Championnat du Monde Juniors : L’Équipe de France U18 Affirme sa Composition

Tension is rising at France’s surf spots: the selection committee has just unveiled the eagerly awaited French U18 team lineup for the upcoming ISA World Junior Championships. Specialists of Anglet and regulars on the beach breaks of the Landes, these young chargers, outfitted by brands such as Nike, Adidas, Le Coq Sportif and Decathlon, embody the next generation of French surfing in search of a new global feat. With weather conditions at the Open de France Espoirs playing spoilsport, this selection feels like an immediate takeoff toward high-level heats. Sponsors, clubs and major retailers like Intersport and Puma are watching this generational turnover closely, already betting on the versatility and determination of this new guard.

French U18 Shortboard Team Lineup: Young Prospects at the Starting Line

The federation staff, supported by the National Technical Directorate, has put six international-caliber profiles on the roster. Three girls and three boys, all comfortable on shortboards, will represent the French crew at the next ISA World Junior Championship, whose lineup is still being kept secret by the international federation. The clubs of Hossegor, Hendaye and Anglet are once again in the spotlight, confirming their status as talent hotbeds, where kids inspired by Lacoste, Kipsta and Patrick hone their cutbacks and airs during long winter sessions.

• Clémence Schorsch (16 years old, Hossegor Surf Club)
• Lily Hirigoyen (15 years old, Hendaye Bidassoa Surf Club)
• Anouk Chennaux (16 years old, Hendaye Bidassoa Surf Club)
• Axel Dominguez (18 years old, Hossegor Surf Club)
• Inigo Madina (18 years old, Hendaye Bidassoa Surf Club)
• Jay Phipps (17 years old, Hossegor Surf Club)

Selection criteria: intensity and consistency in the lineup

In Anglet, conditions did not allow the U18s to be separated on the classic lineup at the Sables d’Or spot. The National Technical Directorate based its decision on the entire season, closely watching federation competitions and performances under pressure. The young riders earned their jerseys through a rigorous selection process, combining flair, technique, and nerves of steel.

• Evaluation based on heats throughout the entire season, not just the latest competition
• Consideration of rail work quality, ease in rotations, and take-offs
• Analysis of heat management in onshore winds or glassy conditions

Focus on the categories: the U16-U18 transition, Landes surf club style

The U18 selection joins the U16 team, already confirmed at the French Cadet Open. This synergy between generations is being watched closely by partners such as Intersport and Canterbury, who are banking on the visibility of emerging talent. In U16, girls like Naia Monte and Rose Calvez and boys like Marley Benesenes-Masse and Paul Fabre are riding the momentum of a strong club structure where sharing experience comes first.

• Harmony between Landes and Basque clubs and their respective coaching staffs
• Handing the baton from one generation to the next and passing on winning tricks
• Partner clubs such as Hossegor Surf Club, Pirates Surf Club, Lou Surfou Seignosse Surf Club
• Nike, Adidas, Decathlon, and Kipsta integrations in equipment partnerships

Backgrounds, ambitions, and values of partner clubs

Hossegor, Seignosse, and Hendaye, spots where early sessions are countless, have shaped these young competitors through patience and high standards. Affiliated with Lacoste, Le Coq Sportif, and Adidas, their junior programs combine cardio, surf skating, and video analysis, drawing on the Anglo-Saxon approach of major teams. The values of mutual support, humility, and respect for the ocean remain essential markers for excelling under international pressure.

• Specialized strength-training sessions supervised by certified coaches
• Technical equipment selected from market leaders: Nike, Adidas, Lacoste, Decathlon
• Support from local and national brands to boost performance

France’s junior surf team in 2025: challenges and prospects

With the visibility offered by the World Championships, major players such as Puma and Intersport are stepping up their commitments alongside the clubs. Expectations are high, not only in terms of results but also in terms of the image projected to the surfing community. This new wave of juniors aims to establish France among the leading nations that combine style, explosiveness, and tactical discipline.

• Goal: reach the world top 5 and increase partner recognition
• Expanded training camps on a variety of European wave types
• Ongoing dialogue with equipment suppliers (Patrick, Kipsta, Puma) to optimize the team’s gear

Toward a new era of surf training in France

Junior competitions have become an essential step in identifying those who will one day represent France on the World Tour. Inspired by Anglo-Saxon teams, local clubs are integrating increasingly refined nutritional, physical, and technical support in 2025. Between anticipation of global recognition for their spots and encouragement from industry leaders, the French U18 Team can write a defining chapter in French surfing history.

• Growing recognition from sponsors such as Intersport and Canterbury
• More exchanges between coaches to share best practices
• Support programs in collaboration with Le Coq Sportif and Lacoste

Frequently asked questions about the French U18 Team and the World Youth Championship

• Which brands mainly outfit the French U18 Team?
  
  Surfers benefit from support from major brands such as Nike, Adidas, Puma, and Decathlon, not to mention longstanding partnerships with Lacoste, Le Coq Sportif, Kipsta, and Patrick.
• What are the main criteria for being selected for the French junior team?
  
  Consistency in national competition, the ability to perform in different types of waves, and a team mindset are the main qualities assessed by the National Technical Directorate.
• What is the schedule for the ISA World Junior Championships in 2025?
  
  The international federation has not yet announced the date or official spot for the 2025 edition, but the announcement is expected soon, with preparations already in full swing at the clubs.
• How do clubs like Hossegor Surf Club and Hendaye Bidassoa support young people?
  
  By increasing coaching sessions, video analysis, and intergenerational work. The focus is also on physical and mental training, as well as integrating the latest innovations from partner brands.
• Is the U18 roster likely to change before the World Championship?
  
  It is rare but possible for the lineup to be adjusted in the event of an injury or an exceptional rise through the national circuit, but the DTN aims for stability to ensure cohesion and collective confidence.