In brief
Surfing originated in Polynesia during the 16th century.
the early 20th century, and it was only in July 1957 that the first French waves were tamed by surfers in Biarritz, specifically on the Côte des Basques. The birth of surfing in France seemed to have happened somewhat by chance. Let's explore its surprising history together.
The Beginnings of Surfing in France:
In 1957, Peter Viertel, an American screenwriter and surfer, visited Biarritz before filming one of his movies in Spain, "The Sun Also Rises." During his time there, he met a future pioneer, Joël de Rosnay. Peter, impressed with the waves in the southwest of France, had a surfboard sent over from California.
Joël de Rosnay was already involved in a similar activity resembling bodyboarding. He met Peter as he was catching his first waves in France. Peter, on his way to Spain for filming, gave Joël some surf lessons and entrusted him with his surfboard for three months. Thus, French surfing was born!
By the end of the summer of 1957, there were already four initiated surfers at the Côte des Basques: Peter Viertel, Georges Hennebutte (later the creator of the leash), Jacky Rott, and Joël de Rosnay. Younger enthusiasts began to take interest, scavenging old, dilapidated boards and hitting the waves. Together, they formed the famous "tontons surfeurs": André Plumcoq, Robert Bergeruc, Pierre Laharrague, Joseph and Jo Moraïz, Bruno Reinhardt, Jacky Rott, and Michel Barland.
The Emergence of the First Shapers in France.
During the winter of 1957-1958, Michel Barland and his friends sought to make the best surfboards possible. Being an engineer and resourceful, Michel looked for the lightest wood and settled on balsa (which was almost unavailable in France at the time). He collaborated with Jacky Rott and Henri Hennebutte for this original surfboard manufacturing project.
Using only a simple photo of a surfboard from a 1935 National Geographic magazine, they crafted their first model. In January 1958, the balsa wood arrived at Barland's workshop, and the work began. The first attempt resulted in two boards: one aluminum-colored and the other a pale grey, with straight, non-rounded rails. However, the initial tests in the water were disappointing.
In July 1958, Peter Viertel returned to Biarritz with three balsa wood boards from America and excelled in the water. He lent one of his boards to Barland, who, in turn, surfed much better than with his first creation. He knew it was just the beginning of their work.
By the end of the summer, Barland successfully sold his third creation made of plywood. Around the same time, Jacky Rott also sold his first boards.
Until 1958, these boards were exclusively made of wood, but the arrival of plastic changed everything. Facing similar problems and questions, the two men decided to join forces and created the brand Barland-Rott. It marked the birth of the first surfboard manufacturing company in France. The quality of their products and their monopoly quickly led them to success. After a few years of collaboration, the two entrepreneurs eventually parted ways.
Even today, the Barland brand produces the finest French longboards for numerous enthusiasts. Michel's son, Philippe, inherited his shaping skills and took over the family brand.
The Legendary Waïkiki Surf-Club
On September 16, 1959, the first surf club in France was established: the Waïkiki Surf-Club, founded by the surfing stars of the time: Lamarque, Barland, Plumcocq, and Etchepare. The club was located in the premises of the Bains de la Côte des Basques.
The Côte des Basques, a Mythical Surfing Spot:
This is where it all began. Ideal for surfing and admiring the ocean, many beginners, wave hunters, and enthusiasts come here to try surfing.
People from various nationalities, including Australians, Americans, etc., can be found in search of the ultimate Eldorado.
Sharing the same wave with others was natural on this spot.
René Bégué, a surfer from the 1960s, recalls, "The era was unique because we all started surfing at the same time and were at the same level. There were no show-offs or outsiders. The conditions were good, with a beach under the cliff, even at high tide, and the atmosphere was friendly, largely thanks to Michel Colas, who, with his legendary good humor, made each day a celebration."
EAnd Today?
We remember the characters who marked our history.
Notre passion du surf évolue Our passion for surfing is evolving rapidly, with changes in vocabulary, boards, and accessories. We continue to develop this sport while staying true to the French surfing culture.
The number of French surfers has grown from a few dozen in 1960 to approximately one million today, including 80,000 licensed members of the French Surfing Federation (FFS).International Surfing Associationthere are as many as 25 million surfers worldwide. It's worth noting that surfing made its debut in the Olympics only in 2020! Surfing still has many surprises in store for us.
Book to Discover: Les tontons surfeurs, Alain Gardinier.
Photo source for the article "la naissance du surf."
https://www.biarritz-inspirations.com/2019/04/18/le-surf-dans-ladn/
https://www.surfingfrance.com/disciplines/surf/adieu-mr-rott.html
https://www.pinterest.es/pin/853572935610082734/
https://www.biarritz-inspirations.com/2019/04/18/le-surf-dans-ladn/
