“Surfing is for all ages”: so why not try it as a family?
Report: Before catching the perfect wave and communing with the sea, you must first manage to stand on the foam. Story of an initiation in Oléron
On Allassins Beach, in Dolus-d'Oléron, classes are open to beginners aged 7 to 77. JONATHAN DUQUOC / TAKE OFF
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"In 90% of cases, we're standing up by the end of the first day." It's hard to know if "Volo" is joking or not. Volodia Pertsowsky is a surf instructor, his small wooden hut nestled among the pine trees of Oléron Island, a few meters from the sea, is an invitation to travel. The sign hanging above it is clear: surf lessons are open to everyone, in all weather. The name of the school is also a promise: Take Off. Literally, "take off." Now we just have to believe it. I signed my children up for a week of training, and me too. "Surfing is for all ages," promises Volo. "More and more parents are getting into it with their children. I even recently organized lessons for seniors; the session was so successful that I'm going to set up a year-round slot."
First you have to learn how to stand up on the board, on dry land. Just before, you put on your wetsuit, walked on the beach with the surfboard under your arm, in "I'm going to tease the waves" mode, and you already feel a little wild . On the sand, it should just about do it (I tell myself). You lie down. You bring your knees, then your feet, then you stand up. Easy. The critical moment comes: how to "catch the wave"? M...
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