Surfing Champions Gather on the Beaches of the Landes

The beach breaks of Les Landes are gearing up to host a lineup of events that will get surf wax buzzing: between the major federation event, alternative contests, and junior finals, the fall 2025 season is shaping up to be packed with exceptional heats.

Les Landes Surf Calendar 2025: Federation Events and Free Surfing

From Seignosse to Capbreton, everything is set for a full month of competitions. Organizers are opting for a waiting period to run each draw in the best North Atlantic swells.

• October 24 – November 2: French Championships, including shortboard, longboard, and para-surfing.
• November 4 – 8: International final Rip Curl GromSearch in Hossegor.
• October 21 – 28: Twin Fin Invitational in Vieux-Boucau.
• November 1, 2025 – April 1, 2026 : Rip Curl Challenge de la Nord waiting period.

Locals are already watching for the first strong westerly swell that could fire up the legendary La Nord wave before winter. To follow the evolution of the sandbanks, those interested can check out the captured highlights every week.

Managing swell windows and spot safety

The safety team relies on equipped Jet Skis, a comprehensive medical setup, and a daily briefing. Local clubs—Hossegor Surf Club, Lou Surfou, and Santocha—pool their resources to ensure smooth, safe heats.

• Daily bathymetric surveys to adjust competition zones.
• Lifeguard team trained in whitewater rescues and equipped with O’Neill rescue boards.
• Direct coordination with Météo France and Vigicrues in the event of flooding on the Adour.

The setup, already proven during the Landes Championships, will serve as the logistical base for the entire month.

On to the next section: a look at France’s largest federal gathering.

The French Surfing Championships: the cream of French board sports

Eleven disciplines, forty titles, and up to ten days on hold: it’s a packed format. France’s best surfers arrive with quivers from Quiksilver, Billabong, Hurley and Soöruz.

• Shortboard Open: top 24 men, top 16 women, Banque Populaire Surf Tour final.
• Longboard, SUP surfing, Para-surf: priority slots if the swell drops.
• Bodysurf & Kneeboard: sunrise sessions to make the most of the glassy banks.

High-performance fans can find full analysis on the championship website. Specialists appreciate the commitment of local clubs to access to adapted surfing, included in the official program.

Equipment, innovation and competition quivers

From ultra-light epoxy boards to retro twin fins, the 2025 quiver showcases total diversity.

• Development of castor oil-based EPS blanks by All In Surfboards.
• Recycled Oxbow leashes made from recovered fishing nets.
• Soöruz Guru Pro Yulex wetsuits, 15% more flexible than the 2023 generation.

Technicians will be able to compare this data at the equipment showroom set up at the Estagnots skatepark.

Next: time for the young guns and creative freesurfers.

Rip Curl GromSearch & Twin Fin Invitational: the future and the alternative

Right after the national titles are awarded, Hossegor follows up with the junior world final. Seeds come from the Asia-Pacific, Americas and European circuits.

• 16 U16 & U18 riders, head-to-head format, WSL priority.
• 60% of current CT riders are former GromSearch winners.
• Mobile competition between La Sud, Les Culs Nus and La Gravière.

Fans of early talent can follow the detailed progress of Tya Zebrowski, a symbol of a sharp generation.

Twin Fin Invitational: aesthetics before score

Created by free surfer William Aliotti, the twin-fin contest focuses on style and creativity. The judges are… the surfers themselves. No losers—each rider leaves with a video clip.

• Format: two best waves + 45-second video edit.
• 34 participants, including Jules Le Marre and Maud Le Car from the Landes.
• Side events: shaping show, photo exhibition Vans “Dogtown to Landes” and Futures fin testing.

In 2024, the pilot edition drew 500 spectators to the sand. The new session promises to be explosive, according to behind-the-scenes details revealed on the little-known backyards by insiders.

We’ll wrap up with the concrete impact on the coastal economy.

Benefits for the Landes ecosystem: tourism, shaping, and lifestyle

Coastal accommodations and shops are already reporting occupancy rates above 90%. Established brands – Rip Curl, Quiksilver, Billabong, Roxy, Oxbow, Vans, Hurley, All In, Soöruz and O'Neill – are rolling out pop-up stores and beach clean-up activations.

• Green initiatives: collecting used wax for recycling, O’Neill Blue tour.
• Performance clinics: “cutback power” masterclass led by Pauline Ado.
• After-surf: sunset concerts and a film festival organized by All In.

Local businesses welcome the visibility provided by these successive events, confirming Hossegor as the European capital of beach culture. Curious visitors can dive into the French surf generation to experience the local vibrancy.

What is the difference between the French Championships and the Rip Curl GromSearch?

The French Championships crown the best French surfers across all categories, while the Rip Curl GromSearch is a world final reserved for juniors under 18 who qualify through regional events.

How can I find out which spot will host the next day of competition?

Each morning at 7:00 a.m., the organizers post a call on their social media and official website, specifying the chosen spot based on the sandbanks and swell.

Can the public freely access the competition areas?

Yes, admission is free. Specific areas are reserved for athletes and the media, but the rest of the beach remains open to spectators.

Are there activities for non-surfers during the contests?

Introductions, exhibitions, concerts, and screenings are organized around the sites, including partner brand pop-up stores and eco-friendly workshops.