THE Surfhouse in Hossegor: THE Shred Mill

Surfing is a sport that spawns travel even for those of us who are lucky enough to live near pumping waves. We endure the ever enticing social media pictures and movies that get the old gray cells pointing toward a flight to a world famous surf destination. A place where the food is amazing, the life is slow and the barrels just keep coming. Yes, I am talking about Hossegor in the south west coast of France. Don't resist, just go.

Few people have this spot dialled better than a couple of British guys who I feel I have already met in some other reality. Gav and Marty are the founders of the Shred Mill, accommodation for surfers built by surfers, which is situated minutes walk from the grinding beach break barrels of the most famous surf coast in Europe. Whatever you need these guys seem to have it covered. Need a lift from the airport? Need a board? Want to have dinner? (which by the way is astounding) or just want to talk endlessly about surfing? Nothing is too much trouble. The best thing is, it's not expensive.

Gav and Marty have kindly agreed to sit down and answer a few questions to give you guys an idea of exactly how good this place is.

SB: So first things first, how did you come up with the name Shred Mill?

Gav: Well we where in Tignes working a winter season in a chalet called the Dragon Lodge and we knew that we wanted to set up a place in Hossegor for that summer. At the time we where saying the word 'shred' a lot in every sentence, like ' Ah, shall we go for a shred?' or ' Have you been shredding?', this was 3 years ago haha. We knew that we wanted a mini-ramp at the house too and people to be able to surf and skate so we where trying to think of names that involved the two. Where I grew up in Wales was right next door to a old fashioned water mill and I liked the word mill. We wanted something kind of cheesy without being childish, so there it was, Shred Mill.

SB: Do you guys make it back up to the mountains in the winter still?

Gav: No not really anymore, we kind of try and go on a few surf trips you know to get away and then its back in the spring to start setting things up for the year.

SB: What’s included when you stay at the Shred Mill?

Gav: We have 3 different prices for different times of the year, low season, mid and high. What’s included is a bed with fresh sheets and a towel, a full continental breakfast, fruits and breads, cereals, juices and jams etc. There is also a bunch of optional stuff like surfboards and skateboards to rent, we also have a mini-ramp at the house. Marty, the other half of the Shred Mill is a trained professional chef of 8 years who has worked in restaurants all over the world. He cooks epic hearty healthy meals 3 nights a week as an optional extra, its totally up to you if you are in or out on that one. It works pretty well and most people eat with us, get to know each other, its all pretty mellow.

SB: What sort of boards do you have to rent at a the Mill?

Gav: We have got something for everyone really, right from if you have never surfed before to if you are a travelling Aussi surfer. We have foamies, Bic's and NSP's, some short stubbies for those who have not been in the water for a while and then we have some of our old short-boards to rent too, they are all free for you to just pick up and go any time.

SB: What do you guys love most about Hossegor/Capbreton, what made you start the Shred Mill there?

Gav: Well, I was amazed about how quiet and relaxed it can be and how hectic and fun it can be too. You can lose yourself here, just go for a wonder up the beach for 10km and not see anyone if you drive for 10 mins. You can also go to Hossegor Central and meet the best surfers in the world who are here at some point and party your ass off, its up to you. Honestly, the ridiculously heavy epic beach breaks play into it to hahaa and the super relaxed lifestyle.

SB: Does the place change much when the WSL comes to town in September?

Gav: Yeah, when the tour comes to town its a different place, it turns from holiday makers to, well the 'scene' arrives and there is a good buzz around town. Whether you normally do it or not you are up in the morning to go and see the pros on the beach, go and see who is surfing where or what party is going on at what night. Its pretty sick and everyone is frothing.

SB: When would you say was the best time of year to come and stay for uncrowded good waves?

Gav: I would say any time between the 2nd week of September and the first week in October. Its still warm, you can be in boardies in the water and you have the tour in town for two of those weeks. That’s also when the bigger swell start to pulse, it's just a magical time to be here.

SB: What’s the most enjoyable part of the Shred Mill for you?

Gav: Probably in the morning after everyone has been for a surf, had breakfast and are just sitting around getting to know each other and planning to do something together for the day. Its about connecting people that would not normally have known each other whether you are travelling around Europe, on your own or just out for a quick week's holiday.

SB: Do you get a chance to go surfing with the guests?

Gav: Yes for sure, we try and spend as much time with the guests as possible and we both have some time off late morning and normally go for a wave with them. Everyone knows what's like to be travelling around the world and not know where to go for what so we try and help them in that way too.

SB: What was your first surfboard, have you still got it?

Gav: (thinking...) It was a Hawkins, a British shaped board with a big clown on the nose, a 6'0 which was like a needle for me because I had never surfed before. It was given to me by my old boss in the Cream Cafe in Seignosse.I had a dish-washing job and was sleeping on the floor of the bar at the time, he just gave it to me and that’s how I learnt to surf. No its long gone.

SB: Can you describe how it made you feel the first time you got barrelled or caught a wave?

Gav: uuuu, I remember the fist time I ever got barrelled, I closed my eyes, held my breath and didn't really know what happened. I just felt something hit me in the back of the head and opened my eyes and let out this really weird noise (laughs) it was like a bear mating call or something.(laughs). I completely claimed it.

SB: Who is your favourite surfer to watch on the WSL and who is going to win this year?

Gav: John John is my favourite and I kind of hate to say it but I think it could be Toledo for the win.

SB: Anything else you want to say?

Gav: Yes, just a big shout out to the people who help us out :  Rhythm Clothing, Dragon Eyewear, Globe, Woll Beer & Dalikfodda Deathpunk Snowboarding.

At the time of the interview both Gav and Marty where getting the Mill ready for a full house of guests so thanks a lot for sparing the time with us at Surf Bunker.

The Shred Mill prices are pretty reasonable starting at 35 euro per night with breakfast. Marty and Gav are both genuine guys who just want to make your stay with them the best it can be and you can't ask for much more than that .The Shred Mill will be opening in the winter too for all those storm chasers, keep an eye on those swell forecasts and get locked in.