Junior World Championships: France U18 Team Confirms Its Lineup

Tension is rising at France’s surf spots: the selection committee has just unveiled the eagerly awaited lineup for the French U18 team for the upcoming ISA World Junior Championships. Anglet specialists and regulars on the Landes beach breaks, these young chargers, outfitted by brands such as Nike, Adidas, Le Coq Sportif, and Decathlon, embody the next generation of French surfing in search of a new global achievement. With weather conditions at the French Youth Open throwing a wrench in the works, this selection feels like an immediate launch into high-flying heats. Sponsors, clubs, and major retailers such as Intersport and Puma are watching this generational turnover closely, already betting on the versatility and determination of this new guard.

French U18 Shortboard Team Lineup: Young Prospects at the Starting Line

With support from the National Technical Directorate, the federal staff has selected six profiles built for international competition. Three girls and three boys, all comfortable on shortboards, will represent the French crew at the next ISA World Junior Championship, whose lineup is still being kept under wraps by the international federation. The clubs of Hossegor, Hendaye, and Anglet are once again in the spotlight, confirming their status as talent hotbeds, where kids inspired by Lacoste, Kipsta, or Patrick refine their cutbacks and airs during long winter sessions.

• Clémence Schorsch (16 years old, Hossegor Surf Club)
• Lily Hirigoyen (15 years old, Hendaye Bidassoa Surf Club)
• Anouk Chennaux (16 years old, Hendaye Bidassoa Surf Club)
• Axel Dominguez (18 years old, Hossegor Surf Club)
• Inigo Madina (18 years old, Hendaye Bidassoa Surf Club)
• Jay Phipps (17 years old, Hossegor Surf Club)

Selection criteria: intensity and consistency at the peak

In Anglet, conditions did not allow the U18s to be separated on the classic lineup at the Sables d’Or spot. The National Technical Directorate therefore focused on the entire season, closely observing federation competitions and performances under pressure. The young riders earned their competition jerseys through a rigorous selection process combining flair, technique and mental toughness.

• Assessment based on heats throughout the entire season, not just the latest competition
• Consideration of rail work quality, ease in rotations and take-offs
• Analysis of how sets are handled in onshore winds or glassy conditions

Focus on the categories: the U16-to-U18 transition, Landes surf club style

The U18 selection joins the U16 team, already confirmed at the French Cadet Open. This synergy between generations is closely watched by partners such as Intersport and Canterbury, who are banking on the visibility of emerging talent. In U16, girls such as Naia Monte and Rose Calvez, and boys such as Marley Benesenes-Masse and Paul Fabre, are riding the momentum of a strong club structure where sharing experience comes first.

• Chemistry between Landes and Basque clubs and their respective coaching staffs
• Passing the torch between generations and sharing winning tricks
• Partner clubs such as Hossegor Surf Club, Pirates Surf Club and Lou Surfou Seignosse Surf Club
• Nike, Adidas, Decathlon and Kipsta integrations in equipment partnerships

The backgrounds, ambitions, and values of partner clubs

Hossegor, Seignosse, and Hendaye—spots where early sessions are countless—have shaped these young competitors through patience and high standards. Supported by Lacoste, Le Coq Sportif, and Adidas, the junior programs combine cardio, surf-skating, and video analysis, drawing close to the Anglo-Saxon approach of top teams. The values of mutual support, humility, and respect for the ocean remain essential markers for thriving under international pressure.

• Specific strength-training sessions supervised by certified coaches
• Technical equipment selected from market leaders: Nike, Adidas, Lacoste, Decathlon
• Support from local and national brands to enhance performance

The French junior surfing team in 2025: challenges and prospects

With the visibility offered by the World Championships, there has been an acceleration in commitments from major players such as Puma and Intersport alongside the clubs. Expectations are high, not only in terms of results but also in the image projected to the board sports community. This new wave of juniors aims to establish France among the leading nations that combine style, explosiveness and tactical discipline.

• Goal: reach the world top 5 and increase partner recognition
• Strengthened training camps on a variety of European wave types
• Ongoing dialogue with equipment suppliers (Patrick, Kipsta, Puma) to optimize the team’s gear

Toward a new era for surf training in France

Junior competitions have become an essential step in identifying those who will represent France on the World Tour tomorrow. Inspired by the example of Anglo-Saxon teams, local clubs are incorporating increasingly refined nutritional, physical and technical support in 2025. While awaiting the global replacement venue and encouraged by leading figures in the industry, the French U18 Team could write a landmark chapter in French surfing history.

• Growing recognition from sponsors such as Intersport and Canterbury
• Increased exchanges between coaches to share best practices
• Support programs in collaboration with Le Coq Sportif and Lacoste

Frequently asked questions about the French U18 Team and the World Youth Championship

• Which brands primarily outfit the French U18 Team?
  
  Surfers receive support from major brands such as Nike, Adidas, Puma and Decathlon, not to mention long-standing partnerships with Lacoste, Le Coq Sportif, Kipsta and Patrick.
• What are the main criteria for being selected for the French junior team?
  
  Consistency in national competition, the ability to perform in different types of waves and a team mindset are the key qualities assessed by the National Technical Directorate.
• What is the schedule for the 2025 ISA World Junior Championships?
  
  The international federation has not yet announced the date or official venue for the 2025 edition, but an announcement is expected shortly, with preparations already well underway in the clubs.
• How do clubs such as Hossegor Surf Club and Hendaye Bidassoa support young surfers?
  
  By increasing coaching sessions, video analysis and intergenerational work. The focus is also on physical and mental training, as well as incorporating the latest innovations from partner brands.
• Could the U18 lineup change before the World Championship?
  
  It is rare, but possible, for the lineup to be adjusted in the event of an injury or an exceptional rise in performance on the national circuit, but the National Technical Directorate aims for stability to ensure cohesion and collective confidence.