surfing through spain/france/portugal

[simon]

i plan on surfing for 2-3 months along the western coast of europe during the end of summer start of autumn. any tips on getting around? im considering getting a eurorail pass (haven't left australia yet) but is car or bus an option? any help much appreciated.

[surf patrol]

Hi simon, welcome to Surfing Waves.

For a tourist the train is a great way to get around, the trains in mainland Europe are excellent and the eurorail pass is great value. For a surfer the train it is not so good. Although you can get to many good breaks it is so much of a hastle with your surfboard, and there are so many breaks you will miss out on. Carting your board around from station to beach to where you are staying and back to the train is a nightmare, and for a 3 month trip you are probably going to need at least 2 boards for the different size waves you'll encounter. Your own transport is the best option- allowing you the freedom to get to the best surfspots and ensure you maximise your time in the water. It also gives you the opportunity to keep on the coast and find plenty of uncrowded spots. The only problem with the car / van option is that you are either going to have to hire one, and for 3 months that can be pricey. Consider a campervan - then you have all your accommodation costs taken care of. Buying is another option but you always have to sell it at the end which can be a hastle. It will be a good trip though - you'll get some quality surfing in. Take plenty of pictures and send us a few on your return.

Anyone else have some experience of surfing via the train, or hiring / buying a vehicle on mainland Europe?

[simon]

thanks for the response. looks like car is the go. just spoke to a mate of mine who did the same trip im planning, twice, each for 3 months. he bought and then sold a car both times. thanks again.

[ricoboard]

100% agree with Surf Patrol, travelling by train in Europe for a surfer is really a nightmare (beaches are far away from the stations)
I'm french and looking for a one month surf trip to australia. Is buying a van and sell it back before leaving is a good idea ?
if you go to the "Landes" (atlantic french coast) beware of the streams (very dangerous) the good point : very large sand beaches
see U

[Duncs]

Simon!

Your trip sounds phat!!! I am actually looking for options on what to do this summer,..you don't fancy a surfing buddy for some of your 3 months do you?!

I'd definitely go with the camper-van option, like surf-patrol said. You will miss out on so many quality breaks down the coast if you only go via train.

[guest]

Hey all this talk about surfing sounds great, id offer to be someones buddy but cant drive have though a lot of spare cash because flights are so expensive else where so a car camper van sounds a perfect investment im also going in the summer and autumm month but gotta be back to finish my sports degree anyone interested email me on sport_me69@yahoo.com :D :?:

[PapaW]

From experence the Bus system is excelent esp through southen france. You by one ticket for a fixed price no matter how far u travel on that route.
Hitching is always another option :D

[Guest]

I'm heading by myself in my car from the very northwest of France, all the way down the coast to the south west (hosoger etc), then across the top of spain, all the way down portugal, then back up to Madrid or wherever the airport is that will fly me home.

I'll be starting in Cambridge, UK. From there I'll drive south, down to catch a ferry to France to begin that leg of the journey.

If someone wants to come along, I already have a car and am kitting it out, all I'd want is a bit of help with the petrol costs, that's it.

If you're interested, I plan on taking a 6 week trip, I want to start it around end of July, to Mid/end August and play it by ear a bit (it won't go over 6 weeks though).

I'm Australian, living in the UK for the last two years, 27 Y/O (nearly 28) and pretty easy to get along with. Been surfing for years but am well out of action since living in UK. I'm sure it'll come back fast ;)

[Wolfgang]

hello simon!!
well me and my kiwi friend just looking at the chance to get over the atlantic for five six weeks...we are thinking about getting a van and travel and surf and chill at the beach cook good food and all
other stuff when will you be over there and where!!
send me a mail wutschgo@hotmail.com
see yaa!