8. The Quiksilver Pro South West France

by Jock Barnes

Stop #7
The Quiksilver Pro South West France
Surfing has become global at an astronomical rate and in no place is that more evident than Europe. Hossegor became the mecca early on attracting all stars ex pats such as Tom Curren, Gary “Kong” Elkerton and Pipeline master Robbie Page. Now a surfing power in it’s own right France is all boom about surfing and producing WCT surfers of their own. France brings its shot of charisma and class to the tour as world-class waves and surfers show their stuff only meters from dry sand.

The Waves
Hossegor on a good day is a real life version of what you used to draw all over your pencil case while day dreaming at school but only better. Better because most of us as pre- pubescent teenagers would never have thought to pencil in gorgeous topless women sunning themselves in the shore break ready to rescue your lost board in a moments notice. Hossegor is an amazing sand bottomed wave that packs more punch than most reef breaks do. It’s left, it’s right, it’s barrels, it’s turns and when you fall a gorgeous shoreline attendant is on your boards rescue quicker than you can swim in to reach it.

Equipment
Short boards and maybe one size up in case of swell. The waves have a lot of power so most surfer’s boards will be fairly rockered, glass jobs must be decent strength or else the le graviere shore break will make mince meat of em. The beauty of Hossegor is its power, which affords the highest of performance boards the speed necessary to show their true level of performance.

Keep your eyes on

Mick, Joel, Andy, Jeremy Florez and of course Kelly Slater.

My Pick

Mick Fanning