The Landes surf spot came alive during the Banque Populaire Surf Tour 2026. Between powerful sets and a relentless shorebreak, the final day saw Brittany come out on top thanks to Gaspard Larsonneur’s surgical precision on every wave.
Banque Populaire Surf Tour 2026: a strong field at Hossegor’s beach break
More than 120 riders from France training centers faced off in a sporting event designed for high performance. The long-period west swell, forecast by the cyclonic swell alerts, generated 1.8-meter walls, perfect for aerial maneuvers. The judges rewarded commitment and a variety of carves, confirming the rising level of nautical sports in mainland France.
Gaspard Larsonneur’s masterstroke, Brittany’s standard-bearer
From the round of 16 onward, the Finistère native set the pace: lightning-fast snaps, a transition floater, then a 9.17-point alley-oop. In the final, he tamed a hollow left, linking a layback with a re-entry tight to the lip to seal the victory. This success strengthens Brittany’s momentum, already seen at the latest France championships.
Surf conditions and equipment: the surfboards that made the difference
The lineup, alternating between fast sections and hollow bowls, pushed competitors to bring out hybrid quivers. Preferred dimensions: 5’10 x 18 3/4, with a continuous rocker, medium rails, and a squash tail, offering speed and control on theinside.
- High-performance shortboard for vertical maneuvers
- Step-up with a refined outline to handle the bigger sets
- Modern twin for gliding during lulls
For the curious, a comprehensive guide to choosing a gun suited to La Nord is available here: which board to use for surfing La Nord.
| Day | Tide | Heat time | Swell (m) | Heat winner | Average score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Friday | Rising | 09 h 00 | 1.5 | Larsonneur | 15.40 |
| Saturday | Slack tide | 1:30 PM | 1.8 | Martin | 14.67 |
| Sunday | Descending | 4:15 PM | 2.0 | Larsonneur | 16.25 |
Impact on the Breton scene and local economy
The Finistère native’s victory is boosting the Armorican surf industry. Schools are already reporting an increase in bookings, while local brands export their shapes to the Southwest. At the same time, Hossegor is capitalizing on this exposure: hotels, surf shops, and van rental companies are seeing a spike comparable to that observed during the summer rush at surf shops. The synergy between the Basque Coast and Brittany shows that a well-structured national circuit energizes the entire value chain.
What was Gaspard Larsonneur’s final score?
Larsonneur won the final with a total of 16.25 points, combining a 9.17-point wave and a second 7.08-point wave.
What swell conditions dominated the Hossegor stop?
A long-period west swell with a 12-second period and wave heights ranging from 1.5 m to 2.0 m created powerful peaks on the main sandbank.
Which board should you choose for a powerful beach break?
A high-performance 5’10 shortboard with continuous rocker and medium rails remains the go-to choice for maintaining speed and hold on hollow waves.
Will the 2026 Banque Populaire Surf Tour include other stops in Brittany?
Yes, a stop at La Torche is scheduled for September to reinforce the national scope of the circuit.
