Our History
Founded in 2007, Surf en Buch is the surf school of the Pays de Buch region. We operate in the southern municipalities of the Arcachon Basin, including Arcachon, La Teste de Buch, Gujan-Mestras, Le Teich, and also in Biscarrosse.
In its inaugural year, Paul Catalano and his surf school received support from the local community. Benjamin Cuvelier, then manager of the renowned “Surf Découverte” school on the Arcachon Basin, entrusted his clientele to Paul.
During 2007 and 2008, Paul undertook all roles within the school: instructor, driver, secretary, etc. Driving a 9-seater minibus, he picked up students from Arcachon, La Teste de Buch, and Pyla-sur-Mer.
Starting in 2008, he promoted stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) by introducing students and sharing solo excursions. Since then, SUP has gained significant popularity, and the school’s offerings have expanded accordingly.
In 2011, after three years of administrative procedures, the Arcachon municipality granted us a facility on the Arbousiers beach in Arcachon.
Surfing remains our greatest passion and the school’s primary activity. We welcome individuals of all nationalities, ages, and skill levels. Our classes consist of groups of up to 8 people, always at spots suited to their level.
We also offer special courses for children.
Polynesian outrigger canoeing became our third activity following the acquisition of a two-seater OC2 competition canoe. This sleek yet unstable canoe highlighted the need for a more accessible option for the general public to experience this eco-friendly sport.
In 2014, we constructed a four-seater Tahitian-style canoe over three months. This versatile canoe can be navigated by paddle, sail, or kite. We also acquired a giant paddleboard for enjoying waves and the Basin.
By 2015, we had obtained a 20-seater bus, produced our own stand-up paddleboards and surfboards, and continued sharing our passions.
In 2018, we discovered a spot that truly embodies our school’s spirit. We spent the summer at “la Limite,” a magnificent and unspoiled location accessible via a pleasant walk through the woods, situated at the southern end of La Teste de Buch.
In 2020, we introduced the concept of a day-long surf camp—a full day at the beach featuring a surf lesson and activities for those aged 9 and above, ensuring a convivial atmosphere and authentic surf spirit.
In 2021, we acquired a second four-seater canoe from Hawaii.
Meet Our Team of Instructors
Pioneering Achievements
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2003: Paul Catalano became the first Arcachon native to earn dual state certifications in sea surfing and alpine skiing.
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2005: Sylvain Langlet became the first bodyboarder from the Basin to surf the legendary Pipeline wave in Hawaii during a competition.
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2007: Surf en Buch became the first mobile surf school in the Basin, extending services to Biscarrosse, and the first to exclusively use foam boards.
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2008: Surf en Buch became the first paddleboarding school in the Basin.
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2012: Surf en Buch became the first paddleboarding school with a facility in the southern Basin, initiating the first stand-up paddle events.
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2013: Surf en Buch became the first school to practice giant paddleboarding in Biscarrosse, La Salie, and the Basin.
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2015: Surf en Buch became the first surf school in France to award level medals and to use a 20-seater bus for student transport.
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2017: Oriane Valora joined the first federation-certified paddle instructor training; Paul became the first foiler on the Basin and in Biscarrosse.
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2018: Surf en Buch became the first school to teach at La Limite beach.
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2020: Introduced the day-long surf camp concept, utilizing a coach bus.
