France’s Waves Are Closed To Anyone Who’s Not A “Pro”

Surfing isn’t about being the best, it’s about having fun. Who cares if you’re not a pro, right? 

Well, if you live in France, the authorities do. A second covid lockdown has brought some questionable water restrictions upon French surfers. While the details are a bit fuzzy, our source says only professional surfers and surf instructors are allowed in the water (which begs the question, can the instructors only instruct pros now?).

And yesterday, the waves were pumping. Many who paddled out without an energy drink sticker on their noses faced fines. This sparks the age-old question: What is the definition of a professional surfer?

What are the requirements for legal surfing? How many sponsors do I need to have? Does my buddy’s shitty clothing brand count? The WSL has a longboard tour now, pretty sure no one knows who those guys are. Are they considered pros? Definitely can’t give any bodyboarders a hall pass, right?

This whole situation seems pretty absurd. Surfers barely have enough money for a bar of wax (at least that’s what you’d think if you surfed with my friends), how the hell do you expect them to scrape together enough money for a surf attorney? Not to mention, the cops on the beach must be flustered with all the GoPro clips they have to review, confirming the ability of each surfer exiting the water. Whatever the case may be, reeling overhead Hossegor tubes are probably worth getting a fine or two.