A Surf What? Hostile?

 This was our hostel staff for part of the summer of 2010. The group is made up of several Aussies, five Americans, a Swiss guy, a Northern Irish guy, a Frenchie, and an English girl.

     Since I began sharing with people about what the Lord is calling me to do in France, I've sensed some confusion when people hear about what ministries my team is currently involved in. It seems like many people I talk to are clueless about what I mean when I say "surf hostel." This is understandable. Before I spent the summer in Biarritz, I never connected France with surfing. Anyway, I've decided it might be worthwhile to explain it a little bit since this is a primary ministry of the Biarritz team.

     So, first thing's first. What exactly is a hostel? "Hostel" is pronounced the same as "hostile." According to dictionary.com's definition, a hostel is "an inexpensive, supervised lodging place for young people on bicycle trips, hikes, etc." Basically, a hostel is like a bed and breakfast but less expensive and with communal accommodation---guests share a room with other guests and usually a bathroom. Hostels are very common in Europe, particularly among those who backpack around the continent. Sure, such an arrangement has its drawbacks (depending on the hostel it could be kind of sketchy), but it can also be an amazing opportunity to expand your cultural horizons and make friends from all over the world.

     Okay, that's a hostel. Now, how does surfing come into play? This area of southwestern France is the surf capital of Europe. Every summer, Biarritz hosts the Roxy Jam, a women's longboard surfing competition showcasing the best female surfers in the world. People come from all over the world to surf in Biarritz. When I was there back in 2010, we had guests in the hostel from all over Europe and the U.S., Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and even Brazil.

     And there you have it. A surf hostel is simply a hostel that caters to surfers. For an even better idea of what the Biarritz team's two operating surf hostels are like (including pictures!), feel free to check out the website: Surf Hostel Biarritz.