A perfectly timed summer swell and almost no wind set the scene last weekend for the Oceanperf Challenge, a major European event in rescue coastal. Three young CSSM members left Muret to join the Landes coast and compete on Hossegor’s sandbank. Between beach sprints, beach, swimming in the sea and board handling, the results confirm the rise of a club that never lets go of the leash.
Sport rescue: Muretins in action under the Landes sun
The Oceanperf Challenge 2026 brought together more than 800 competitors from 14 nations. Supervised by the lifeguards from the local station, the heats followed one another in an atmosphere focused on solidarity and operational emergency response: every start is a reminder that beyond the clock, the spirit of rescue comes first.
Oceanperf Challenge 2026: key figures
Before diving into the performances, let’s take a look at the key figures from the Landes stage.
| Indicator | 2026 Value |
|---|---|
| Total participants | 812 |
| Countries represented | 14 |
| Water temperature | 22 °C |
| Average swell height | 1.2 m |
| Rescue stations mobilized | 6 |
The CSSM set up its tent just behind the warm-up area. Guided by their staff, Maïana, Jules, and Nathan competed in heats and finals over two intense days.
- Maïana : 24e in youth swimming, personal best in the 400 m.
- Jules : 9e in beach flags, 11e in swimming.
- Nathan : 3e in board race, 6e in surf race.
Spotlight on CSSM’s young heroes
At age 14, Nathan achieved Muret’s best result with a third-place finish in the board race. Starting on an outside line, he took advantage of a smart backwash to overtake two competitors in the second-to-last shore break. This podium finish validates a full winter spent paddling at Lac de la Ramée and on the Garonne.
Jules stood out in the sand sprint – “beach flags” – where his explosive starts earned him a top-10 finish. As for Maïana, her seven-second improvement in the swim confirms that the underwater cardio work at the Colomiers pool is paying off.
Heading for the French Championships
The next step for these budding heroes will be the national event scheduled for September in Biarritz. To optimize their preparation, the club has arranged a training camp at Centrale Beach, supervised by instructors from the local station. Those interested can already view the full event calendar via French Championships in Hossegor.
Throughout the summer, introductory sessions remain open: information and time slots available at the Soorts-Hossegor coastal rescue program. The goal: introduce the public to emergency and handling the rescue tube, key to an effective intervention.
Local impact and rescue culture
Every trip to the Landes coast strengthens the regional aquatic network. Exchanges between clubs reinforce the rescue chain; during downtime, staff share protocols and feedback. A concrete example: the use of an aquatic drone from the first run to check the channels, an innovation tested following the incident reported in the article surfer rescued by helicopter in the Landes.
Beyond the score, it is the collective rise in skills that leaves an impression. The kids return to Muret with clear reference points: current speed, buoy placement, priority management; all tools they will share with the cadets during club sessions, fostering the solidarity essential in the face of the sea’s unexpected challenges.sea.
How do I register for coastal rescue training camps in Hossegor?
Registration is available online on the CSSM website or directly via the ‘Soorts-Hossegor coastal rescue program’ link. A medical certificate issued within the last three months and a 200 m swim test are required.
What equipment should you use to get started in board racing?
A 10-foot foam board is enough for the first training sessions. The club lends ILS-approved equipment during supervised sessions.
At what age can you join the CSSM youth section?
The minime category covers ages 12-14. A water confidence test is required before official enrollment.
What skills do you learn during introductory sessions?
Participants discover swimming sprints, rescue tube handling, first-aid techniques, and how to read channels, all essential in an emergency.
Do Oceanperf Challenge results influence national team selection?
Yes. The event serves as a benchmark for federal selectors to monitor young athletes’ progress and establish the elite list for upcoming international events.