The big event in French board sports is approaching: from October 24 to November 2, more than 500 riders land in Sud-Landes to compete in the 61ᵉ edition of the French Championships. Eleven disciplines will be judged between the sandbanks of Hossegor, the peaks of Seignosse and the shorebreak of Capbreton. In total, 40 national titles await their new owners.
French Surfing Championship 2025: calendar, key figures and stakes
The ten-day window covers the autumn vacations, a period when westerly swells generate solid sets of 1.5 to 2 m. The organizers have four mobile sites - La Sud, Le Penon, Les Estagnots and Santocha - to launch the heats at the best time of the tide.
- Period : October 24 - November 2
- Competitors entered : 513 divided into Espoirs & Open categories
- Disciplines : shortboard, longboard, bodyboard, bodysurf, kneeboard, skimboard, SUP surfing, tandem surfing, para surfing, adapted para surfing, adapted surfing
- Shares distributed : 40
| Website | Bench type | Orientation | Ideal tide |
|---|---|---|---|
| La Sud - Hossegor | Beachbreak hollow | O-NO | Mid-rise |
| Le Penon - Seignosse | Multi-peak | West | Mid-bass to full |
| Les Estagnots - Seignosse | Inside punchy | O-SO | Rising |
| Santocha - Capbreton | Fast shorebreak | NO | Full |
A strategic event in the race for international selections
The points earned will count towards the formation of the 2026 French national teams. The Federation has confirmed that the national ranking list will now weigh 40 % in the selection, compared with 30 % previously. Last chance to score before winter, the Landais won't leave anything lying around.
Spots landais: a triptych of sandy benches calibrated for competition
These three communes share the same sandy ridge, but each peak has its own signature. Understanding these nuances changes everything when it comes to take-off.
- Hossegor fast-moving tubes, bottom that changes after each equinox swell.
- Seignosse Multiple peaks, perfect playground for marathon series.
- Capbreton shorebreak ferry, surgical timing required.
| Month | Average swell period | Water temperature | Recommended equipment |
|---|---|---|---|
| October | 11 s | 18 °C | 3/2 mm Chest-Zip Picture Organic Clothing |
| November | 13 s | 16 °C | 4/3 mm Rip Curl Flashbomb |
Local shops - from Quiksilver à Billabong - turn their demo quiver for foreign competitors who come without a board bag. Ponchos All-In are already drying on the railings.
Spot logistics: safety and priorities in the line-up
Visit Capbreton rescue teams provide water-patrol with jet-skis and rescue boards. Buoys mark the free-surf zone to keep the heats flowing.
Eleven disciplines on the program: diversity and inclusive riding
Alongside shortboarding, the organizers emphasize historical practices and access for all audiences. Judges look for fluidity, as well as spot adaptation and wave choice.
- Shortboard Open & Espoirs
- Longboard Classic & Modern
- Bodyboard prone & drop-knee
- Skimboard
- Kneeboard
- SUP Surfing
- Tandem surfing
- Bodysurf
- Para surf
- Para surf adapted
- Adapted surfing
| Discipline | Number of subscribers | Spotlight |
|---|---|---|
| Shortboard Open | 104 | La Sud |
| Longboard | 46 | Le Penon |
| Para surf | 29 | Santocha |
The Federation is betting big on the inclusive section: adapted surfing benefits from a dedicated prize-money scheme, financed by Volcom and Element. Final Insight: accessibility becomes a major lever for development.
Gender diversity and leadership: the «Objectif Dirigeantes» operation»
The October 28 event will bring together coaches, judges and athletes to boost the female presence in club boardrooms. Roxy, Oxbow and Faguo will host mentoring workshops.
Riders to watch: confirmed stars and sharp rookies
The Landes line-ups are going to see some solid action. Winner in 2024, Jorgann Couzinet dream of back-to-back, just like Clémence Schorsch now based in Biarritz. The local wildcard Joan Duru knows every sand ripple at La Gravière.
- Charly Quivront: surgical back-hand, Epoxy boards 5’9’’.
- Justin Bécret: power surfing, Estagnots left-wing boss.
- Aelan Vaast: fluid style, Polynesian heritage.
| Name | Discipline | Club | National ranking 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clémence Schorsch | Longboard | La Nord Surf Club | 1 |
| Justin Bécret | Shortboard | Les Bourdaines | 2 |
| Joan Duru | Shortboard | Surf ACA | 4 |
Of note: the current world No. 1 in the Challenger Series, Tya Zebrowski, is out with injury (full details here). Visit young Tahitians are hoping to take advantage of this absence to get noticed.
Focus on the new Landes generation
We'll also be keeping an eye on the kids who have graduated from the Pôle France. La new generation landaise trains in twin-fins, inspired by the retro aesthetic of Picture Organic Clothing.
Coastal atmosphere: entertainment, parties and surf culture
The Championships are more than just a competition; they set the pace for the nightlife of the three resorts.
- October 27: screening of the cult film La Nuit qui Glisse at the Casino d'Hossegor.
- October 28: Objectif Dirigeantes conference.
- 1ᵉʳ November : big DJ set place des Landais, Hossegor.
- Partner village: Quiksilver, Roxy, All-In, Volcom, Faguo stands.
| Date | Event | Location | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 27/10 | Film screening | Cinema Casino | 20 h 30 |
| 28/10 | Diversity conference | Surf House | 14 h |
| 01/11 | DJ set | Place des Landais | 21 h |
To relive the sessions that have already marked the autumn season, visit highlights from previous weeks. Final Insight: the Landes after-surf scene has never been so festive.
Sharing, eco-responsibility and committed brands
Sponsors are betting on sustainability: Quiksilver is testing recycled lycras, while Picture Organic Clothing sets up an up-cycling workshop.
Practical information to follow the action closely
Whether you've come to check out Seignosse's high tide or to support a club, a few points of reference make the trip easier.
- Accreditations : free for under-16s, €5 for adults.
- Transportation : 100 % electric shuttle between spots, departing every 15 min.
- Webcast: HD livestream on the special page.
- Detailed program : available on the official program.
| Day | First call | Priority discipline | Tide |
|---|---|---|---|
| 24/10 | 8 h 00 | Espoirs Shortboard | Rising |
| 25/10 | 7 h 30 | Para surf | Full |
| 26/10 | 8 h 15 | Longboard | Descending |
A Element interactive guide lists shops and points of interest, from the Volcom café-shaper lab to the Faguo corner. Final insight: the organization is thinking as much about the riders as the fans.
Where to stay: tips and advice
Campers and vans can park in the Zone Pédebert parking lots. For even more comfort, Oxbow is opening a surf-friendly pop-up hostel 5 minutes from the center of Hossegor.
How can I find out the day's fallback spot?
At 7am in the morning, the competition management publishes a press release on the federal website and on the networks; an SMS is sent to competitors and accredited media.
Are the events accessible to people with reduced mobility?
Yes, modular ramps and reserved areas are installed at each site, and an escort service is available free of charge.
Can we surf freely during the Championships?
Free-surfing is still possible outside the marked areas and competition times. However, priority is given to official series, so vigilance is required.
Where can I buy emergency equipment?
Hossegor's Quiksilver Boardriders, Rip Curl and Billabong surf shops offer competition equipment, from leash to pad, and open from 7.30 a.m. during the event.
