The Landes coast is set to come alive like a big swell: the beach at La Centrale hosts this Saturday, July 4, the only French stop of the Shaw and Partners World Ocean Series. Nine nations, an elite field, and a crowd of more than 2,000 enthusiasts are expected at Soorts-Hossegor for a lifesaving competition that promises as much spectacle as an autumn day on the sandbars.
World Ocean Series: Hossegor, the new global lineup for coastal lifesaving
After a successful first French stop last year, the circuit is returning to the same place: the natural arena of La Centrale. On the starting line, the best professional lifeguards from Australia, Spain, Great Britain and the Netherlands. For Emmanuelle Bescheron-Philaire, race director, “seeing nine nations converge on Hossegor confirms that the Landes resort has become a benchmark for marine lifesaving in Europe.”
Program: four disciplines to test ocean awareness and steely cardio
Each event will showcase the fundamentals of sea rescue: explosiveness, strategy and adapting to currents. Athletes take on:
- Surf Race: an open-water swimming sprint between two buoys.
- Board Race: a technical prone paddle course, perfect for illustrating applied nautical safety.
- Ski Race: power on a surf ski, with a “coastal emergency” spirit.
- Ocean Man / Woman : a salty triathlon combining the three previous events, the showstopper.
This setup replicates a lifesaving drill in real-life conditions: reading the sandbars, positioning at the peak, and making decisions on the fly.
The headliners: Doyle, Simpson, and Europe’s full-throttle contingent
The day before the event, Australian Emily Doyle and her fellow countryman Henry Simpson will lead a training session open to the public. A dream opportunity for the kids at the local surf camp to pick up tips worthy of the Gold Coast beaches. On the European side, European champion Maëva Le Scornet and Spaniard Carlos Revilla fully intend to show that Atlantic swells do not belong to the Aussies alone.
| Country | Star athlete | WOS 2025 podium |
|---|---|---|
| Australia | Emily Doyle | 1st – Ocean Woman |
| United Kingdom | Oliver Kent | 2nd – Board Race |
| France | Maëva Le Scornet | 3rd – Surf Race |
| Spain | Carlos Revilla | 4th – Ski Race |
The shared goal: to rack up points ahead of the British stop at Fistral Beach and prepare for the 2032 Olympics, when coastal lifesaving hopes to officially join the program.
Hossegor, a European hub for maritime safety
The city’s surf identity, its underwater topography, and the momentum of the local club explain the success of the event. Lorène Guillot, co-organizer, emphasizes the collective spirit: “Our goal is to offer a moment where athletes and the public share the culture of coastal emergency response in a beach-break atmosphere.” The recent initiatives carried out during the French Surfing Championships have already demonstrated the resort’s ability to combine elite competition and education.
Why does this spot tick all the boxes?
- Bathymetry conducive to a variety of races.
- Mobile structures enabling a rescue exercise in real-life conditions.
- An audience already won over, raised on big-wave sessions since childhood.
- Strong partnerships with the Federation and boardsport brands.
Behind the scenes, the Water Social Club will host a beach safety village: CPR workshops, a rip-current simulator, and a booth dedicated to marine rescue. Everything needed to turn the event into a true educational hub.
What time do the first heats start?
The event kicks off at 9:00 a.m. with the Surf Race, followed by the Board Race at 10:30 a.m.
Will beach access be free?
Yes, access to the site is free. Spectator areas will be marked out to ensure visibility and safety.
Can I register for Friday’s training session?
Registration takes place on site, Thursday from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., limited to the first 60 spots.
What environmental measures are being implemented?
Reusable water bottles are provided to athletes, enhanced recycling, and free shuttles from downtown help limit the event’s carbon footprint.
