The ocean is incredibly inspiring. It undulates, crashes, laps, swells, pushes, pulls, and swirls simultaneously.  So it is little wonder that people who spend time in the waves get a lot of inspiration for their lives, and often for their work.  Whether it is simply feeling energised from your surf trip away, your daily surf session, or even watching your favourite surf spot, surfing goes hand in hand with creativity... Which leads us to some of our favourite musicians who draw from their time out in the water and the waves...    

 

Born and bred in Hawaii, Jack Johnson has had worldwide success with his relaxed guitar music that is imbued with a sense of chilling at the beach.  Although now known for his beautiful tracks, he used to be famous in Hawaii as a professional surfer, and even surfed at the infamous Pipeline.

 

Life is good when you’re sponsored by Billabong as a freesurfer, you ride retro surfboards, and can wear a handlebar moustache circa 1975.  Donavon Frankenreiter has been having fun surfing and making music for years now... and no signs of stopping yet.

 

The Red Hot Chili Peppers front man has been surfing for years, which is little surprise coming from the surfing state that is California.  The 50 year old iconic singer has surfed throughout his career, and it seems it’s paid off, as each RHCP’s albums find their way into the beach scene, becoming classic surf trip anthems.

 

Best known as x3 world surf champion and his effortless style of carving in the surf, Tom Carol has had a music career on the back burner for years.  Coming from the beautiful Californian town of Santa Barbara, known for its amazing righthand point breaks, Curren has somehow shaped a legendary surfing career, and now plays intimate surf gigs with his guitar around the world.

 

Probably one of the best know singer/songwriter/surfers out there in the music industry at the moment, Ben Howard heralds from Devon since the age of , so has grown up in the cold Devonish waves.  His haunting lyrics often hold surf trip memories, or simply floating out in the waves.

 

Summer is in full swing and there is nothing better than maximising the gorgeous weather with a June break away for a spot of summer surfing.  This month we take a look at some exciting surf spot destinations that are in perfectly placed for daily surfs, masses of culture, and lots of sunshine:

 

One of the most glamourous surf city’s in Europe, Biarritz is the cultural heart and birthplace of surfing in France.  Since surfers in the 1950s took to their longboards in Biarritz’s beach breaks of La Grande Plage and Cotes des Basques, the city has been iconic for surfers from all over the world.  

 

Enjoy the stunning views from the water looking at the city’s striking Basque architecture, or stroll around the city discovering delicious fresh pastries from Boulangeries a la francaise!

 

 

With Portugal’s stunning Atlantic coastline sweeping out from the lively town of Cascais, there is little wonder why surfers from all over Europe come to visit.  

 

With every type of surf break readily available, you’ll be hard pushed to decide between surfing or simply discovering the winding cobblestoned streets of the town, and stumbling across beach front cafes that demand of you to sit down, order a drink, and simply relax.

 

 

Known for its spectacular surf beaches, Ericeira is one of only three world surf reserves in existence.  

 

The beautiful town lies only 30 minutes drive from Lisbon airport, and 40 minutes from Lisbon itself.  So you can have the best of both worlds- surf and sunbath during the day, enjoying the town’s specialities of fresh seafood for lunch or dinner. Then in the evening, or simply for a day trip, you can head into the culture rich capital of Lisbon for a spot of retail therapy in its surf shops or even a little party time.