The Tiny Surf School : a small surf school on the island of Oléron

Have you heard of "tiny houses"? Those little houses on wheels that have everything you need to live in?

That’s what the Tiny Surf School in Oléron offers: a small surf school where you’ll find everything you need to learn or improve your surfing skills while having fun!

A small truck, eco-friendly equipment, a certified instructor ready to share his passion with you in a friendly atmosphere, and… waves!!!

Our Philosophy

Choosing a small surf school will allow you to enjoy personalized attention and support.

Our small-group surf lessons guarantee high-quality andpersonalized instruction led by Vincent, a certified surf instructor who is passionate about his job.

Whether you're with family, friends, or on your own, learn at your own pace how to read the surf conditions, improve your takeoff and positioning to catch the best waves… The Tiny Surf School will guide you become INDEPENDENT!

In short, become a surfer!!!

Eco-friendly approach

Since its founding, the school has been committed to an environmental initiative aimed at minimizing the impact of its activities on the environment. It is part of the “Nautisme Responsable” network, which brings together various watersports organizations on Île d’Oléron that are committed to reduce their environmental impact.

This reflects both in the teaching methods used in our surf lessons and in the school’s management:

– selecting and maintaining equipment to extend its service life

– raising public awareness of environmental issues (erosion, protection of flora and fauna)

– Rinsing wetsuits with rainwater and a specific 100% biodegradable disinfectant

– locally resale of equipment

Why choose Tiny Surf School?

1 certified surf instructor

- graduated with a BPJEPS diploma in sports instruction with a specialization in surfing and related disciplines (2019)
- PSE 1 first aid certification, renewed annually

High-quality equipment

- Durable epoxy/foam boards suited to your skill level and body type
- Eco-friendly full wetsuits to protect you from the cold and rashes

Itinerant school

- Selection of the surf spot and schedule depending on wave and tide conditions

Small-group surfing lessons

- Maximum of 8 people per lesson
- Maximum of 6 children under 12 per lesson
- Individual goals and feedback

Your instructor

Vincent learned to ride the waves off the coast of Oléron on a bodyboard from a very young age. At the age of 12, his parents offered him his first surfboard. This passion led him to pursue a degree in Sports Science (STAPS) to earn a Master’s in Management and Engineering of Board Sports. With his degree in hand, he gained diverse professional experience in sales and customer relations, punctuated by travels around the world. Australia, Indonesia, New Zealand, Sri Lanka—his travels allowed him to improve his surfing…and his English!

His interest in education led him to return to his first love: surfing. That is why he decided to enroll in the surf instructor training program offered by the CREPS of Bordeaux and the French Surfing Federation, in Soustons (Landes). He got his BPJEPS in Sports Instruction with a specialization in surfing and related disciplines in 2019.

Over four years, he gained experience working at a private surf school, a community-based surf club, and through occasional stints at other local surf clubs. This allowed him to alternate between teaching beginner classes and coaching sessions for various groups and skill levels, while also serving as a judge at departmental and regional surfing competitions. The desire to create his own surf school emerged, and in 2023, the TINY Surf School was born!

His favorite quote:

"The hardest part of surfing is the first 20 years..."
Gerry Lopez

Fortunately, that won't be the case for you with the Tiny Surf School!

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Still not sure whether to take the plunge? Check out our customer reviews!

Itinerant Surf School - Île d'Oléron