Quiksilver by Swatch Festival 2025: a dream program to set Hossegor alight

A legendary boardculture spot, Hossegor is getting ready to come alive for ten straight days for the third edition of the Quiksilver Festival by Swatch. Here, surfing blends with music, art and celebration in an electrifying atmosphere, backed by major partners such as Red Bull, Rip Curl, Billabong and Monster Energy. The line-up brings together big names and young prodigies from the surf scene, from memorable sessions on the Landes sandbanks to live shows that keep the night dancing. Through top-level competitions, artistic direction by Jean Jullien and an eclectic music program, this edition asserts an authentic, modern and vibrant DNA. Fans of board sports, ocean stories and artistic happenings, there is no room for half measures: this festival embodies pure passion.

Surfing competition in Hossegor: new format and international headliners

The Quiksilver Festival by Swatch has become the must-attend back-to-school event for all core surfers and beach break enthusiasts. Twenty-four champions – including Kelly Slater, Kauli Vaast and Kai Lenny, as well as Coco Ho and Vahiné Fierro in the women’s category – will be divided into 12 new teams on the banks of Hossegor, Seignosse and Capbreton. The competition breaks with the classic codes: each team will compete in series of four, with themes such as Air & Barrel or Best Combos, decided according to the conditions of the day. Miky Picon, event director, is on the lookout for the strongest waiting period to choose the four most explosive days.

This mechanic, with individual scores accumulated for the team, infuses strategy and fun, while remaining true to the surfing philosophy of adaptation, show and pure riding pleasure. Competitors can free surf when it’s not showtime, bringing a rootsy, relaxed vibe to the line-up.

• Kelly Slater, eleven-time world champion, still going strong at 53
• Kauli Vaast, Olympic champion ready to hit the big time
• Kai Lenny, A complete waterman, combining foil, SUP and radical surfing.
• Coco Ho and Vahiné Fierro, the faces of women’s surfing
• Michel Bourez and Joan Duru, French surf ambassadors in their own backyard

To delve deeper into the competition and what is at stake, head to this dedicated page. An analysis of legendary matchups can be found here.

Highlights of the waiting period

The alchemy between legendary pros and young wolves promises anthology heat. Expect :

• Surprise themed series inspired by the swell of the day
• Free surf sessions between rounds, open to local prodigies
• Unexpected encounters on the beach for tactical analyses, book signings and impromptu masterclasses

An immersion to be followed on site and through media partners such as GoPro for video recap, or Volkswagen for team logistical support.

To make sure you don’t miss any of the best runs and memorable vibes, check out the breakdown of the « surfing moments of the week ».

Boardculture en fête: music, art and crazy skateboarding in Hossegor

The Quiksilver Festival by Swatch sets the Côte Landaise ablaze beyond the line-up. Live concerts, energizing DJ sets and slice-of-life exhibitions electrify the whole of Hossegor. Every evening, the Place des Landais vibrates to the rhythm of the festivities: from the opening party to the closing night by Deezer, the nights are long and intense. Pop-folk, electro, house, techno… there’s something for everyone.

• Opening night with Kid Kipichi and Ménades
• Explosive closing by Deezer with Urumi, Romain, Mandragora
• Screening of the film Back to the wall featuring Jérémy Flores
• Amazing skateboarding demos by Swatch and Cash for Tricks sessions with Element
• Workshops, surfing lessons for all, beach clean up

The full list of events and artist partners is available on the event page.

Skateboard sessions, yoga workshops and exhibitions: the art of combining all the vibes

Seasoned boardriders and rookies alike, every enthusiast can find their trip. Between a yoga session on the beach to get in the zone before hitting the water, contemporary art exhibitions by Jean Jullien, and skate workshops led by the Swatch team, the ocean lifestyle immersion is total.

• Exclusive exhibition with the Jean Jullien X Quiksilver capsule collection
• Skate workshops: tricks, technique and death races for budding riders
• Ecological actions: collective beach clean-up with Oxbow
• Meetings and book signings with the big names in boardsports

To explore the spots and secrets of local riders, take a look at this insider’s guide.

Local roots and partners committed to surf culture

The raw energy of the Quiksilver Festival by Swatch is made possible by a coalition of iconic board sports and lifestyle sponsors: Swatch, Red Bull, Rip Curl, Billabong, Oxbow, GoPro, Volkswagen, Monster Energy. The event is also rooted in the communities of Capbreton, Hossegor and Seignosse, reflecting its deep connection to the soul of the Landes region.

• Official sponsor Swatch hosts workshops and skate shows
• Red Bull, elite energy logistician day and night
• Oxbow, clean ups partner and eco-responsible ambassador
• Volkswagen, transport for teams and guests
• GoPro, official media for onboard images and video reviews
• Monster Energy, for long sessions and wild nights

The festival’s impact on the region remains strong, boosting local hotels, shops and restaurants. The event now stands as one of the economic and cultural pillars of the entire Atlantic coast. For more details on Hossegor’s «future-proof» dimension, read this folder.

Why the Quiksilver Festival by Swatch is electrifying back-to-school surfing

Since its inception, this event has been an adrenalin rush for European boardculture. It combines Landes heritage with innovation in artistic, musical and sporting expression. With its free concerts, innovative competition formats and artistic happenings, this festival inspires the entire European board sports scene.

• Accessibility: free evenings and events
• Émergence: a springboard for young local talent
• Mixed: families, pros and kids on the same spots
• Visibility: media coverage and partner involvement

The Quiksilver by Swatch Festival has prompted other towns to rethink their own surfing events to blend sport, art and the music scene, without losing the authentic spirit of the «Landes» trip.

A unique experience to be relived every year and discovered in its entirety on social networks. For a glimpse of the atmosphere in 2025, immerse yourself in these feeds and retrospectives that mark the coast.

Frequently asked questions about the Quiksilver Festival by Swatch in Hossegor

• Which famous surfers are taking part in the Quiksilver Festival by Swatch 2025?
  The line-up brings together international figures such as Kelly Slater, Kauli Vaast, Kai Lenny, Coco Ho, Vahiné Fierro, Michel Bourez and Joan Duru, ready to go big on the Hossegor sandbanks.
• How can you enjoy concerts and events without surfing?
  The music lineup, exhibitions, screenings and skate sessions are all completely free, designed for every audience. The festival champions accessibility for enthusiasts and newcomers alike.
• Does the festival offer activities for beginners or children?
  Yes, with surf introductions, skate workshops and beach yoga, all ages and backgrounds can take part in sessions supervised by pros and volunteers, supported by Swatch and Quiksilver.
• What impact does the festival have on Hossegor and the Landes region?
  It acts as an economic and cultural booster, attracting thousands of visitors, energizing the local community and showcasing the heritage and modern edge of the Landes surf scene.
• How can I follow the competition and live events?
  All the info, results and highlights are shared on the official page, as well as through partner media platforms such as GoPro and Red Bull TV.