“For surfers, Europe has always been a destination that offers promise of something more than just wave riding. The remnants of eras long past often stand right at the water’s edge, defying the ocean’s penchant for constant, radical change. Unsurprisingly, such an environment inspires Europe’s sons, daughters, and lifelong visitors to foster unique approaches to the act of surfing.

In this first installment of our “Made In Europe” series, Southern California-based filmmaker Matt Payne visits Hossegor, France, where he spends time with the man, myth, and now skimboarding legend, Tom Curren.

Curren, a three-time world champ, first visited France in 1980 as a young pro, and has been an on-again, off-again resident ever since. Follow Curren above as he explores the French coast, catches up with old friends, and experiments with all manner of finless craft, from lopped-off soft-tops to finless planks.
“It’s really fun to be able to go and create virtually anything you can think of, surfing-wise,” Curren says. “And I don’t feel uncomfortable about it at all.”