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!