Behind Social Surf Experience: Mikaël (Mike).
A French state-certified surf instructor since 2005, Mike works year-round with individuals, groups and companies around Hossegor, Seignosse and Capbreton, with a human, progressive and personalised approach.
Choose my experience
The ocean as a guiding thread.
“I’m Mikaël, but everyone calls me Mike.
I grew up on the coast of Brittany, surrounded by the ocean, waves and wind, before eventually settling in the Landes.
Since 2005, I’ve been teaching surfing year-round around Hossegor, Seignosse and Capbreton, moving between spots to find the conditions best suited to each session.
Living here, at the heart of this coastline, is something I feel incredibly lucky about.”
A journey built around people.
“I’ve been trained in Handisurf by the French Surfing Federation for over 15 years,involved in adaptive surfing since earning my State Surf Instructor qualification, and certified in Sport & Surf Therapy.Over time, I’ve built my approach around one simple belief:
Surfing can become a powerful tool for progression, confidence and well-being, adapted to each person’s abilities.”
French state-certified · BE Surf · BNSSA · Handisurf · Sport & Surf Santé · First-aid instructor
Surfing, travelling… and a lot of curiosity.
“After studying communication, I only had one thing on my mind: riding and travelling..
I spent winters working seasonal jobs in the mountains and summers in a surf shop in Vieux-Boucau, alternating work, snowboarding, surfing and travelling.
From Indonesia to Sri Lanka, through Guadeloupe, Morocco and Portugal, those experiences shaped the way I see surfing and the way I share it with others.
I’ve also had the chance to shape my own surfboards from start to finish, adapting them to my level and the waves I wanted to surf. Another way of understanding what’s happening beneath your feet.”
Safety first, without forgetting the fun
Alongside surfing, Mike is also a first-aid instructor,an experience that naturally reinforces the importance of safety, prevention and attention to others throughout his sessions.
“My philosophy is to share my passion for surfing while taking the time to discover each person’s world.
Because there’s always something to learn from others, whatever the field.”
Understand before guiding.
“Putting people at the heart of every sessionmeans considering each person’s sensitivities, background and life experience.”
Adapt rather than impose.
“It also means identifying fears and barriersearly on, so the session can be adapted and the experience stays fair, fun, progressive and genuinely suited to the person.”
“On a personal level, I’m also dad to Morgann, 14, who competes in the French Adaptive Surfing Championships.
It’s a life experience that has deeply reinforced my beliefs around inclusion, accessibility and tailor-made support,far beyond my professional work.”
Different experiences since 2005.
“Over the years, I’ve organised and supervised many surf sessions and surf trips around Hossegor, Seignosse and Capbreton, working with very different people:”
Individuals.
Teenagers.
Groups.
Companies.
“That diversity has taught me never to approach two people in exactly the same way.”
And day to day?
Beyond the experience and qualifications, there’s also a simple, approachable personality, genuinely interested in other people.
“What am I like day to day? Usually in a good mood (apparently… 😄) and above all, I like to keep things simple, approachable and authentic.
I enjoy creating a relaxed and welcoming environment where everyone can feel comfortable, progress at their own pace and simply enjoy being in the water.”
Social Surf Experience grew out of this journey.
All of these experiences (time in the water, teaching, safety, adaptive surfing, travelling and meeting people) gradually gave rise to Social Surf Experience..
A different way of experiencing surfing: more human, more attentive and genuinely adapted to each person.
Today, we create year-round experiences around Hossegor, Seignosse and Capbreton, always guided by the same idea: understand the person before guiding them.
Outside the summer season, when the coast becomes quieter, the experience often takes on another dimension: fewer people, more availability and even more time to focus on each person.