Backwash - FAQ
We have had our station for about 20 years, centrally located at the Sandaya Le Truc Vert campsite on the Cap Ferret peninsula. We are approximately in the middle of the campsite – walk past the restaurant and supermarket, then up the hill. If you can’t find us, ask at the campsite reception or give us a call.
See google maps
We offer:
- Surf courses (small groups) for all levels in German & English
- Rental of surf equipment (surfboards, wetsuits, SUPs, bodyboards, etc.)
- Private courses/Private Coaching: Individual coaching, small groups, for all levels, including special Longboard Coaching – just ask
- A small shop with our popular hoodies
- A family atmosphere with nice people – feel free to drop by for a chat about the waves
Our surf instructors speak German and/or English. Kids are generally taught in German. We also have German-speaking assistants who support at the beach. If you absolutely want lessons in German, feel free to mention it during your booking in the notes.
Surfing places special demands on your physical condition. To participate in our surf courses, we require swimming ability and appropriate physical fitness..
Participants confirm that, from a medical standpoint, there are no restrictions that would prevent them from practicing surfing. Relevant medical details (such as allergies, disabilities, shoulder, and knee injuries) must be disclosed before the course begins.
And of course, curiosity and motivation – surfing is fun! 🙂
Age is not the determining factor. What matters is that the child can swim confidently and is highly motivated. We’ve had kids as young as 5 who completed a 5-day intensive course with ease. Others at 14 lost their passion when carrying the board. That’s why we always ask the kids about their motivation. You know your kids best, and we are happy to help with the assessment.
As a general guideline: Our youngest participants are typically around 6-7 years old. In high season, we usually offer pure kids' courses if there’s enough demand. Depending on age, physical condition, and motivation, course selection varies. Many kids start with the basic course (more details below).
Note: Minors need a consent form. This can be filled out on-site before the course begins. If your kids are almost teens and coming on their own, please provide a consent form and contact us in advance. Especially for younger kids, please plan to accompany them to the course. We do not provide supervision outside of course times. Everyone appreciates great photos or a beach baguette when surfing makes your stomach growl. The whole family is welcome to join at the beach, set up camp, and enjoy the time together.
We offer three basic formats:
- Intensive course: 2 surf sessions per day
- Basic course: 1 surf session per day
- Private coaching: Individual
Which format is right depends on your motivation and surfing goals, as well as how you want to structure your vacation. Here are some tips to make your decision easier:
Let’s put it this way – if you just want to "try out" surfing to see if it’s for you or want a short active highlight for your vacation, the 3-day basic course is probably the right choice. However, if your goal is to emulate Keanu Reeves in Point Break or become the next Stephanie Gilmore, the 5-day intensive course is the better fit.
If you’re looking for a balance of physical activity in the water and a relaxing vacation/alternative activities, the basic course is ideal. It’s the Surf-Life-Balance course. Besides surfing, you'll have enough time – and likely energy 😉 – to explore Cap Ferret and the surrounding area.
The intensive courses are for those who want to dedicate their time to surfing. With plenty of water time, you can make quick progress – it’s more of a Surf-Life approach. The course is demanding with two sessions in the ocean, but surfing is best learned by surfing – and with constructive feedback from our surf instructors.
Surfing is a challenging sport that’s physically demanding and takes time to master. Progress is always very individual. The main goal is for surfing to be fun! The best surfer is the one with the biggest smile on their face. And that can happen in all formats. Just honestly consider your motivation and goals, and choose the course that’s right for YOU. If you’re unsure, send us an email, and we’d be happy to help you choose.
If you're doing a course alone, you'll quickly find like-minded people. If you don’t have a surf companion – two-legged or four-legged – they are also welcome to join you at the beach. Everyone is welcome with us
CAMPING SITE - SANDAYA TRUC VERT
https://www.sandaya.fr/nos-campings/le-truc-vert
Use this link to make your reservation. When booking, feel free to mention that you are coming via Backwash. Thank you!
Travel Options
It depends on where you're flying from.
From Basel: EASYJET
From Munich: VOLOTEA
From Cologne : RYANAIR
From Berlin: EASYJET
From Hamburg: EASYJET
Of course, other airlines like KLM or AIR FRANCE, also fly to Bordeaux, but usually not directly.
Please note the exact transport conditions with the airlines, especially regarding luggage.
How to get from the airport to Cap is explained below!
The French high-speed train network is very well-developed. The TGV goes directly to Bordeaux Central Station (Gare St. Jean).
You can get a connection from the French SNCF website.
If you’re traveling through Paris, make sure to allow enough time for the transfer as you might need to change train stations.
How to get from the train station to Cap is explained below!
Sure! Just put the destination in your GPS and head straight to the camp.
For those who have never been to France: French highways (autoroutes) have tolls. You pay directly at the toll booth. You don't need a vignette like in Austria or Switzerland, so have your bank card or cash ready.
When you arrive at the "Le Truc Vert" campsite, please check in at the reception and let them know you're heading to us.
From Bordeaux Train Station (Gare Saint Jean):
- By bus: Direct connection from the station with line 601 to Lège Cap Ferret, stop: Petit Piquey – Duration approx. 2 hours; Timetable
- By train/ferry: Train from Bordeaux to Arcachon (SNCF) – approx. 1 hour, then walk to the ferry (Ferry timetable) from Arcachon to Cap Ferret (Bélisaire or Le Canon ferry terminal) – Duration depending on waiting times, at least 2 hours.
From Bordeaux Merignac Airport:
- By bus: Note – we recommend using the "Moovit" app for assistance.
Take bus No. 39 (towards Pessac Photonique), 3 stops to the "Lucassot" stop, then a short walk (help via Moovit/Google Maps) to the "Merignac La Grave" stop, from there take bus 601 (towards Lège Cap Ferret), stop Petit Piquey – Duration approx. 1.5 hours.
The "Merignac La Grave" stop doesn’t have a shelter. Please make sure to signal when the bus arrives. Surfboard transport is at the discretion of the bus driver.
or
if you have a good connection: „Mérignac Chemin Long“
Cross the small street. The bus stop is very small, so be sure to make yourself noticeable to avoid missing the bus!
Note: The "Merignac Soleil" stop is currently out of service! Please either continue towards Bordeaux if you have a long wait or head to the "Merignac La Grave" stop.
2. By taxi: Duration approx. 50 minutes.
Of course. You can book your spot at the campsite here: https://www.sandaya.fr/nos-campings/le-truc-vert
You can book a surf course with us online here on our website.
If you’d like to rent equipment like a surfboard, wetsuit, etc., just send us an email or give us a call.
Groups are also welcome to do surf courses or rent equipment with us. We don’t offer surf camps with accommodation and meals, but we can help with booking accommodation. You can contact us here: CONTACT
EXPLORE
Here’s what you can do: Vivre à Lège-Cap Ferret
The best way is by boat across the basin.
You can find the ferry schedule here: Ferry Cap Ferret - Arcachon
At the Arcachon Basin, you can visit the oyster beds, the stilt houses, and much more.
Maybe something here interests you: Tourist Infomaion and Excursion sur le Bassin d’Arcachon