Not only because I was surfing in Biarritz for nearly two whole weeks but mostly because I am now the proud owner of my very first surf board!!

My First Surfboard

Originally what I had in mind was a sexy little board covered in flames, or possibly skulls, that could easily be transported by carrying under my arm while riding a scooter (just like those cool French chicks). However the reality is a little different.

Having studied loads of magazines, collected advice and drooled over websites in the months leading up to the trip I decided to shop for a generously sized board, while I was in Biarritz, round about the 8’ mark. As my research had found that no matter what, as a beginner, do not be seduced by the tiny board!

I hit the Hossegor shops – which are a surfer girl’s shopping dream, however when it comes to shopping for surf boards forget it. I tried to stay focused and not get distracted by the Volcom shop and checked out the shops around Biarritz, but eventually found my pride and joy in the factory outlets.

Convinced that I’d have trouble choosing between all the boards on offer, I was in for a shock. The reality was I had a choice of two. The size I was looking for meant that for a start flames weren’t going to be an option. That was until I found a board by a local shaper the right size, right price and it had a robot on it – with flames coming out the shoes – result. Through my dodgy French I managed to decipher that the lady who was serving me knew even less about surfing than I did! She kept insisting that the board was far too big for me and wanted me to go for a much smaller board?!

So that is why I am now the proud owner of my very own massive 7’9 Oxbow mini mal with a weird picture on it that could be trees, although I’m not really sure. Together we have caught my first green wave, I can barely get it under my arm and struggle to walk with it in high wind, but it’s mine and I love it.