Light offshore winds, a high autumn sun, and endless sets: Le Prévent beach was buzzing all afternoon as it crowned sixteen new French champions. Between XXL repeat wins and some seriously salty surprises, Para Surf France showed once again that it is now a cornerstone of the championships organized by the FFSurf on the spots of the City of Hossegor and the City of Capbreton.
Sixteen national titles with offshore winds: a quick overview
This marathon day, slotted in between the European Championships in Vigo and the World Championships in Oceanside, delivered a packed haul. The lines below summarize the key results, perfect for anyone who missed the live coverage:
| Category | Champion | Final score | Leagues |
|---|---|---|---|
| Para Surf Stand 3 | Éric Dargent | 12.33 pts | Sud de France |
| Para Surf Kneel Open | Maxime Cabanne | 9.50 pts | Nouvelle-Aquitaine |
| Para Surf Prone 1 Open | Erwan Bleuez | 12.00 pts | Brittany |
| Para Surf Adapted Open | Peyo Milhau | 9.00 pts | Nouvelle-Aquitaine |
| SUP Open | Gabriel Bachelet | 12.84 pts | Nouvelle-Aquitaine |
| Tandem | Paul Duvignau / Ophélie Fargetas | – | Nouvelle-Aquitaine |
- Seventeen heats launched in Capbreton, nine in Hossegor.
- Eleven titles awarded to riders with disabilities.
- Four titles for Brittany, five for Nouvelle-Aquitaine.
These figures reflect a slightly smaller field than last year, but one that remains ultra-competitive, as shown by Benoît Carpentier’s surprise defeat in SUP.
Pointers to go further
To relive the tension of Bachelet’s final wave, a look back at the week’s best surf moments is a must. Those following the rise of para surfers will also find an in-depth focus on the elite of adaptive surfing.
Stand & Kneel: the pillars hold down the fort
First to take to the water in the morning mist, Éric Dargent claimed a fourth national trophy. World runner-up last year, he remains the natural captain of the French crew.
- Éric Dargent : two solid lefts and a sharply executed roller to post 12.33 points.
- Maxime Cabanne : a sharp take-off, 25 duck dives in the churn, and a fifth Kneel title.
- Emmanuelle Blanchet : back-to-back in Kneel Ondine despite a fickle current.
| A mainstay | Highlights | World Championships goal |
|---|---|---|
| Éric Dargent | Power turns, reading the line | Third team title |
| Maxime Cabanne | Backside timing, mindset | First ISA final |
| Emmanuelle Blanchet | Take-off close to the lip, endurance | Individual podium |
Their consistency is a reminder of the work carried out by the National Sea Rescue Society (SNSM) and Handi Surf to ensure safe access to the ocean. It is worth noting that several athletes train in the bay year-round, benefiting from the momentum of the surf lessons in Hossegor.
Anecdote from the competitors’ area
As he returned to the technical area, Dargent gave his leash to a grom from Handi Surf—a simple gesture that illustrates the shared lineup spirit so dear to Surfing Hossegor.
Prone, Visually Impaired, Adaptive: the next generation makes a strong impression
The rising swell provided a challenging playground for the Prone, Visually Impaired, and Adaptive categories. Three names to remember:
- Erwan Bleuez : first appearance, first title in Prone 1.
- Héloïse Lauriol : won a close duel in Visually Impaired 2 Ondines.
- Jules Oestreich : secured the Espoir double after his U18 crown.
| Category | Champion | Age | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prone 1 | Erwan Bleuez | 22 | 12,00 |
| Visually Impaired 2 Ondine | Héloïse Lauriol | 24 | 6.77 |
| Adaptive Youth | Jules Oestreich | 17 | 10.16 |
These young trailblazers embody the generation described in young Landes guns. Their rapid rise is supported by FFSurf logistics and custom equipment by Quiksilver or Rip Curl, perfectly suited to their specific needs.
Brittany vs. Nouvelle-Aquitaine spotlight
The regional leagues matchup was quickly decided: four wins for Brittany and five for Nouvelle-Aquitaine. The crowd gathered in front of the lifeguard station enjoyed this head-to-head, proof that the adaptive surf pipeline is working on both sides of the Loire.
SUP Surf & Tandem: the Landes show
The La Sud peak set the stage for a thrilling SUP Open:
- Gabriel Bachelet edges out five-time champion Benoît Carpentier by a hair (12.84 vs. 12.64).
- Camille Dubrana retains her Ondine crown ahead of Marine Kerdreux.
- In Tandem, Duvignau/Fargetas showcase their creativity against the Leroy/Burel duo.
| Heat | Highest wave | Note |
|---|---|---|
| SUP Open Final | Bachelet – cutback + float | 8.34 |
| Women’s SUP | Dubrana – precise re-entry | 7.10 |
| Tandem | “Cupid” lift performed out the back | Judges tied at 9/10 |
The crowd, made up of regulars from Hossegor secret surfers, really came alive when Bachelet unleashed the day’s “bomb”—a 1.2 m wall ridden squarely on the rail. His style recalls the Boardriders years, when local surfers dominated European podiums.
Gear focus: the shapes that make all the difference
The day’s SUP boards featured ultra-thin rails, a technology derived from pro shortboards. A detailed overview is available in this gear guide, perfect for anyone curious about hybrid wave riding.
Coming up next: junior bodysurf and U16 shortboard
No sooner had the podiums been cleared than the FFSurf announced what was next:
- Monday – Capbreton/Santocha : Junior Women’s (3:40 p.m.) and Junior (4:40 p.m.) bodysurf finals.
- Tuesday & Wednesday : opening rounds of U16/U14 shortboard, with solid WNW swell forecast.
- The response teams from SNSM will remain stationed at the North Channel in case of tricky sets.
| Date | Discipline | Spot | Key facts |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monday | Junior Bodysurf | Santocha | Falling tide |
| Tuesday | Cadet Shortboard | La Sud | 1.5 m swell, offshore winds |
| Wednesday | U15 Shortboard | Le Prévent | Glassy conditions |
To follow these upcoming matchups, head to our dedicated championships hub, updated continuously.
Final takeaway
Between Para Surf, SUP, and Tandem, the first half of the championships confirms that diversity has become the new norm. It is now up to the junior shortboarders to raise the bar another notch and close out this edition held entirely in Landes.
How do Para Surf results influence selection for the World Championships?
The FFSurf staff relies on national performances, heat scores, and attitude in the lineup to finalize the list. Most of the day’s winners will head straight to California within 72 hours.
Where can I check the live scores for the upcoming finals?
Real-time coverage is available on the official FFSurf website and relayed by Surfing Hossegor, with a dedicated feed on partner social media channels.
What safety measures are in place for para-athletes?
Para Surf France competitions deploy zodiacs, Handi Surf-trained beach marshals, and SNSM lifeguards to provide assistance and rapid evacuation.
Can spectators attend the cadet shortboard events for free?
Yes, access to the spots in the City of Capbreton and the City of Hossegor remains free. Spectator areas are marked out to maintain the flow of competitors and judges.
Are there any programs for getting started in adaptive surfing?
Several local organizations, including the Surfing Hossegor program, offer supervised introductory sessions with specialized equipment. Practical information is listed in our section dedicated to adaptive surf lessons.
