Welcome to our 'Catching up with' series, here we dive into personal stories of people from our community about their journey, their style, their challenges, and what keeps them hyped on and off the board. Today; Hortense Boudet
Words by Lars Goos / Photography @mathildemetairie
Hey Hortense, How is life threating you lately?
Hey ! Pretty good thank you :) A cool mix between the city and nature, creativity and sports, work and personal life. And with the warmer weather on the way, it’s even better.
We saw you are now living in Biarritz, is that correct?
Yesss I live in Biarritz ! I still go to Paris every months and I enjoy this balance.
What sparked the move from Paris to Biarritz?
I'm from Avignon, but I lived in Paris for five years and I really loved it (especially the professional, social, and cultural aspects). And I’ve always dreamed and thought that one day I’d live in the southwest because I’ve been coming here often since I was a kid. And last year, everything fell into place for me to move, so today I’m super happy!
Did Biarritz came with any new hobbies and passions beside surfskating?
I already loved hiking, but my interest really grew after moving to Biarritz and creating an outdoor community with my boyfriend: @perimetreride. I’ve also gotten into gravel biking, so these activities let us explore new places in different ways.
And now that spring is here, I am excited to go surfing more!!
As for non-creative/athletic activities, I'm doing more and more crafts: pottery, drawing, scrapbooking...
If you had to show someone Biarritz in 3 spots, where would you take them? Food, chill, surfskate?
Dimanche for a good matcha, chai or hot chocolate. Go for a cruise ride from the Rocher de la Vierge to Côte des Basques, stay there for a picnic and to watch the sunset. And if you’re in the area, go grab lunch at Etxenami in Saint-Jean-de-Luz.
Lets go a little further back, how got you hooked on surfskate?
When I was 18, I was studying in Montpellier and a friend of mine who surfed had a surfskate that I often borrowed because I only had a Penny style cruiser board. And for my 19th birthday I bought my first surfskate: the Teahupoo model from Yow, which allowed me to feel a little connection to the world of the ocean and surfing even while living in Montpellier.
How long have you been on a surfskate now?
Since 2017, so it’s my 9th year.
What is your favorite style of riding? Street, park, bowl?
A mix between street, big parking spots and bowl, it depends on my mood and the board I'm riding. The best being the small, natural curves and undulations throughout the city but it’s not easy to find. This year I want to skate more bowls.
How does your quiver of boards look like now a days?
There's quite a variety: lots of surfskates in different shapes, designs, and sizes, cruisers and surfcruisers, a few skateboards, and a few longboards.
We have been enjoying a lot the surfskate diaries lately! How did you come up with that and are there more future plans for the diaries?
I came across quite a few videos I’d filmed with my camcorder that I’d never used before, and I realized they were from different cities and countries. So I decided to create a simple mini-series that I can continue with future surfskate-friendly spots and countries to visit.
If you could design your dream surfskate, what would it be like?
That's a tough question but I'd go with a quite long board with a very simple, slightly retro shape, wide enough but still maneuverable. And I'd pay special attention to the deck design ;)
Time for some random questions! What is your favorite meal?
I'm a huge brunch fan. And otherwise, my grandma's minestrone and a big fruit plate.
Morning session or sunset session?
Morning session
City energy or slow coastal days?
Slow coastal days with a shot of city energy !!
Coffee before riding or after?
Matcha before !
Spontaneous road trip or planned escape?
Spontaneous road trip and small adventures in general !
Dream skate spot you haven’t ridden yet?
Any cool surfskate park in Thailand and the Philippines surfskate spots.
Whats on your playlist for a session?
Jack Johnson, Offthewally, Tommy Guerrero, Parcels, Khruangbin
Hey, why don’t you MAKE us a playlist with your favorites for a session?!
Yep, new YOW SURF RADIO VOL 26 by Hortense Boudet:
Last but not least, whats coming up for you in 2026., any exciting plans?
I haven't planned everything out yet, but generally speaking: developing Périmètre Ride and riding in all its forms, a trip to Norway coming up in a few weeks (in April), continuing to create in every way possible (digital, hands-on...), and the desire to discover new spots.
Where can people follow your adventures, Hortense?
For daily life follow me at @Tensehorr For outdoor community adventures @perimetreride and for brand image work @studiobleu_
