I wake up early and check the surf. The wind is offshore, but the waves are a little messy. The woodland camp area is just as nice in the morning, and I am tempted to stay. But without any waves there is no point.
I drive to Le Penon which is a nice little town. It has a number of apartment blocks close to the beach. I park up in the beach car park. There are some French guys in a small van, and an old Mercedes van in the car park. I walk up to the beach. The swell is very big, but still quite messy. There are a few people surfing, but more enjoying the sunshine on the beach. I sit and sunbathe for a while. The German guys from Lacanau-Ocean said that there was a surf competition in Hossegor. Although I am not normally interested in surf competitions the swell is so big that I decide to take a look.
I arrive in Hossegor much quicker than I expect to, and instantly find myself in town. It is a classic busy surf town. Bright and colourful, surf shops and bars everywhere, and lots of people. The surf competition is obviously in town. I follow the signs towards the beach. Every street around the beach is full of cars. People have parked where I did not think it possible to park a car. I drive, and drive until there is some space for the van. As I pull onto the verge I realise that it is very sandy. As I pull away the wheels dig in and the van crabs sideways. I manage to drive out, just, then find a firmer place to park. I grab some fruit and my camera and walk back to the beach.
The competition is in full swing. The surf is massive and everyone is loving it. The surfers ride the big waves so well. The waves are overhead and lovely barrels. I stay for an hour, thinking that I may find trouble finding somewhere to camp, as there are so many visitors in town. To improve my chances of finding a site I head towards Capbreton.
My footprint surfing guide book lists several campsites, but they all shut in September. The municipal is open all year, and they are normally the cheapest. I cannot find it and stumble upon the La Pointe campsite. Whilst checking in I manage to throw my wallet at the receptionist! It only costs €10.
After my jobs I take a walk down to the beach. The beach at this point is big and beautiful, although an ugly looking factory or processing plant is nearby. The waves are still big and several surfers catch clean looking rides. There is a large storm approaching. I see many flashes of thunder. I try and photograph the storm. I think to myself that I should be careful to not get caught in the rain. Soon after I feel a few drops. I start walking back to the campsite, quickly, and then run for a while. There is a little rain as I walk back, but as I close the van door the rains gets much heavier.
The surf report this morning said the swell was dropping off tomorrow. If it does I may try and get some smaller waves in. I am close to Spain now and I am keen to get there, for a change and cheaper cost of living. I have Biarritz to do yet though. I think I will try and stay at a hostel there, for a change.
