The Landes sandbanks pulse with new energy: the Para Surf turns the line-up into an inclusive playground, where wave riding belongs to everyone. An overview of the progress, performances, and people making the discipline essential, from Prévent Beach to the World Championships.
Para Surfing in France: Competitive Overview and 2025 Titles
Prévent Beach delivered an XXL show during the French Championships, celebrating the talent of now-legendary figures. Beyond the trophies, the event confirms the rise of the SURF Inclusion movement led by the Para Surf Fédération.
- 11 national titles awarded on October 26 alone.
- A deep field despite a reduced draw: the elite remain on top of their game ahead of the World Championships.
- Strong presence from the Silver Surfers and Sea for All, coming to boost the visibility of adapted surfing.
| Category | 2025 Champion | Region | Titles won |
|---|---|---|---|
| Para Surf Stand 3 | Éric Dargent | Occitanie | 4 |
| Para Surf Kneel Open | Emmanuelle Blanchet | Pays de la Loire | 2 |
| Prone 1 | Solange Balay | Brittany | 2 |
| Visual 2 Open | Emmanuel Dubrana | Brittany | 1 |
| Adapted Para Surf | Peyo Milhau | Nouvelle-Aquitaine | 4 |
Performances that inspire the international scene
Just weeks before the California trip, the French team is brimming with confidence. The video shares “highlights of the week” confirm the public’s enthusiasm: record views and explosive hashtags around Wheels and Waves Para Surf.
Equipment and innovation: when tech serves adapted surfing
Wider rails, recessed handles, amphibious wheelchairs: every detail matters to ensure smooth take-offs for the riders involved. Local designers work hand in hand with Glisse Adaptée France to refine research.
- “Butterfly” board: reinforced deck, non-slip EVA foam, adjustable side pads.
- “WaveRunner” wheelchair: XXL wheels, lightweight composite fibers, quick-release fasteners.
- Smart buoyancy aids: integrated pressure and tilt sensors.
| Innovation | Key benefit | Partner |
|---|---|---|
| Modular handles | Safe take-off | Handi Surf Lab |
| Haptic GPS | Guidance for visually impaired riders | Surfers in Solidarity |
| Smart-Float vest | Capsize detection | Accessible Surfing France |
Field report: the board that changes the game
During a test session at La Nord, a Sea for All prototype enabled an athlete in the Prone 2 category to shave two seconds off her take-off, a genuine strategic turning point in competition.
Landes stakeholders: schools, nonprofits and unifying events
In the Landes region, the inclusive vibe is spreading at lightning speed. Local schools now include an Ocean Therapy module in their premium programs, strengthening the body-mind connection.
- Armor Surf School: weekly introductory sessions and Handi Surf-trained coaches.
- Malicorne Surf Association: workshops SURF Inclusion and collaborative shaping.
- Hossegor City Ride: breaking down skate/surf barriers through Wheels and Waves Para Surf.
| Organization | Inclusive program | Frequency | On-site information |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capbreton Surf School | Sea for All sessions | All year round | 1 coach/2 riders ratio |
| La Centrale Hossegor | Surfeurs D’Argent clinics | Monthly | Material supplied |
| Glisse Adaptée France | Multisport summer camp | July–August | Beach run + surfing |
Must-see events
Mark your calendar:
- Quiksilver Festival d’Hossegor: now featuring a para surfing component.
- Weekly highlights: broadcast of inclusive sessions.
- SURF’inclusion Village: Sea for All booths, accessible shaping workshop.
Ocean Therapy: Proven Physical and Mental Benefits
The invigorating combination of water, sun and movement has an impact measured by several clinical studies conducted by the University of Bordeaux in 2025.
- +18% respiratory capacity among regular participants.
- An average 25% reduction in perceived stress levels after six weeks.
- Improved fine motor skills among Prone 1 riders.
| Health indicator | Test group | Control group | Observed difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| VO₂max | 29 ml/kg/min | 24 ml/kg/min | +5 |
| Anxiety score (BAI) | 15 | 20 | -5 |
| Sleep quality | 7.8/10 | 6.2/10 | +1.6 |
Case study: the SURF’inclusion protocol
The protocol combines gradual water entry, sensory immersion without a board, then a progressive technical build-up. This progression reduces initial apprehension by 40% and enhances the joy of riding.
Road to Worlds: preparing the French team
Heading to California to win world gold. The Blue Squad trains on Hossegor’s shifting sandbanks to simulate U.S. point breaks.
- Joint para and able-bodied dawn patrol sessions, in the spirit of “Surf Accessible France”.
- High-frequency video analysis, overseen by the Para Surf Fédération.
- Intensive training camps shared with the Surfeurs Solidaires and Wheels and Waves Para Surf collectives.
| Rider | Category | World Championships Goal | Preparation Index |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thomas Da Silva | Visual 1 | Top 3 | 92% |
| Valentine Moskoteoc | Visual 1 | Medal | 95% |
| Peyo Milhau | Adapted Para Surf | Retain the title | 90% |
Logistical pit stop: the role of partners
Banque Populaire, Handi Surf and the replay of the highlights provide funding for the quiver and travel insurance. Each board is equipped with a tracker to analyze trajectories in real time.
What equipment is essential to get started in para surfing?
A stable board with generous volume, a properly fitted buoyancy aid and, depending on the disability, handles or an amphibious cart. Schools listed by Handi Surf provide all the necessary equipment from the outset.
How can I take part in an Ocean Therapy course in Hossegor?
Simply contact a Glisse Adaptée France-certified organization. Courses are available year-round, with medical and sports supervision.
Is para surfing included in the Paralympic Games?
The discipline is not yet included in the official program, but the Para Surf Federation is advancing a strong bid for Los Angeles 2028.
Where can I follow the competitions live?
National and international finals are broadcast on Surf Accessible France’s digital channel and through the weekly replays available on surf-hossegor.com.
What concrete benefits does regular practice provide?
Beyond enjoyment, surfing improves respiratory capacity, strengthens core tone, and reduces chronic stress, as confirmed by the Ocean Therapy 2025 studies.
