de totora’ constitutes the first form of surfing, the similarity in its shape is definitely convincing!

Surfing nearly went extinct?!

While over 20 million people actively surf world-wide, believe it or not, the sport of surfing was nearly lost in the 1880’s!

Believing the sport was a waste of time and had sinful links to gambling and nakedness, American missionaries preached against surfing in Hawaii. As colonial powers introduced a cash economy to the island, Hawaiians worked on sugar plantations, reducing their spare time and time catching waves.

Thankfully, the sport was resurrected in the late 1880’s by King Kalakaua who actively encouraged the practice of Hawaiian traditions including surfing.

Surfing in Europe

We know Hawaii is the stereotypical surfing hotspot, but how did surfing spread to Europe?

After encouragement from King Kalakaua, surfers travelled across the world to demonstrate their ability on the waves. In 1885, three Hawaiian princes visited the USA to showcase the sport, with a similar one taking place in Bridlington, UK in 1890.

However, it wasn’t until Duke Kahanamoku’s success at the 1920 Olympic Games in Antwerp, that the popularity of surfing in Europe truly began to gain momentum.

By the mid-1920’s, surfing had travelled to Europe, with the first surfers being filmed in Portugal in 1926.

Surfing was mainly focused in Portugal until WWII, when U.S. troops introduced the sport to France, transforming Biarritz into the best surfing destination in Europe.

After Peter Viertel imported the first surfboards into Biarritz and then travelled down into Spain in the 1960’s, the sport had spread across the European coast.

 

 

How have surfboards changed?

An essential part of the history of surfing is the development of the surfboard. During the early 1700s, Hawaiians followed the Code of Kapu (taboos), which dictated every aspect of an islander’s life. Under the Code, the best surf spots were reserved for Hawaiian royalty, with the island priest being sent for to pray over the water if the swell wasn’t there. Even the size of the surfboard was controlled, with royalty riding boards up to 24 feet long, whilst the rest of the islanders rode boards that averaged 12 feet long.

However, as surfing spread across the world and the sport grew in popularity, surfers began to look at ways to enhance their performance.

In 1935, Alfred Gallant Jr. became the first person to use wax on a surfboard, after noticing the effect it had on the floors of his home. In the same year, Tom Blake introduced the first stabilising fin on a surfboard, with a twin system being introduced in 1943 and Simon Anderson introducing a triple fin system in 1980.

Not only did WWII help spread surfing, it also gave way to a new generation of surfboards. As a result of the invention of chemicals and materials such as Styrofoam, Fiberglass and Resin, lighter boards were created allowing more challenging surf.

Whilst original wooden longboards usually measured 16 foot and could weigh up to 175 pounds, the 1960’s saw surfboards change shape and become smaller. After Irish Hawaiian George Freeth cut the original 16ft wood longboards in half, new surfing techniques that were more suited to European beach breaks emerged.

 

Surfing in the Algarve: The Best Surf Spots

Surfing in the Algarve is a favourite amongst European surfers; the Algarve offers year-round waves in the warmest climate in Europe. Thanks to its location on the corner of the Iberian Peninsula, the Algarve enjoys the widest swell window in Portugal, making it the ideal destination for a surfing holiday. With waves suitable for all abilities, it can be difficult to know where to head so we’ve put together some of our favourite spots to get you started.

Essential Information

Location: South Portugal
Language: Portuguese
Currency: Euro
Local Time: GMT/BST
Fly to: Faro Airport (FAO), also known as Algarve Airport
Flight time: Approximately 2 hours 45 minutes from the UK

When to Surf in the Algarve

Boasting the warmest climate in Europe, the Algarve is a year-round destination and will have waves whenever you visit.

The peak season is considered to be between autumn and spring as a result of the extremely hot summers and long flat spells.

Although the winter months are often warm enough for t-shirts and the water around the Algarve is the warmest in Portugal, water temperatures remain cool. Wetsuits are recommended all year, with July and August being the only exceptions.

 

Where to Surf in The Algarve

Lagos

A popular town in the southern Algarve region, Lagos is known for its cliffs and Atlantic beaches. Conveniently located, transfers from Faro Airport to Lagos take about 1 hour making it the perfect location for a surf holiday.

Located in a quiet coastal town, Praia do Luz offers a great beach for those looking for a relaxing atmosphere close to Lagos. A long beach featuring a good reef at both ends, this best during the winter months when it is at its quietest. The predominant wind blows from the North in the winter, with swells emerging from the south.

Alternatively, visit Praia de Burgau, located in a traditional Portuguese fishing village south-east of Lagos. A great spot for beginners, the beach is surrounded by hills which protect it from the frequent north winds. Although the waves are quite mellow, there can be great lefts and rights, especially in big winter swells.

Sagres

Situated on the most westerly tip of the Algarve, Sagres comprises of magnificent cliffs, vast beaches and spectacular waves. Close to some of the best surfing beaches in Portugal, a transfer from Faro Airport to Sagres takes approximately 1 hour 20 minutes.

Located to the south of the incredible cliffs of Cabo Sao Vicente, Praia do Beliche is a victim of the powerful Atlantic swells. Best at mid-tide, the 40-metre-high cliffs provide some shelter from the notorious winds Sagres is famous for. Although a great option before or after the main summer months, Praia do Beliche has some of the hollowest peaks around during winter.

Close to the resort of Vila do Bispo, Praia da Ingrina is also worth considering whilst visiting the Algarve on a surf holiday. A peaceful but breezy beach, the tiny bay can produce lovely hollow waves if the sandbank is good but is at its best with a good winter swell.

Another beautiful and windy beach is known for its great waves is Tonel Beach. One of three beaches within walking distances of Sagres, it is capable of producing hollow waves but is unpredictable in the wind. Offering both right and lefts, it can be busy in summer and features surprising rip currents.

One of the best-known surf hotspots in Portugal, Praia do Zavial is fast and hollow but requires a sizeable swell to really come alive. Although perfect for beginners and intermediates on small swells, it gets offshore winds frequently, making even the smallest swells stand up.

Carrapateira

A village situated on the western coast of the Algarve, offers a wild coastline with incredible surf. Despite transfers from Faro Airport to Carrapateria only taking around 1 hour 20 minutes, the area has a traditional Portuguese atmosphere that makes a nice contrast to other popular resorts.

Praia do Amado is one of the best-known surf spots on the Algarve, a long, sandy beach offering great waves all year round. Popular with beginners, the beach gets lots of variety in different wave conditions. Experiencing the most consistent waves in the Algarve, tides don’t affect Praia do Amado and it is open to all Atlantic swells.

One of the longest beaches in the area, Praia da Cordoama is extremely open and surrounded by spectacular cliffs. Extremely popular in summer, it features extremely consistent waves with great hollow waves and running waves that spread down the beach.

Part of the Vicentine Coast natural park, Praia do Castelejo is renowned for being an excellent surf spot. Neighbouring Praia da Cordoama, the bay is extremely consistent and is west facing. A good spot for learning how to surf in the sun during the summer months, Praia do Castelejo offers world class waves if the sandbars have developed.

We hope this has given you some inspiration for spots to visit during your next surf holiday to the Algarve.

Don’t forget Sea-Lifts specialises in surf holiday airport transfers and even offers the option of adding your surfboard as luggage.

Book your Algarve transfer today.

Guide to Surfing in Northern Spain

Whilst sun worshipers automatically head to southern Spain, the northern regions have long been at the top of any keen surfer’s bucket list.

Northern Spain, with over 400 miles of Atlantic coastline, is a surfer’s paradise. The Basque country alone has 27 surf spots! Littered with various setups, there is a surf spot to suit everyone.

Whether you are looking for an introduction to surfing or thinking of ticking Spain off your surfing bucket list, please read our guide to surfing in Northern Spain and discover the world-class waves waiting for you. 

 

When to Surf in Spain

Enjoying a mild climate all year round, Spain is a great holiday destination whenever you decide to visit.

Although the surf in Spain is also great all year round, the surf conditions vary dramatically. Facing the Atlantic Ocean, some of Spain’s best surf spots experience contrasting conditions, transforming the beaches from beginner-friendly to experts-only.

Surfing in Spain from December to March

During the coldest months of the year, temperatures average around 12 degrees Celsius. During this period, most surf camps and schools are closed, and crowds are at a minimum. Waves are at their most aggressive between December and March, with the swell at its most powerful.

Water temperatures average around 12 degrees Celsius to 14 degrees Celsius, so depending on the surf spot visited and how cold you get, a winter wetsuit, gloves, and booties are advised.

June to September

Thanks to its mild climate, summers in northern Spain average between 20 degrees Celsius and 25 degrees Celsius. The spectacular Picos do Europa mountain range prevents clouds from disappearing quickly, resulting in more rain than other regions.

Water temperatures average around 18 degrees in summer, letting you surf in a light wetsuit or shorts.

Where to Surf in Spain

Mundaka

Known as one of Spain’s best surf spots in Northern Spain and one the world’s top river mouth waves, Mundaka is an iconic location that every surfer should visit. Lying within the UNESCO-protected Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve, with a take-off point that overlooks an 11th Century church, Mundaka is internationally renowned and has featured on the World Tour, Capable of producing pristine barrelling lefts up to 12 ft tall, Mundaka can sometimes resemble a wave park so powerful are its waves. When it’s working, this surf spot should not be attempted by beginners, but it’s worth visiting just to watch the big wave riders.

Best For Intermediate to Expert Surfers.

When to Visit Between October to April. Summer tends to be mostly flat.

Best Around low tide when the tide is falling, with a swell angle from the northwest and wind direction from the south.

 

Surf Spots Nearby

 

• Isla de Izaro
  An inconsistent reef break located 2km from Mundaka, Isla de Izaro is rarely crowded and offers right-handed waves.
• Playa de Laida
  Located 2km away from Mundaka, Playa is an exposed river break that is best experienced during the summer.
• Playa de Laga
  Playa de Laga is an exposed beach break that provides both lefts and rights and is located 3km away from Mundaka.
• Guibeleco
  A fairly consistent point break, Guibelco is located 4km from Mundaka and works all year round.
• Bakio
  A reliable beach break that can work at any time of the year, Bakio is located 8km from Mundaka and tends to be crowded when the surf is good.

Getting there Transfers from Bilbao Airport to Mundaka take approximately 30 minutes.

San Sebastian

One of the top culinary cities of Europe, San Sebastian is a city surfing destination that is perfect for those who want to have as much fun on land as they do in the sea. Surrounded by La Concha and La Zurriola, the destination is ideal for beginners and intermediates, and thanks to the flow of the Bay of Biscay, the water stays warm throughout the summer. Surrounded by the impressive Monte Ijeldo and Monte Urgull mountains, it’s the perfect place to learn how to surf.

Best For City Surfing

When to Visit September to March

 

Surf Spots Nearby 

 

• Playa de Gros (La Zurriola)
  An exposed beach breach that works all year round, La Zurriola offers both left and right-hand waves.
• La Concha
  Located 2km from San Sebastian, La Concha is somewhat of an inconsistent beach break that is often crowded.
• Playa de Ondarreta
  An inconsistent point break located 4km from San Sebastian, Playa de Ondarreta is best experienced during the winter months and is likely to be crowded if working.
• Orio
  Playa de Ondarreta is an exposed beach/jetty/rivermouth break that is located 8km from San Sebastian and is best experienced during the autumn months.

Getting there Transfers from Biarritz Airport to San Sebastian take approximately 45 minutes.

Zarautz

Featuring a 3km long beach that runs parallel to the boardwalk, Zarautz is a hugely popular surf spot that caters to all abilities. Hosting a World Championship event each September, it features amazing breaks and numerous peaks. Although it can get crowded and competitive, it hardly needs any swell to work, helping it produce consistent surf all year round. In addition to great surfing, the beach has fantastic facilities such as surf schools, showers, and lifeguards, which has helped to establish it as one of the best places to surf in Spain.

Best For everyone!

When to Visit: October to April

 

Surf Spots Nearby 

 

• Zarautz
  An exposed beach break with very reliable surf, Zarautz is best during the summer months.
• Karramarro
  Located 2km away from Zarautz, Karramarro is an inconsistent exposed point break that produces a left-hand point break.
• Orio
  Orio is an exposed beach/jetty/rivermouth break that is best experienced during autumn and located 4km away from Zarautz.
• Play de Gaztetape
  An exposed beach break, Playa de Gaztetape is 4km away from Zarautz and produces both lefts and rights.

• Orrua
  Located 5km away from Zarautz, Orrua is an exposed reef break that is best during autumn and winter.

Getting there Transfers from Biarritz Airport to Zarautz take approximately 55 minutes.

We hope this guide has inspired you to visit northern Spain for your next surf holiday!

If you are planning a trip to northern Spain, get an instant quote from your transfers from Biarritz Airport and Bilbao Airport to the surf resort and have the option of adding your surfboard as an item of luggage!

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Who is the No. 1 Surf Nation?

When you think of surfing, where do you think of? Although most people will say the USA’s Californian coast, Hawaii or even Australia, do these nations produce the most top surfers? Which country is the number 1 surf nation?

With the population of Brazil over 8000% bigger that of French Polynesia, it’s hardly fair to compare the two. While everyone knows Hawaii and Australia often feature high on the leaderboard, we want to know who really is the best pound-for-pound surf nation!

The Top 13 Pound for Pound Surf Nations

 

13. Spain

Boasting some of the best surf spots in Europe, we were surprised to find out Spain failed to make it into the top 10 surf nations.

 

12. Japan

With such a huge population, Japan will have to climb the World League Leaderboard if it wants to be known as the number 1 surf nation.

 

11. Italy

Although Italy performed significantly better than Spain and Japan, the 10 top surfing nations remained out of reach.

 

10. Fiji

Fiji made it into the top 10 surf nations thanks to its small population size.

 

9. USA

Home to the 11-time World Surf League Champion, it’s obvious that the USA has a serious surf community.

 

8. South Africa

A relative newcomer to the scene, South Africa has a strong Men’s and Women’s presence on the works surfing stage.

 

7. France

Boasting some of the most consistent surf spots in Europe, it isn’t a surprise that France reached number 7 in the top surf nations ranking.

 

6. Brazil

A true leader in international surfing, Brazil’s huge population prevents the nation from entering into the top 5 of surf nations.

 

5. New Zealand

Represented by a solo female surfer in the Women’s Championship Tour, New Zealand’s relatively low population helped it secure a top 5 position in the top surf nations.

 

4. Portugal

Arguably the home of European Surf, Portugal’s presence in the top 5 helps to establish the country as a must-visit location for any keen surfer.

 

3. Australia

With 4 of the top 10 surfers in both the Men’s and Women’s Championship Tour coming from Australia, the nation maintains its position as one of the top surf nations.

 

2. French Polynesia

Despite only being represented by a handful of surfers in the World Surf League, French Polynesia is one of the top surfing nations in the world.

 

1. Hawaii

As many will have guessed, Hawaii is the worlds number 1 surf nation.

 

The Ultimate Guide to Surfing in Biarritz

Located in the Bay of Biscay, Biarritz is on the Atlantic coast and offers incredible surfing opportunities. Just 22 miles from the Spanish border, the city is a luxurious seaside tourist destination in the French Basque Country in southwestern France, perfect for beach breaks and surfing holidays to Europe.

Known for its surf culture, Biarritz is the home of European surf, making it an ideal location for a surfing holiday. Offering constant and varied waves, the area is suitable for surfers of all abilities.

To help you prepare for your unforgettable surf holiday in Biarritz, we’ve put together the ultimate guide to the area, including must-visit surf spots.

 

Surfing season in Biarritz

When to surf in Biarritz

Biarritz has a humid oceanic climate throughout the year. Generally, the best time to visit is between June and September, when the average temperature is 24C. December – February are off-season and see average highs of 13 degrees.

The best time to surf in Biarritz varies depending on surf ability. Biarritz is suitable for beginners from April to October, with June and July generally offering perfect conditions and much tamer waves.

If you consider yourself an intermediate surfer, Biarritz is suitable all year round. Crowds are often quieter from May to March and September to November, and the surf is much more significant.

If you’re an advanced surfer, you might want to avoid June and August when the Bay of Biscay’s waves are at their quietest. October and November generally have the best, most challenging conditions.

 

The best surf spots in Biarritz

Situated in the middle of Europe’s premier surf coastline, Biarritz offers some incredible surf spots for surfs of all abilities. Biarritz offers two iconic beaches, the Grand Plage and Cote des Basques, both great surf spots that can produce excellent hollow waves.

Beginners should visit La Cote des Basques, just south of the city, for one of the best beaches in Europe to learn how to surf. More sheltered than the majority of spots in the area, La Cote des Basques offers mellow rides ideal for beginners.

Further south of Biarritz is the town of Ilbarritz, which offers multiple spots for both beginners and experts. Beginners should try Hendaye, whilst the reef breaks around Guethary, and the pointbreak Lafitenia will suit those with more experience.

 

Biarritz Surf Schools

Looking to try your hand at surfing, or perhaps take your kids along to teach them a thing or two? As one of the best surf destinations in Europe, Biarritz has numerous surf schools catering for all levels.

We recommend the Jo Moraiz Surf School. Established in 1966, the surf school is recognised by the French Surf Federation. It offers lessons for all ages and abilities, including intensive courses.

Other surf schools in the area include Biarritz Paradise Surf School, Hastea Surf School and Lagoondy Surf Camp.

 

Essential information to help your Biarritz holiday run smoothly

• Biarritz is located in the Aquitaine region of southwestern France, Europe.
• The language most commonly spoken in Biarritz is French.
• The currency used in Biarritz is the Euro.
• The timezone in Biarritz is CET (Central European Time), also known as UTC/GMT +1 hour. This time zone puts Biarritz 1 hour ahead of the UK.
• The international dial code for Biarritz is +33.

 

How to get to Biarritz

• Biarritz Airport (BIQ) – Direct flights from London take approximately 1 hour 55 minutes. Transfers from Biarritz Airport to Biarritz take approximately 10 minutes.
• Bilbao Airport (BIO) – Direct from London take approximately 2 hours. Transfers from Bilbao Airport to Biarritz take approximately 1 hour 50 minutes.
• Bordeaux Airport (BOD) – Direct flights from London take approximately 1 hour 40 minutes. Transfers from Bordeaux Airport to Biarritz take approximately 2 hours 5 minutes.

All transfers can be arranged with Lifts To, with the option of adding your surfboard as luggage.

 

Where to stay in Biarritz

Although Biarritz is a luxury seaside resort, the area has plenty of accommodation options for all budgets:

• Best Western Kemaris – Located 200 metres from the popular surf spot La Cote des Basques, Best Western Kemaris has a surfboard storage area and offers wetsuit and surfboard hire.
• Hotel Du Palais – A grand hotel overlooking the Bay of Biscay, Hotel Du Palais offers the most luxurious accommodation in Biarritz.
• Hotel Les Alizes – Located just 50 metres from the Atlantic Ocean and 200 metres from the famous surf spot Cote des Basques, Hotel Les Alizes is perfect for surf holidays. Offering free storage for surfboards, there is a surf shop conveniently located in front of the hotel.
• Hotel Marbella – Located in the centre of Biarritz’s historic quarter, Hotel Marbella is close to the Rocher de la Vierge, Prot des Pêcheurs and Cote des Basques. The hotel also offers a surfboard and wetsuit storage area.

 

Things to do in Biarritz

In addition to surfing, there are plenty of other things to do:

• Casino Barriere de Biarritz – a small casino offering machines and tables.
• Cite de L’Ocean et du Surf – a modern ocean museum featuring interaction exhibits, animations and virtual surfing.
• Musee Bonnat – a well-established art museum housing European paintings, sculptures and antiques.
• Planete Musee du Chocolat Biarritz – a small museum offering an introduction to cacao and the chocolate industry.
• The area also boasts 8 golf courses, 4 of which are ranked in the top 100 in Europe. Impressive!
• There are also plenty of walking and bike tours on offer in the coastal town.

Where to eat & drink in Biarritz

There are countless quality restaurants and bars in Biarritz, many of which overlook the nearby beaches so you can grab a bite to eat and watch fellow surfers in action.

 

Book your Biarritz Airport transfer online today

Wherever you’re going in France, we can get you there. If you’re flying into Biarritz Airport, we can take you directly to your surf resort, meaning you can skip the hassle of public transport.

We can also help you get around during your surfing holiday, perhaps to visit nearby towns or other surfing hotspots in the Biarritz region. Book your transfer online today and relax knowing a driver will be waiting for you in arrivals. It’s the hassle-free way to start your holiday!

Book your transfer today!