The ASP women’s world longboard event traditionally runs in Biarritz at this time, but in addition this year is a leg of the ASP women’s world tour, which assembles the top 17 women shortboard surfers from around the globe.

The Roxy Pro - Surf, Art and Music

The event offers a dream line-up including:

Stephanie Gilmore (Aus) – four-times World Champion, Sally Fitzgibbons (Aus) – World number 2 in 2010, French star Lee-Ann Curren (wildcard), as well as the exceptional ‘siren’ of noseriding Jennifer Smith (USA) and the double World Longboard Champion and surfing icon Kassia Meador (USA).

This pinnacle of women’s surfing also features an open, free public festival, that brings together surf, art and music. On the program is a huge, live, free concert to enjoy barefoot in the sand at the Port Vieux in Biarritz on July 16th. This year, Orange presents a tempting pop line-up with: Pendentif, Lilly Wood & The Prick and The Sounds… plus a DJ set from Estelle S.

Another feature is the ‘New Wave’ art exhibition, dedicated to Californian art. Bringing together original works by Californian artists inspired by surf culture and the ‘VENUS’ project which has mobilized dozens of artists around the fight against breast cancer.

Not forgetting the Quiksilver foundation space, which opens its charity shop and honours the Skeleton Sea collective, exhibiting an imposing Albatross made from discarded plastic collected on the beaches.

Lastly, the week will have a daily offering of free surfing lessons available to the public, demonstrations of tandem and canoe surfing, parties, rider signing sessions and the spectacular Biarritz
fireworks.

The building form derives from the spatial concept “under the sky”_“under the sea”. This “Place de l’Océan” with its concave “under the sky” shape, forms the character of the main exterior space, while the convex structural ceiling forms the “under the sea” exhibition spaces. The building’s inspiring spatial qualities are experienced already at the entrance where lobby and ramps benefit from a broader, aerial view of the space when accessing the exhibition areas while passing along the dynamic curved surface animated by moving image and light.

The precise integration of concept and topography gives the building a unique profile. Towards the ocean, the site in the west is slightly cupped on the edges connecting the forms with landscape on axis to the ocean. This extended natural landscape, a mix of field and local vegetation could host festivals and daily events, which are integrated with the museum facilities.

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The principle of organization of the section is transformed by two “glass boulders”, which contain the restaurant and the surfer’s kiosk. This activates the central outdoor plaza and connects analogically to the two great boulders on the Biarritz beach in the distance. There are two ways to access the glass boulders: One through the main entry lobby which connects the street level to the cafeteria and surfers kiosk and the other independently through the plaza making these main gathering spaces accessible for all types of visitors. At the intermediate level of the exhibition space we find the museum store, which has direct access to the entry lobby and the auditorium connected through a catwalk that cross the main space. At the highest level of the museum, we find the restaurant and the elevated outdoor terrace, which are more intimate with open ocean views. At the southwest corner there is a place dedicated to the surfers’ hangout with a skate pool at the top and an open porch underneath that connects to the auditorium and exhibition spaces inside the museum. This covered area provides a sheltered space for outdoor interaction, meetings and events. The exterior of the building is a textured white concrete made of aggregates from the south of France. Materials of the plaza are a progressive variation of Portuguese cobblestones paving with grass and natural vegetation. A combination of insulated glass units with clear and acid-etched layers animates the visual dynamics enhancing interior comfort. The interior of the main space is white plaster according to the best surfaces for exhibit projections. A wooden floor softens the exhibition areas and provides for under-floor wiring flexibilities.

From May 7 to 17 at the Halle d’Iraty in Biarritz. 2500 square meters with some very interesting surf art pieces for sale. All the info HERE and HERE.

Niegà

For my girlfriend, Alexa, and I, packing up the van in September and making the run down to Biarritz has been an annual habit, enjoying the sense of freedom we get from being on the open road.

Crossing the river Ardour from the Landes region in the north after the long drive down through France, the landscape begins to transform. It’s no longer flat and dense with the famous pine trees; instead verdant hills roll across the hinterland towards the Pyrenees, which rise steeply in the distance as if they are watching over this region. Cliffs, reefs, points and rocky headlands create a coastline of breathtaking variety, with myriad waves and offering options in all sorts of conditions. This variety suits us, and we pack our quiver accordingly – fish, singlefins, shortboards and longboards crammed in the van. Whether it’s mellow peeling Basque beach-breaks and reefs; grinding Hossegor or Anglet barrels; big drops at Guethary or the reeling point of Lafetania, there’s something for everyone – a smorgasbord of surfing delights.

Only a short drive inland, the Pyrenees offer an alternative to surfing if it’s flat. Truly wild camping is possible up in the mountains among the rivers and forests. Epic mountain biking, scenic walks and a healthy dose of nature are all on offer.

Not forgetting the amazing supermarche, le vin rouge, le fromage and other culinary delights. Where else in the world do bakeries and supermarkets shut for lunch? You have to love a country with a two-hour lunch break and a 35-hour working week!

But alas, there will be no road trip for us this summer as we have spent all our money buying a Cornish cottage and will be spending our September break renovating. So we cling to our dreams and memories of Indian summers past…

(photos by Alexa Poppe)

Two weeks in France definitely wasn’t long enough – fun waves, great weather, a rad crew of 20-something people and gorgeous food courtesy of all those French bakeries.

My good friend Kassia Meador and I rented an apartment right above the contest site, in this grand old Victorian-style castle. And the weeks I spent out there were made even better when my very special and wonderful twin sister flew out later to rock with us.

The world’s 32 best female longboarders were competing at La Côte des Basques in Biarritz for the title of Women’s World Longboard champion, and as the only British representative I felt honoured to be there and committed to doing my absolute best. This year saw a change in format, and with sudden-death from round one it was always going to be tough. But after some intense physical and mental preparation throughout the year and with three big wins under my belt (the English, the British and the European Titles 2009), I was feeling confident. Unfortunately, due to the new format, only one person could advance and this time Yuko Shimajiri made it through the round.

Still, I made the most of my stay in France, focusing my creative energies on getting weird and wonderful with an array of Polaroid cameras, Holgas, 35mm, digis and video. Road trips and stray missions lead us to find some crazy locations to shoot and play. Our crew consisted of Coline Menard, Reunion, Jen Smith, Shany J, Kassia Meador, Leah Dawson, Kerry O’Donnell, John, Pandora C, Margaux, Loren C, Lee Anne Curren, New York, Helen Chaboux, Baboon, brother and sister Frenchies, and Julie Cox, to name a few. With a crew like that, magic was bound to happen. Each and every one of these people have their own creative movement. I was inspired to be among such a great and genuine crew of people.

Now I’m back home in the UK resting and drinking Yorkshire tea.

Cheers for reading my blog.