In Hossegor, the line-up is bubbling with anticipation: a huge swell is expected next week, with waves topping the symbolic 3-meter mark. This is the signal that the entire surfing community has been waiting for, as the mythical Rip Curl Challenge La Nord only launches in these XXL conditions. The weather forecasts predict an ideal shooting window, and already the competition is buzzing on the networks, while the boards, combis Quiksilver or Billabong are ready to be waxed. The Landes crew and the best French riders are on the alert. The spot, made legendary by its massive coastal tubes, is just waiting for the official go-ahead to put on a show of radical maneuvers and pure adrenaline. Hossegor is about to vibrate to the rhythm of high-flying surfing, orchestrated by the Landes Surfing Committee and supported by the legacy of the discipline's greatest names.
Exceptional weather conditions on La Nord: Setting course for the Rip Curl Challenge
The Rip Curl Challenge La Nord, organized by the Landes Surfing Committee and welcomed by the Hossegor Surf Club, Every year, the "wait and see" period runs from November 1 to April 1. Only epic sessions, with swells in excess of 3 to 4 meters and a long period, merit the launch of hostilities. This year, a remarkable weather window is opening on Wednesday, January 24, with waves forecast at 3 meters, period 15 seconds, and a light southerly wind to fine-tune offshore conditions to perfection.
- Expected wave height : 3 meters minimum
- Swell period : 15 seconds
- Wind : light south, ideal for glassy waters
| Provisional date | Wave height | Period | Wind |
|---|---|---|---|
| January 24th | 3 m | 15 s | SOUTH low |
Local pages and social networks such as Facebook are seeing an accumulation of “red alerts” announcing a possible mobilization of the contest, subject to official confirmation within 48 hours. Experienced surfers are already preparing their Oxbow, Roxy or Hurley quivers to tame these massive mugs.
Spot reputation and influence on the international surf scene
La Nord in Hossegor resonates worldwide as soon as the big swells start to crest. It's on this mythical spot that the legends and young prodigies of the discipline come to confront the power of the Landes. The wave mechanics here are formidable, demanding technical skill and commitment. Brands such as Vans, Volcom and Element equip competitors ready to throw down. Each XXL session also attracts independent media, immortalizing these moments for surfing archives.
- Spot ranked among Europe's most famous wholesale breaks
- Memorable sessions with perfect swell and wind alignment
- Presence of world-class athletes such as Jérémy Florès
And to keep up with the mood, dive into the secrets of local surfers, guardians of traditions and the famous Landes spirit.
A prestigious line-up: riders to watch
The appeal of the Rip Curl Challenge La Nord also lies in the quality of its line-up. The best French riders, including Jérémy Florès and Paul Duvignau (winner of the Challenge in 2023), don't hesitate to take on these liquid walls. Opposite them, seasoned riders from the European scene, and the occasional surprise guest from the world's elite.
- Jérémy Florès Old sea dog, multi-winner in Hawaii
- Éric Rebière XXL bomb tracker, via Nazaré
- Paul Duvignau Recent local hero, deep barrel specialist
| Name | Experience | Notable trophies |
|---|---|---|
| Jérémy Florès | World Junior Champ, Pipe legend | Billabong Pipe Masters (2010/2017) |
| Éric Rebière | Big wave rider, reefbreaks explorer | Nazaré, multiple European contests |
| Paul Duvignau | Locals only, airy style | Winner La Nord 2023 |
The confrontation between these figures and amateurs who have come to savor the salt of the Landes will guarantee a show where every take-off is experienced as a release of adrenaline. We're looking forward to adding new extracts to the surfing highlights of the past weeks.
Contest atmosphere and on-site experience
On the sand, the crowds gather to enjoy the rhythm of the events. The surfing tribe gathers around the Rip Curl, Hurley or Allianz stands, the foodtrucks and the entertainment - surf yoga, let's talk about it again on this dedicated page - punctuate the day. The spirit of the contest gives rise to exchanges between generations of insiders, photo sessions and heated analysis of the sets.
- Electric atmosphere, weather stations continuously consulted
- Compare this season's high-tech boards: Oxbow, Quiksilver, Roxy
- Lively spectator zone, immersion in surf culture
- Exchange tips on technique and equipment between sessions
During downtime, don't miss the Instagram stories and TikTok reels that capture the local mood, between tricks, wipeouts and backstage laughs.
Le Challenge, a laboratory for surfing trends and innovations
Beyond the pure spectacle, the Rip Curl Challenge continues to drive developments in equipment, from shaping to neoprene and safety. Last year's event highlighted the use of new foils, Allianz safety systems and hybrid boards designed to deliver dry power even in the roughest conditions.
- Innovation in Van, Volcom and Hurley wetsuits
- Testing Element boards for extreme conditions
- Rescue and safety demo organized on site at each event
- Increased presence of historic surf sponsors (Rip Curl, Quiksilver, Billabong, Oxbow, Roxy...).
| Sponsor | Trendy product | Profit in contest |
|---|---|---|
| Rip Curl | Flashbomb combinations | Warmth and greater flexibility |
| Quiksilver | Boardshort tech | Ultra-fast drying |
| Allianz | Jet ski rescue | Optimum security for Xtreme sessions |
Each edition influences the Landes surf scene, with innovations that find their way onto the market or into quivers all year round. The synchronization of technical skills, commitment and the desire to push back the limits is just as appealing to spectators as it is to the Young Blood ready to spray the peak.
- More insights on spots : discover all the major spots in Hossegor.
- For the contest atmosphere, see reports on Quiksilver Festival and international guests.
Frequently asked questions about the Rip Curl Challenge in Hossegor
- What are the minimum requirements for launching the Rip Curl Challenge La Nord?
The organizers are expecting waves of at least 3 to 4 metres, a powerful swell and offshore wind to guarantee a show worthy of the biggest contests. - How to find the best moments and behind-the-scenes footage of the event?
A wealth of content (videos, stories, posts) can be found on this summary page which compiles the highlights of this and previous editions. - Can amateurs take part in the Rip Curl Challenge in Hossegor?
Yes, the competition mixes pro riders and seasoned local surfers, selected on the basis of commitment and level. The mix of backgrounds contributes to the show and the surfing spirit. - What are the next big surfing events in Hossegor?
Apart from the Challenge, the Landes season features festivals such as the Quiksilver Pro, the Roxy Surf Camp, and Oxbow contests focusing on longboarding and technical progress. - How do I prepare for the on-site event?
Make sure you have all-weather gear (cover, snacks, sun protection) and get to the beach early to enjoy the best seats and the exclusive atmosphere of the contest.
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