Sylvain shows two students the technique on the beach Sylvain surfing a wave Sylvain raises his arms as his student catches a wave Sylvain inside the barrel of a big wave A student standing on the board in the whitewater, filmed on GoPro

Arcachon Bay · Surf & bodyboard

Private surf
& bodyboard lessons

Discover the joy of riding waves in private lessons, from La Teste-de-Buch, Arcachon, Gujan-Mestras, Pyla and Le Mouleau.Just you and your coach, on the spots between La Teste and Biscarrosse.

Lessons available all year except July and August.

High five between Sylvain and a student in the water01

Just you and your coach

Solo, with family or with friends: tailor-made sessions with an instructor just for you.

Briefing on the beach before heading into the water02

A coach who adapts to you

State-certified instructor since 2005. With twenty years of experience, every session is adapted to your level and goals: beginner, already initiated or looking to improve your technique.State-certified since 2005, Sylvain adapts every session to your level and goals.

Sylvain raises his arms to celebrate his student's wave03

Having fun

That's the golden rule. A lesson is also a moment of sharing, connection and letting go. In the end, that's what the surf spirit is all about.

20+years of coaching and teaching experience
100%of students leave their session with a smile
×3the progress you can make with a coach just for you

How it works

Personal coaching focused on your progress

It's not always easy to get started on your own the first time. And in a group, you can feel stuck, unable to get past certain milestones.

Sessions are private lessons: you get 100% of your coach's attention. Children, teenagers or adults, with family or friends, in the whitewater to discover the sport or out back on clean waves for coaching, Sylvain is with you every step of the way, in a warm and safe atmosphere where everyone progresses at their own pace.In a private lesson, you get 100% of your coach's attention, whatever your age and level.

On the sand, two students lying on their boards listen to Sylvain's advice
1

Getting to know you

A first chat about your expectations, goals and availability.

2

Meeting up

Need a ride to the ocean? Meeting points between Gujan-Mestras, La Teste, Arcachon, Le Mouleau and Pyla (extra charge, up to 6 people). Otherwise, meet Sylvain directly at the spot of the day, with his vehicle and all the equipment, between La Salie and Biscarrosse.Sylvain takes you to the ocean (extra charge, up to 6 people) or meets you directly at the spot, between La Teste and Biscarrosse, with all the equipment.

3

Into the water

A 2-hour session at your own pace. It can be filmed on GoPro so you can see your progress and take home great memories.

In the whitewater, Sylvain pushes his students into the wave

More than a coach: a surf guide

Here, the spots change constantly with the swells and tides, and the sandbanks shift. The advantage of a private coach is mobility. Born and raised in the area, Sylvain knows where to take you and when, so you can progress in the best conditions.The spots change with the swell and the tides. Born and raised here, Sylvain takes you to the right place at the right time.

In pictures

Sessions as if you were there

A format for everyone: pick yours and see what a session looks like.

Why choose Sylvain Surfcoach?

We learn, we fall, we improve, we succeed… and we laugh.

Beyond the surfing itself, the goal is to give you a special time of exchange, shared experiences and good company.

Tailor-made coaching

Sessions designed around your exact level and goals.

Experienced instructor

Around twenty years of surf and bodyboard teaching and coaching, for professional supervision.

Friendly atmosphere

Relaxed lessons that build enjoyment and confidence.

Fast progress

Effective teaching methods to learn the key moves quickly.

The right equipment

Whatever your level or size, a wide choice of boards and wetsuits so you can progress in the best conditions.

Your session on film

With his GoPro, your coach can film the session to analyse your progress, and above all give you great memories to take home.

A student riding a green wave Sylvain in front of his wide range of boards and wetsuits A student standing in the whitewater, filmed on GoPro by Sylvain
Portrait of Sylvain in a wetsuit on the beach, smiling, with sunglasses

About

Sylvain, your passionate instructor

For more than twenty years, Sylvain has been giving high-quality surf lessons. His mission: to guide every surfer with kindness and expertise, in a fun and friendly atmosphere, to bring out everyone's potential in complete safety.

  • BEES French State sports instructor diploma
  • PSE1 Team first aid certificate
  • Pro card Up-to-date professional card
  • Insurance Covered by professional liability insurance

His story

  1. Age 9

    Born on the Arcachon Bay, he starts with bodyboarding.

  2. Age 15

    A competitor at heart, he finishes runner-up in the French championship.

  3. A dozen years

    Titles on the national and European tours, selections for the French team, and several appearances at the famous international Pipeline event in Hawaii.

  4. 2005

    Alongside bodyboarding, he takes up surfing and earns his State instructor diploma. He now practises both: a versatile rider who picks his board according to the waves.

  5. Nearly ten schools

    La Teste, Biscarrosse, Mimizan and even Brittany: surf schools where he refined his teaching to adapt to everyone, in surfing and bodyboarding alike.

  6. Today

    He shares his experience as a private coach, for beginners, improvers and advanced surfers alike, with a tailor-made format where you get 100% of his attention, advice and follow-up.

The rider, in the waves

Sylvain inside the barrel of a big wave Bodyboarding deep inside a turquoise barrel In the hollow of a big wave Sylvain surfing the lip of a wave Sylvain surfing ahead of a breaking wave Surf turn near a pier Bodyboard aerial Sylvain on the face of a wave Sylvain surfing, seen from water level

Prices

2-hour sessions, equipment included

Private lesson & coaching

2-hour session, just for you

  • 1 session€100
  • 3-session pack i.e. €85 per session€255
  • 5-session pack i.e. €80 per session€400
Book

Build your group

Family or friends · 2-hour session

  • 2 people€130
  • 3 people€155
  • 4 people€200
  • 5 people€230
  • 6 people€250

Reduced rates for multi-day packages.

Request a quote

A special request, a tailor-made session? Don't hesitate to get in touch: the beauty of a private instructor is that he adapts to his students.
Transport to the spot at extra charge.
Available all year except July and August.

Surf & stay package

Surf, relax and explore the Bay

An entire house with a large garden in La Teste-de-Buch. You settle in, Sylvain organises your surf sessions.

  • €180 per night
  • Up to 6 people
  • April to June, September, October
Learn more
The house and its large garden The living room A bedroom

Contact

Ready to dive in?

Tell us a bit about yourself: level, number of people, preferred dates. Sylvain will get back to you to organise your session.

Book a lesson