The French surf scene is buzzing with unprecedented energy in Europe’s board-sports capital. Hossegor, a renowned stronghold for seasoned riders raised on the power of Landes swells, is becoming the setting for a major gathering: 25 young talents from across mainland France and Tahiti are taking to the lineups and beaches to prepare for the future of French Olympic surfing. On this legendary stretch of feared beach breaks, the new wave is already making its mark, backed by renowned coaches and the ambition of a shared legacy. A tight-knit collective that has mastered the codes of the lineup and fully intends to shake up the international hierarchy.
Hossegor, epicenter of the next generation: a high-intensity training camp for young surfers
Heritage Camp #2 embodies the coming together of generations and cultures in French and Tahitian surfing. From September 9 to 19, 2025, the best young surfers aged 10 to 18, including 7 representatives from Tahiti, will challenge themselves at Hossegor’s legendary spots. Guided by former pros and top technical coaches, these promising young athletes benefit from ten days of training calibrated like a World Tour competition session.
The camp’s roots in the buzz of the Landes region are no coincidence. Hossegor, a temple of board sports, attracts every year top athletes sponsored by Quiksilver, Rip Curl and Roxy, transforming its beach breaks into true playgrounds for identifying and developing elite talent. The sessions go beyond pure surfing: physical preparation led by Pierre-Marc Gaillard “Pitou,” physiotherapists, out-of-water workshops and mental coaching routines shape the group’s daily life.
- Group and individual training
- Competition integrated into the camp
- Video analysis sessions
- Tailored preparation routines
- Immersion in the collective life of professional surfing
| Category | Key Coaches & Sponsors | Key activities |
|---|---|---|
| Technique & Coaching | Lacomare, Beven, Bourez | On-site coaching, positioning analysis |
| Preparation | Pitou, Cannelle Bulard | Physiotherapy assessment, tailored physical routines |
| Group Life | Godin, Jouault | Managing cohesion and teaching |
| Communication | Kilian Burac | Promoting the camp, media coverage |
| Apparel Sponsors | Oxbow, Hoalen, Picture Organic Clothing | Equipment, technical clothing |
To follow these young surfers’ progress, check out the surf report in Hossegor and spot the next rising champion, from Arcachon Bay to the Tahitian reefs.
France–Tahiti synergy: blending styles and passing on expertise
One of the gathering’s strengths lies in the fusion of two schools of French surfing. Tahitians, renowned for their mastery of massive barrels, share their natural va’a style with young surfers from the Landes, who are more accustomed to aggressive beach breaks. This collaboration leads to an explosion of creativity during heats and a mutual exchange of experience rarely found in other board sports.
- Momentum from the 2025–2028 Olympic cycle with exchanges between France and Tahiti
- Shared sessions between young surfers from southwestern France and riders from the Pacific
- Institutional support from the French Surfing Federation and the FTS
Legendary figures such as Jérémy Flores and Pauline Ado make appearances at the camp, guiding young surfers through post-session analysis and sharing anecdotes from the Outerknown Pro and France Pro. The dynamic comes close to collective surfing, with every move debriefed in an atmosphere that prioritizes progress without overlooking the fun.
To observe the blending of styles and discover how young surfers develop, dive into this article on a passion for surfing in the Landes and unpack the recipe for local success.
An elite coaching team and tailored support for the new generation
The coaching staff reflects the high degree of professionalization in youth surfing in France. On the coaching side, Marc Lacomare and Patrick Beven bring World Tour-level standards; on the preparation side, renowned physical therapists and specialized instructors ensure individualized support for every junior. This blend of expertise shapes a training program that combines competitive tactics with physical adaptation to the particular conditions of the Landes.
- Supervision by surfers who have scored at Pipeline and Teahupo’o
- Planning around the best tides and sandbanks
- Equipment optimized by local shops such as Sen No Sen, All-In, Saint Jacques
- A collective that values mental preparation and self-reliance
| Coach/Supervisor Name | Specialty | Preferred spot |
|---|---|---|
| Marc Lacomare | Line-up strategy | La Gravière |
| Pierre-Marc Gaillard « Pitou » | Physical preparation & physiotherapy | Capbreton |
| David Tereva | Tube riding | Papara |
| Kilian Burac | Communication, Media | International spot |
Discover the story of pro-led sessions and the vibrant group life behind the scenes on surfing championship in Hossegor to capture the essence of passing on knowledge on these beaches.
Between competition and sharing: a total immersion for the future surfing elite
The experience on offer goes far beyond the heats: stress management, nutrition workshops, and personalized assessments shape these trainees’ daily lives. The days after competitions are an opportunity for resilience workshops and discussions about the frustration experienced in competition—a topic widely covered in the feature Surfers’ frustration with the waves in the Landes.
- World Surf League event simulations
- Breathing and yoga workshops, inspired by the practices of Hossegor Yoga Surf
- Recovery sessions on iconic beaches
In this atmosphere that blends the Polynesian ha’a ritual with Landes surf culture, each young person develops their own flow, enriched by a collective experience that is as inspiring as it is decisive for their progress.
For those already living with tomorrow’s lineup on the horizon, take a look at the future of surf spots in Hossegor and explore the challenges ahead for this generation fueled by Quiksilver and Picture Organic Clothing.
From the beach to competition: a collective that foreshadows the surfing of tomorrow
Driven by the momentum of the Olympic Games and the support of major brands such as Rip Curl and Hoalen, this generation aims to showcase French surfing far beyond Hossegor’s sandbanks. The combination of innovative teaching, federation support, and collective vitality is already outlining a future in which France will establish itself as a lasting force on the world circuit.
- Technology tracking tools (trajectory analysis, performance stats)
- Privileged access to beaches outside peak attendance times (see surf beaches in Hossegor)
- Partnerships with sustainable companies—from Soöruz to Picture Organic Clothing
- Training in managing the industry’s contradictions, as illustrated by this essential article
| Partner brand | Role / Contribution | Added value |
|---|---|---|
| Quiksilver, Rip Curl, Roxy | Surf equipment | Innovation & technical expertise |
| Oxbow, Soöruz, Picture Organic Clothing | Clothing & textiles | Eco-responsibility, comfort |
| Hoalen, Sen No Sen | Style / Identity | Cohesion & belonging |
| All-In, Saint Jacques | Accessories | Practicality & performance |
For those who would like to gain a deeper understanding of the impact of this collective phenomenon, the page Surf instructor & lifesaving in Capbreton delves further into the comprehensive training and mindset unique to the southern Landes coast.
The road to success: preparation, resilience and shared values
Preparing the next generation does not overshadow the founding values of surfing: respect for the ocean, passing on knowledge and sharing sessions across generations. The handover depends as much on the ability to handle pressure in high-stakes competitions as on preserving solidarity in the lineup, creating a healthy and sustainable dynamic.
- Workshops on ecology and resource management
- Immersion in intergenerational groups at the spot
- Developing initiative and versatility across different types of waves
All these areas illustrate the ambition of a surf culture where fun, performance and environmental awareness move forward together in the whitewater.
- What are the main objectives of the Heritage Camp in Hossegor?
Improve performance, gain competition experience, build cohesion among young French and Tahitian talents, and create a talent pool for the international scene through expert supervision and real-world learning. - How are young surfers supervised?
A team of former pro coaches, strength and conditioning trainers, physiotherapists, specialized educators, and occasional contributors works every day, providing personalized support, tactical advice, and mental coaching to each participant. - What role do brands play in this project?
Partners such as Quiksilver, Rip Curl, Oxbow, and Soöruz provide not only equipment but also help pass on shared values through respect for the environment and the promotion of technical innovation dedicated to surfing. - Why is the France–Tahiti synergy essential?
It brings together cultures and techniques while fostering mutual progress, helping prepare future champions capable of excelling on both European beach breaks and world-renowned Polynesian slabs. - Where can you watch the future stars of French surfing?
The best spots are detailed in this resource: Hossegor surf report or through this annual profile of local talent.
