Are the students supervised?
The students are supervised at all times. The only exception is on day trips when students may have between one to two hours before meeting with their group leader. During this time we like to give groups of students a walkie talkie to stay in touch.
Do students often come by themselves?
Most students who attend the Academy come by themselves and always leave with good friends (cheesy but true!).
How much French do the students learn?
Following safety, the acquisition of French is our priorty. The students spend 2.5 hours a day in the classroom. In addition to this students have a daily one on one mock oral exam. We are the only language school that we are aware of that offers this individual oral attention.
Do students need surfing experience?
The vast majority of students who come to the Academy have no surfing experience. We welcome beginners and enjoy watching them advance.
Is equipment provided?
Yes all equipment is provided although students may bring their own wetsuits/ surfboards if they so wish.
Are our French teachers qualified?
Our French teachers are fully qualified and have good experience teaching the Leaving Cert course. We receive many applications each year for the position of French teacher which enables us to select the best teachers.
Do students have to speak French at all times?
Put simply; no. However there are certain times such as meal times and during certain activities and games when French must be spoken. Students must also speak French to the local French staff as they do not speak any English and to our own French teaching staff. We do not wish to send people home for not speaking French but it is the culture here at the Academy to speak as much as you can. There are prizes for "most French spoken" and "most improved". We feel that with the classroom work, the mock orals and the additional spoken French that students certainly improve all the time.
Are surf lessons taught through English or French?
Both; we work with one French instructor and one Irish instructor. It is important that people can always communicate on the water.
Is the surfing safe?
We surf in Hendaye as it is regarded as the best spot to learn in Europe. The beach is very safe. When Biarritz and other spots are too big, people come to Hendaye. If there is no surf in Hendaye we surf in Biarritz. Our surf team are very experienced and familiar with local conditions. John McCurry and Adam Keys are also very experienced lifeguards. Adam works as head lifeguard in Rossnowlagh, Donegal. In addition to being the Irish longboard champion John also works as a lifeguard in Portrush, Antrim. More experienced surfers may have the opportunity to surf in other spots if the instructors feel that it is safe and if the additional surfing consent form has been signed. Please note that this form does not in any way gaurantee this. This is completely at the instructors discretion. We adhere to local French regulations and regulations as laid out by the International Surf Association.
"The International Surf Association (ISA) is pleased to see that the French and Surf Academy has joined us in acknowledging the importance of risk management and staff professionalism in the sport of surfing and surfschools. Respect for the moods and the ways of the ocean are an integral part of the life of a surfer. Safely and efficiently managing the process of teaching surfing skills is an important issue for both the ISA and the French and Surf Academy. Their attention to staff instructor accreditation and individual instructor's skills as surfers and educators, are key ingredients for students to successfully experience what the surfing lifestyle is about and begin their own journey."
Alan Atkins
International Surf Association Vice President & Surfschool Program
Co-ordinator
Are there laundry facilitiies?
Yes there are laundry facilities. Each wash costs €3.
Is there anything students need to bring?
Students need to remember to bring sun block, a european plug adaptor, stationary, a hardback A4 notebook and a French/ English dictionary. Students must also bring an E111 medical card/ form and travel insurance to cover personal accident.
