In the heart of summer, the week of July 13 delivered thick tubes, XXL scores, and an avalanche of competition news. From Hossegor’s shifting sandbanks to Tahitian reef breaks, here’s a condensed look back at the highlights that had the surf world buzzing.
High-octane surf sessions on the Atlantic coast: analysis of the week’s best waves
The first adrenaline rush unfolded between Capbreton and Lacanau. At dawn on Tuesday, a well-organized 1.8 m swell combined with an easterly breeze to deliver a surf session as glassy as a mirror. The locals confirm: “a run of six sets, tubular waves waves over 120 m, enough to make Even Flow jealous!” A godsend for free surfers already scouting for the surfing championship in Hossegor scheduled for early August.
The Caraïbos Lacanau Pro: the QS Europe event turning up the pressure
The anniversary edition crowned Hans Odriozola and Victoria Duprat. In a sharp beach break, Odriozola defeated Noé Lédée with an 8.67 in a tube final backhand tube. On the women’s side, Duprat posted a 15.40 combo with controlled frontside surfing. Lily Hirigoyen finished 13th; next up is the Boardmasters Yeti Pro (QS 4000) from August 5 to 9.
International focus: from South African beach breaks to Teahupoo’s legendary left
While Europe was buzzing in Lacanau, the Ballito Pro kicked off the South African Challenger Series leg. CT hopefuls had to contend with a fickle south wind, but a southern sandbank served up some hollow, punchy bowls. Meanwhile, Kelly Slater secured his wild card for the Outerknown Tahiti Pro, ready to tame the queen of the waves baroque at age 54.
Reshuffled schedule: Pantin, Matosinhos and Cloud 9 change the game
The WSL adds the Abanca Pantin Classic (August 25–30) and the Norte Surf Fest (September 1–6) as hybrid QS 6000 events; two crucial springboards for Europeans before the shift to the Challenger Series. Cloud 9, meanwhile, moves to CT status in late October, following uncertainty surrounding Surf Abu Dhabi. To unpack the business stakes behind these moves, take a closer look at the paradoxes of the surf industry.
Young talent: focus on the next generation of European and French surfers
At the Quiksilver & Roxy Junior Pro Capbreton, Axel Dominguez and Lua Escudeiro take the win. Dominguez, a consistent performer since the U14s, capitalizes on a rail-to-rail bottom turn before pulling out of a barrel at the last second. Escudeiro scores a 9.17 on a metronomic left. Next and final junior stop: Taghazout Bay in November, with the young Norman surfers already in their sights as they seek new sponsors.
Must-watch spots through the end of July
- La Nord, Hossegor: sandbank in place, 13-second period forecast for Friday.
- Salinas, Asturias: clean right-hand peak for European SUP surfing (July 25-27).
- Matosinhos, Portugal: stabilized sandy bottom, morning offshore winds forecast.
- Cloud 9, Philippines: first monsoon pulses expected as early as the 28th.
Summary table of this week’s champions and key spots
| Test | Surf spot | Category | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Caraïbos Lacanau Pro | Lacanau, France | QS 3000 | Hans Odriozola / Victoria Duprat |
| Ballito Pro | KwaDukuza, South Africa | Challenger Series | In progress |
| Junior Pro Capbreton | Capbreton, France | JQS U21 | Axel Dominguez / Lua Escudeiro |
| Outerknown Tahiti Pro | Teahupoo, Tahiti | CT | Coming up (wild card: Kelly Slater) |
What was the absolute highlight of the week?
Hans Odriozola’s 8.67 in the Caraïbos Lacanau Pro final—a tight backhand tube that sealed his first QS victory—remains the week’s most talked-about moment.
Why is Cloud 9 being added to the CT calendar?
The WSL is anticipating a possible cancellation of Surf Abu Dhabi and securing a world-class backup spot; Cloud 9 offers a powerful, reliable peak during the desired period.
What conditions can be expected in Hossegor at the end of July?
Models are forecasting a west swell of around 1.3 m, with an 11–12-second period and predominantly offshore winds early in the morning—ideal for tubes on the sandbanks at La Gravière.
How can you follow European juniors?
Results and live broadcasts are available on the official WSL channels and through partner streams during the Junior Pro Taghazout Bay in November.
Where can you find a guide to the Southwest’s spots?
An updated overview of the sandbanks and reefs is available on the page top spots in Nouvelle-Aquitaine, regularly updated with reports and satellite imagery.
