France: Ile de Ré
A paw squeezes my hand. A shy "bonjour" slips over the giant's lips. I feel like I'm facing the spitting image of Gérard Dépardieux, the French film god who can be admired wearing a menhir as Obelix in the film. The mass must be due to the western French diet: Lots of butter, cheese, baguettes and fish. Antoine Albeau may not wear menhirs, but he was enough to become world freestyle champion in 2001. He is as strong as an ox, has paws like a gorilla and looks as tame as a lamb.
The wind is calling, and the guardian of the surfing secrets of his island Île de Ré can hardly wait to present me with his favourite spots - fresh on the plate like a dozen oysters with white bread: "The first waves are the best".
You can find these spots in the free download:
Plage des Prises, La Couarde, Fort du Matray, Le Gros Jonc, Le Gouillauds, Pointe du Lizay, Phare des Baleines, Pointe de Grignon, Rivedoux Plage
