A teasing sun, sudden squalls and, above all, 1.5- to 3-meter swell: the 8th edition of the Mimizan Surfing Games forced clubs from across France to dig deep into their mental reserves. At the end of the weekend, the triumph goes to the Basque who claim both the shortboard and longboard crowns in the French Interclub Championships.
French Interclub Championships in Mimizan: a turbulent and decisive lineup
At dawn on June 6, the South Beach in Mimizan turns into an arena: two-meter waves, shifting southwest winds, unpredictable sets. Officials halt the competition at 9:30 a.m. when gusts chop up the water, then restart the contest on the mid-falling tide, in “solid” conditions. The choice pays off: the heats become a ballet of commitment in which each team must score quickly before the window slips away.
Basque clubs make a big impact in the storm
That same evening, the longboard podium was 100% Côte Basque: Biarritz Association Surf Clubs edged out Bidarteko and Côte des Basques Surf Club. The following day, it was time for the shortboard TagTeam. As the swell passed the symbolic three-meter mark, Bidarteko (27.20 pts) narrowly beat the Landes team from Hossegor Surf Club (26.93 pts). Both crews thus secured their ticket to Snapper Rocks 2027, the future venue for the Club World Championships.
New longboard trophy: Basque expertise at 9 feet
Introduced this season, the interclub longboard title blends old-school style with modern tactics. A minimum 274 cm board and no leash breakage allowed: Biarritz Association Surf Clubs racked up 24.87 pts, benefiting from ultra-smooth surfing on the big right-handers late in the afternoon.
Official score table
| Discipline | Winning club | Points | Runner-up | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Longboard | BASQUES | 24.87 | Bidarteko | 21.04 |
| Shortboard | Bidarteko Team 1 | 27.20 | Hossegor Surf Club | 26.93 |
TagTeam: why the format boosts team spirit in nautical sports
Unlike free surfing, TagTeam requires a handoff on the beach after every scored ride. The result: shared adrenaline, minute-by-minute tactics, and pressure spread across four riders plus a coach. To understand the equipment logistics of such a crew, check out the complete guide to essential surf equipment.
Five key strengths of TagTeam
- Relay dynamics: a missed take-off costs the entire team.
- Tactical reading: choosing THAT set rather than the next one.
- Quiver versatility: from twins to step-ups in the same heat.
- Time-slot management: each ride is limited to one scored wave.
- Spectator effect: teammates shout out the scores from the sand, motivating the rider.
The technical staff, including the one featured in the analysis “Mimizan team preparation,” emphasized speedy recovery: thermal towels, salty hydration, and dynamic stretching between heats.
What is the new format introduced at Interclubs 2026?
The 2026 edition introduces a national interclub longboard title, contested alongside shortboard, with the same TagTeam relay format involving four surfers and a coach.
How does the points system work?
Each rider can submit two waves scored out of 10; the total of the four best scores makes up the team’s final result, capped at 40 points.
Why do the Basques regularly dominate these contests?
With an ever-present board-sports culture, a variety of training spots (reef, beachbreak), and enhanced federation coaching, Basque clubs have a pool of competitors seasoned in solid conditions like those encountered in Mimizan.
Which clubs will represent France at the 2027 Worlds?
Bidarteko Surf Club and Hossegor Surf Club, first and second in shortboard, will defend the French colors at Snapper Rocks in February 2027.
Where can I find advice on building my quiver before a solid swell?
The site offers a detailed guide: choosing your board to surf La Nord, ideal for preparing for competition swells.
