Seignosse or Hossegor, which is best for learning to surf?
Eating healthily to surf better: the secrets of a surfer’s diet
If you ask a keen surfer to tell you about their sport, you’ll soon notice a shift in their vocabulary. They will, of course, mention the physical exertion, but you’ll also hear terms such as connection, calm, meditation or even energy. This shift in meaning is no coincidence.
Surfing has a therapeutic and psychological dimension that few other sports can claim.
At the Hossegor Surf Camp, we have built our concept around this reality. We don’t just offer a sports course, but a comprehensive ‘Mind & Body’ experience. Discover why surfing the ocean is one of the best antidotes to the stress of modern life.
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The ocean as a space of enforced mindfulness
Amidst the hustle and bustle of our urban daily lives, your attention is constantly being demanded and fragmented. Between constant notifications, emails piling up and an overwhelming mental load, mindfulness – that is, being fully grounded in the present moment – becomes a luxury that is hard to achieve.
The ocean, however, leaves you with no alternative. Surfing demands your undivided attention.
When you’re sitting on your board, beyond the break, you need to watch the horizon to anticipate the next wave. You feel the wind on your face, you watch the movement of the water, and your body reacts instinctively at the moment of take-off. In this ever-changing and powerful environment, it’s simply impossible to think about your Monday morning meeting or your shopping list.
“The ocean demands your undivided attention. It is this demand that clears the mind of everything else.”
This total concentration acts as a real ‘reset’ for your brain. Neuroscience studies have shown that water sports promote a state of flow, an optimal experience characterised by total immersion and a loss of the sense of time[1].
The chemistry of happiness: the ‘Stoke’ effect
You’ll often hear surfers talk about ‘stoke’ to describe that peaceful sense of euphoria that follows a good session. This feeling isn’t an illusion, but a very real chemical reaction.
Surfing triggers a powerful hormonal rush in your brain. Faced with the force of the wave, your body releases adrenaline and cortisol, which sharpen your senses and give you a surge of energy. Dopamine, known as the ‘reward hormone’, is released when you pull off a manoeuvre or a great take-off. Finally, endorphins and serotonin – the ‘feel-good’ hormones – flood your system after the exertion, creating that lasting sense of fulfilment[2].
Added to this is exposure to sea air, which is rich in negative ions that promote blood oxygenation and soothe the nervous system, thereby acting as a genuine natural antidepressant[3].
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The ‘Mind & Body’ programme: maximising the benefits of surfing
Whilst surfing is naturally good for your mind, its physical intensity can sometimes lead to tiredness or frustration. To balance this out, we have developed our ‘Mind & Body’ programme at our Surf Villa in Seignosse.
We offer a full week in which every element is designed to support and enhance the benefits of the ocean:
| The ‘Mind & Body’ pillar | The impact on your experience |
|---|---|
| Daily Yoga | It helps you release physical tension, calm your breathing and prepare your mind before taking on the waves. |
| The Nutrition Healthy | A healthy, anti-inflammatory diet that nourishes your body without weighing on your mind – say goodbye to that foggy-headed feeling. |
| The Landes Forest | Accommodation nestled amongst the pine trees, away from the noise, for a deep and restful sleep. |
| Kindness | Small groups of 5 to 8 people where competition has no place, replaced by mutual encouragement. |
“We don’t just train surfers; we help people reconnect with their bodies and their surroundings.”
Blue Mind therapy
Science is taking an increasing interest in the benefits of aquatic environments for mental health, a concept termed ‘Blue Mind’ by the marine biologist Wallace J. Nichols. Simply being near water, the steady sound of the waves and the sight of the open horizon are enough to lower the heart rate and reduce stress[4].
By choosing Surf & Yoga Hossegor, you’re treating yourself to a total immersion in this ‘blue therapy’. From your sessions on the unspoilt Casernes beach to your moments watching the sunset overlooking the ocean, the water becomes your ally, helping you to find peace and reconnect.
Surfing is much more than just a sport: it’s a way of life and a lesson in humility in the face of nature. If you feel that deep need to switch off, recharge your batteries and reconnect with your body, the waves of the Landes are waiting for you. Join us for the ultimate ‘Mind & Body’ experience!
References
- [1] Csikszentmihalyi, M. (1990). Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience. Harper & Row.
- [2] Harvard Medical School, “Exercising to relax”, health.harvard.edu.
- [3] Pierce, S. (2014). “The Surprising Science Of How The Ocean Heals The Mind And Body”, HuffPost.
- [4] Nichols, W. J. (2014). Blue Mind: The Surprising Science That Shows How Being Near, In, On, or Under Water Can Make You Happier, Healthier, More Connected, and Better at What You Do. Little, Brown and Company.
