The French surf scene is buzzing with unprecedented energy in Europe’s surfing capital. Hossegor, a renowned stronghold for seasoned riders raised on the power of Landes swells, is hosting a major gathering: 25 young talents from across mainland France and Tahiti are taking over the lineups and beaches to prepare for the Olympic future of French surfing. On this iconic stretch of feared beach breaks, the new wave is already making its mark, backed by renowned coaches and the ambition of a shared legacy. A tight-knit collective that has mastered the codes of the lineup and fully intends to shake up the hierarchy on the international stage.
Hossegor, the epicenter of the next generation: a high-intensity camp for young surfers
Heritage Camp #2 embodies the coming together of generations and cultures in French and Tahitian surfing. From September 9 to 19, 2025, the best young surfers aged 10 to 18, including 7 representatives from Tahiti, will take on Hossegor’s iconic spots. Guided by former pros and expert coaches, these promising young athletes benefit from ten days of training calibrated like a World Tour competition session.
The camp’s roots in the buzz of the Landes region are no coincidence. Hossegor, a surfing mecca, attracts top riders sponsored by Quiksilver, Rip Curl, and Roxy every year, turning its beach breaks into true playgrounds for talent scouting and elite development. Sessions go beyond pure surfing: physical preparation led by Pierre-Marc Gaillard “Pitou,” physiotherapists, out-of-water workshops, and mental coaching routines shape the group’s daily schedule.
- Group and individual training
- Competition integrated into the camp
- Video analysis sessions
- Tailored preparation routines
- Immersion in professional surfing’s collective lifestyle
| Category | Key Coaches & Sponsors | Key activities |
|---|---|---|
| Technique & Coaching | Lacomare, Beven, Bourez | On-site coaching, positioning analysis |
| Preparation | Pitou, Cannelle Bulard | Physiotherapy assessment, tailored physical routines |
| Group Life | Godin, Jouault | Managing cohesion and teaching |
| Communications | Kilian Burac | Camp promotion, media monitoring |
| Apparel Sponsors | Oxbow, Hoalen, Picture Organic Clothing | Equipment, technical apparel |
To follow these young surfers’ progress, check out the surf report in Hossegor and spot the next champion in the making, from the Arcachon Basin to Tahiti’s reefs.
France-Tahiti synergy: blending styles and passing on expertise
One of the gathering’s highlights lies in bringing together two schools of French surfing. Tahitians, renowned for their mastery of massive barrels, share their va’a roots with young surfers from the Landes, who are more accustomed to fierce beach breaks. This collaboration sparks an explosion of creativity during heats and a mutual exchange of experience rarely found in other board sports.
- Momentum from the 2025–2028 Olympic cycle with exchanges between France and Tahiti
- Shared sessions between young surfers from the Southwest and riders from the Pacific
- Institutional support from the French Surfing Federation and the FTS
Legendary figures such as Jérémy Flores and Pauline Ado make appearances at the camp, guiding young surfers through post-session reviews and sharing stories from the Outerknown Pro and France Pro. The dynamic approaches collective surfing, where every move is debriefed in an atmosphere that prioritizes progress without overlooking the fun.
To observe the mixing of styles and discover how young surfers progress, dive into this article on surfing passion in the Landes and decode the recipe for local success.
An elite coaching team and tailored support for the new wave
The coaching staff illustrates the high degree of professionalization in youth surfing in France. On the coaching side, Marc Lacomare and Patrick Beven bring World Tour standards; on the preparation side, renowned physical therapists and specialized educators ensure individualized support for each junior. This blend of expertise shapes training that combines competition tactics with physical adaptation to the particularities of the Landes.
- Guidance from surfers who have scored at Pipeline and Teahupo’o
- Planning around the best tides and sandbanks
- Equipment optimized by local brands such as Sen No Sen, All-In, Saint Jacques
- A collective that values mental preparation and independence
| Coach/Staff Name | Specialty | Preferred Spot |
|---|---|---|
| Marc Lacomare | Lineup Strategy | La Gravière |
| Pierre-Marc Gaillard “Pitou” | Physical Preparation & Physical Therapy | Capbreton |
| David Tereva | Tube Riding | Papara |
| Kilian Burac | Communication, Media | International spot |
Discover accounts of pro-led sessions and the intense group dynamic in the background on surfing championship in Hossegor to capture the essence of knowledge-sharing on these beaches.
Between competition and sharing, a total immersion for the future elite of surfing
The experience offered goes far beyond heats: stress management, nutrition workshops, and individualized assessments shape the daily lives of these trainees. The days after competition provide an opportunity for resilience workshops and discussions about the frustration experienced in competition—a topic extensively covered in the feature Surfers’ frustration with the waves of the Landes.
- World Surf League event simulations
- Breathing and yoga workshops, inspired by the practices of Hossegor Yoga Surf
- Recovery sessions on iconic beaches
In this atmosphere that blends the Polynesian ha’a ritual with Landes surf culture, each young surfer develops their own flow, drawing strength from a collective experience that is as inspiring as it is decisive for their progress.
For those already looking toward tomorrow’s line-up, take a look at the future of surf spots in Hossegor and explore the challenges ahead for this generation boosted by Quiksilver and Picture Organic Clothing.
From the beach to competition: a collective that foreshadows the surfing of tomorrow
Propelled by the momentum of the Olympic Games and the support of major brands such as Rip Curl and Hoalen, this generation aims to showcase French surfing far beyond the sandbanks of Hossegor. The combination of innovative teaching, federal support, and collective vitality is already sketching out a future in which France will establish itself as a lasting force on the world circuit.
- Technology-based monitoring tools (trajectory analysis, performance stats)
- Privileged access to beaches outside peak periods (see surfing beaches in Hossegor)
- Partnerships with sustainable players—from Soöruz to Picture Organic Clothing
- Training in managing the industry’s contradictions, as evidenced by this essential article
| Partner brand | Role / Contribution | Added value |
|---|---|---|
| Quiksilver, Rip Curl, Roxy | Surf equipment | Innovation & technical expertise |
| Oxbow, Soöruz, Picture Organic Clothing | Clothing & Textiles | Eco-responsibility, comfort |
| Hoalen, Sen No Sen | Style / Identity | Cohesion & belonging |
| All-In, Saint Jacques | Accessories | Practicality & performance |
For those who would like to understand the impact of this collective phenomenon in depth, the page Surf & lifesaving instructor in Capbreton delves further into the comprehensive training and mindset specific to the southern Landes coast.
The road to success: preparation, resilience, and shared values
Preparing the next generation does not overshadow surfing’s founding values: respect for the ocean, passing on knowledge, and sharing sessions across generations. Passing the torch is as much about managing pressure in high-stakes competitions as it is about preserving solidarity in the lineup, creating a healthy, sustainable dynamic.
- Workshops on ecology and resource management
- Immersion in intergenerational groups at the spot
- Developing initiative and versatility across different types of waves
All these areas illustrate the ambition of a surf culture where fun, performance, and environmental awareness move forward together in the foam.
- What are the main goals of the Heritage Camp in Hossegor?
Improve performance, gain competition experience, build cohesion among young French and Tahitian talents, and create a talent pool for the international scene through expert guidance and real-world learning. - How are young surfers supervised?
A team of former pro coaches, fitness trainers, physical therapists, specialized educators, and occasional contributors works every day, providing personalized support, tactical advice, and mental support to each participant. - What role do brands play in this project?
Partners such as Quiksilver, Rip Curl, Oxbow, and Soöruz provide not only equipment but also promote shared values, through respect for the environment and the advancement of technical innovation dedicated to surfing. - Why is the France-Tahiti synergy essential?
It brings together cultures and techniques and fosters mutual progress, preparing future champions capable of excelling on both European beach breaks and world-renowned Polynesian slabs. - Where can you watch the future stars of French surfing?
The best spots are detailed in this resource: Hossegor surf report or through this annual profile of local talent.