The Landes region is about to experience another adrenalin rush. With the return of the Quiksilver Festival to the beaches of Capbreton, Hossegor and Seignosse, board culture will once again express itself with power and authenticity. The crème de la crème of international surfing sets up shop for nine days of XXL shows, featuring committed sessions and parties that get the coast grooving. Anticipated by surf enthusiasts, this year’s event promises an exhilarating mix of contests, live music, skate sessions and immersive experiences: a concentrated vibe for all riders and lovers of the salty lifestyle. A legendary spot, a sharp line-up and a frenzied atmosphere – welcome to the heart of Landes surfing.
Quiksilver Festival in Hossegor: The world’s leading surfing spot
It’s impossible to imagine a more iconic setup: Capbreton and Seignosse, just like Hossegor, As soon as the waiting period gets underway, the surfers of the world’s most famous surfing destinations start to vibrate to the rhythm of the swells. This edition, redesigned by Jérémy Florès, features 24 international surfers ready to break lip on Europe’s most famous sandbanks.
- Explosive competition : 12 teams competing in heat formats that are as creative as they are rugged.
- Optimized ten-day waiting period : Only the best swell windows will be selected, thanks to Miky Picon’s instinct.
- Decisive stage for the elite of the Quiksilver, Rip Curl, Billabong triptych : passion and skill never lie on these waves.
| Spot | Highlights | Clubs and brands |
|---|---|---|
| Capbreton | Powerful waves, local atmosphere | Volcom, Hurley, Quick Event |
| Hossegor | Mythical beach breaks, expert audiences | Quiksilver, Roxy, Billabong |
| Seignosse | Long walls, committed barrels | Oxbow, Element, Vans |
Exceptional line-up and unique format: the crème de la crème of surfing comes together
When it comes to surfing, this edition unveils a royal roster. Kelly Slater, Kai Lenny, Coco Ho, Kauli Vaast (learn more about this exclusive article)… Riders will be divided into 12 teams for a team challenge. Four days of competition will be enough to crown the best team between two memorable swells. Some days are sure to live long in the memory, like the legendary three-meter swells at Hossegor (to relive here).
- World Surf League stars take on the young sharks of the European scene
- Four-way series, team format, crew spirit: time for collective action
- Book signings, masterclasses and discussions on surf culture
Want to check out the legendary sessions from previous years? Access the retrospective here.
Atmosphere and lifestyle: board culture from the inside out
The Quiksilver Festival is much more than a surf contest. The event infuses the whole surfing spirit through a mosaic of activities. Skate sessions, live sessions, DJ sets under the pines, screenings, exhibitions and, of course, surf culture in all its guises. The event brings together the cream of the crop, from former glories to young prodigies, for a truly XXL surf camp.
- Open-air concerts and DJs along the beach breaks
- Surfing for all : introductions, yoga, coaching (see yoga-surf workshops)
- Exclusive screenings of the best documentaries from the surf scene
- Exhibitions, ephemeral skatepark, signing sessions with the Quiksilver, Roxy, Vans and Rip Curl teams
- Focus on technical trends and custom boards with Rip Curl, Element, Oxbow
| Animation | Target audience | Rental |
|---|---|---|
| Live concerts & DJ sets | Surfers, night owls | Hossegor Central Beach |
| Skate session | Riders, young board enthusiasts | Seignosse |
| Screenings & exhibitions | Curious, teens/adults | Capbreton |
Concrete examples and festival highlights
Each edition has its share of cult moments: an air guitar performance at the skatepark during an impromptu contest, a surprise signing session with Kelly Slater, or the photo exhibition on the Hossegor’s secret surfing community. The exchange of ideas also takes place during workshops: how to optimize a quiver for the barrels of Hossegor or decipher Kauli Vaast’s frontside technique during an on-site masterclass.
- Group launches and custom board tests with Volcom, Oxbow, Hurley
- Sunset yoga/surf sessions
- After session with surf-culture food trucks
Find the official program and all the activations on the website dedicated to the Quiksilver Festival as well as the Hossegor surf blog: insider info here.
Landes surf culture: transmission and inspiration for all generations
Beyond the contest results, the Quiksilver Festival stands out for its roots in local heritage and the emergence of new talent. Partner clubs and schools, supported by the Quiksilver / Roxy / Rip Curl galaxy, offer open sessions and talks on the transition from old school to new school. Shaping« workshops and a tech area offer the chance to delve deeper into innovation, board durability, ethical manufacturing by Oxbow and collabs between Element and Vans.
- Intergenerational meetings around a shared passion for board sports
- Mini-contest for kids with coaching from the pros on site
- Round tables on preserving the coastline and the impact of major brands on the European surf scene
| Activity | Animator | Objective |
|---|---|---|
| Shaping workshop | Quiksilver shapers | Passing on the techniques and secrets of high-performance boards |
| Kids surf initiation | Roxy / Billabong coaches | Discovery for the next generation of Landes surfers |
| Ethical surfing debate | Oxbow / Element experts | Raising awareness of environmental impact |
Code transmission and mandatory culture rinse
Transmission is sacred among surfers. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced surfer, everyone shares the wax and exchanges ideas on the spot. Workshops and talks shed light on the influence of legends like Jérémy Florès, or how collectives like Quick Event and the local surf tribe innovate without diluting the very essence of surfing. Tips, insider anecdotes and exchanges make this festival the best open-air masterclass the coast has to offer.
- Deciphering competition strategies, spot reading, weather and stress management
- Quiz on the history of surfing in Hossegor and its links with major brands: Quiksilver, Rip Curl, Billabong, Roxy
- Sharing rituals to prepare mentally and physically before taking to the water
If you’re looking for in-depth information on the championships in Hossegor or the secret to epic sessions, dive into the archives gathered here.
Frequently asked questions about the Quiksilver Festival in Hossegor
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What are the best places to enjoy the Quiksilver Festival?
Capbreton, Hossegor and Seignosse form the festival’s golden triangle, with activities, competitions and parties on every flagship beach. Each spot has a distinct identity and draws surf tribes, families and enthusiasts from all four corners of the globe. -
How is the competition run and what format has been chosen?
The competition brings together 24 top-level surfers, divided into 12 teams, who compete over just 4 days selected within a 10-day waiting period to maximize wave quality and commitment in the lineup. -
Is the Quiksilver Festival accessible to beginners?
Absolutely—workshops, introductory sessions, surf yoga and public activities ensure an accessible immersion. Everyone can explore surf culture and share the energy of board culture. -
Where can I find the full program and the latest festival news?
The festival’s official website and the local portal surf-hossegor.com provide access to all the information, schedules, guests and photo recaps from past editions. -
What role do the major surf brands play at the festival?
Quiksilver, Roxy, Billabong, Rip Curl, Volcom, Oxbow, Element, Hurley and Vans are ever-present through contests, workshops, equipment testing and discussions on surf tech. These brands host booths, workshops and areas dedicated to board culture.
