I want my holidays to provide me with more than a week of lying around, getting sunburnt and eating too much local fare. Don’t get me wrong, that sounds divine, but you can only lounge around so much in a given week. Naturally, when Big Friday emailed me about their Cycle Surfari holidays, I was intrigued.
A cycle surfari is a holiday where one travels by, a bicycle. However, instead of stopping along the side of the road to capture a few snapshots, you can hit the water and catch some waves.
Since most of the cyclists I know are pretty active people, I thought other cyclists might find this unique holiday worth considering.
My surfing is still far from polished. In fact, I can probably count on one hand the number of times I’ve been able to successfully catch a wave! But the feeling is incredible when you do and it keeps you coming back to try again.
The route
The route goes from Hossegor and ends in Lacanau, in South West France. (Which makes a nice change from my last surfing trip during Christmas to Cornwall where it was snowing!).
What’s Included?
Camping accommodations that include single or double tents, meals (wine included!), cycle and board rentals with necessary accessories such as mules and hooks. Plus you get a cool swag bag by sponsors Oakley.
For those of you who are more cyclist than surfer, you can still choose this holiday package and sign up for private surfing lessons at £35 for a 2 hour training session.
How Much?
The typical cost of this Cycle Surfari is £549, but Big Friday have given London Cyclist readers a discount. To claim it just use the code LondonCyclists2013 to get 10% off. This brings the cost down to £494. This price includes all meals except one day—chefs have to rest too!—as well as hooks and mules and helmets. You can quote the code by either calling up Big Friday or if you speak to them via email.
When Can I Go?
Big Friday offers two different sets of dates for this holiday package. Sign up for the 31 August to 7 September dates or push things back a little and book the 8 September to 15 September dates.
Anything Else?
This is still a holiday, even though it’s an alternative one, so if you decide to go you’ll have to bring a little more than your surf and cycle gear. This is an active holiday so you’ll have to bring along a sleeping bag, unless the idea of a dirt and twig bed appeals to you. If you can’t pitch a tent – no worries; it’ll be done for you at every stop.
Since cycling is a major component to the trip you’ll need a reusable water bottle—none of that throwaway attitude here—and a rucksack.
Then, you’ll need a few items that you wouldn’t normally bring with you like dishes and cutlery. While the food is provided by campsite chefs, you’ll need to have something to eat and drink from at meal times. Finally since camping is involved… don’t forget your torch!
Finally: Don’t forget to use the discount code LondonCyclists2013 to save on your Cycle Surfari in South West France!
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