Light offshore winds, a high autumn sun, and endless sets: Prévent Beach buzzed all afternoon as it crowned sixteen new French champions. Between XXL confirmations and some seriously salty surprises, Para Surf France reminded everyone that it is now a cornerstone of the Championships organized by the FFSurf at the spots of the City of Hossegor and the City of Capbreton.
Sixteen national titles against an offshore backdrop: a quick overview
This marathon day, sandwiched between the Euros in Vigo and the Worlds in Oceanside, delivered a packed haul of results. The lines below summarize the key outcomes, perfect for anyone who missed the live coverage:
| Category | Champion | Final score | Leagues |
|---|---|---|---|
| Para Surf Stand 3 | Éric Dargent | 12.33 pts | South of France |
| Para Surf Kneel Open | Maxime Cabanne | 9.50 pts | Nouvelle-Aquitaine |
| Para Surf Prone 1 Open | Erwan Bleuez | 12.00 pts | Brittany |
| Adaptive Para Surf Open | Peyo Milhau | 9.00 pts | Nouvelle-Aquitaine |
| SUP Open | Gabriel Bachelet | 12.84 pts | Nouvelle-Aquitaine |
| Tandem | Paul Duvignau / Ophélie Fargetas | – | Nouvelle-Aquitaine |
- Seventeen series launched in Capbreton, nine in Hossegor.
- Eleven crowns awarded to riders with disabilities.
- Four titles for Brittany, five for Nouvelle-Aquitaine.
These figures reflect a slightly less crowded field than last year, but one that remains ultra-competitive, as shown by Benoît Carpentier’s surprise defeat in SUP.
Further Reading
To relive the tension of Bachelet’s final wave, a detour via the best surf moments of the week is a must. Those following the rise of adaptive surfers will also find an in-depth focus on the adaptive surfing elite.
Stand & Kneel: the pillars hold strong
First to paddle out in the morning mist, Éric Dargent claimed a fourth national trophy. World runner-up last year, he remains the natural captain of the French crew.
- Éric Dargent: two solid lefts and a finely crafted roller to post 12.33 points.
- Maxime Cabanne: a sharp take-off, 25 duck dives in the thick of it, and a fifth Kneel title.
- Emmanuelle Blanchet: back-to-back in Kneel Ondine despite a fickle current.
| Pillar | Highlights | World Championship goal |
|---|---|---|
| Éric Dargent | Power turns, reading the line | Third Team Title |
| Maxime Cabanne | Backside timing, mindset | First ISA Final |
| Emmanuelle Blanchet | Take-off close to the lip, endurance | Individual podium |
Their consistency reflects the work done by the National Sea Rescue Society (SNSM) and Handi Surf to secure access to the ocean. It is worth noting that several athletes train in the bay year-round, benefiting from the momentum of the surf lessons in Hossegor.
Competitors’ area anecdote
As he returned to the technical area, Dargent handed his leash to a grommet from Handi Surf, a simple gesture that reflects the “shared line-up” spirit cherished by Surfing Hossegor.
Prone, Visual, Adaptive: the next generation makes a big impact
The rising swell provided a challenging playing field for the Prone, Visually Impaired, and Adaptive categories. Three names to remember:
- Erwan Bleuez: first appearance, first Prone 1 title.
- Héloïse Lauriol: a close duel won in Visuel 2 Ondines.
- Jules Oestreich: an Espoir double after his U18 crown.
| Category | Champion | Age | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prone 1 | Erwan Bleuez | 22 | 12.00 |
| Ondine Visual 2 | Héloïse Lauriol | 24 | 6.77 |
| Adaptive Hope | Jules Oestreich | 17 | 10.16 |
These young standard-bearers embody the generation described in young guns from Landes. Their rapid progress relies on FFSurf logistics and custom gear by Quiksilver or Rip Curl, perfectly suited to specific needs.
Brittany vs. Nouvelle-Aquitaine Focus
The inter-league match was short-lived: four wins for Brittany, five for Nouvelle-Aquitaine. The crowd gathered in front of the lifeguard station enjoyed this head-to-head, proof that the adaptive sports pipeline is working on both sides of the Loire.
SUP Surf & Tandem: the Landes show
The Sud peak played host to a thrilling SUP Open:
- Gabriel Bachelet edges out five-time champion Benoît Carpentier by a hair (12.84 vs. 12.64).
- Camille Dubrana retains her Ondine crown ahead of Marine Kerdreux.
- In Tandem, Duvignau/Fargetas showcase their creativity against the Leroy/Burel duo.
| Heat | Highest wave | Note |
|---|---|---|
| SUP Open Final | Bachelet – cutback + float | 8.34 |
| Ondine SUP | Dubrana – framed re-entry | 7.10 |
| Tandem | “Cupid” lift performed offshore | Tie, judges 9/10 |
The crowd, made up of regulars at hossegor surfers’ secret, really came alive when Bachelet unleashed the day’s “bomb”: a 1.20 m wall tackled full throttle. His style recalls the Boardriders years, when the locals dominated European podiums.
Gear Focus: The Shapes That Make the Difference
The day’s SUP boards featured ultra-thin rails, technology derived from pro shortboards. A detailed overview is available on this gear guide, perfect for those curious about hybrid boards.
Coming up: junior bodysurfing and cadet shortboard
No sooner were the podiums put away than the FFSurf was already announcing what’s next:
- Monday – Capbreton/Santocha : Ondine Junior (3:40 p.m.) and Youth (4:40 p.m.) bodysurf finals.
- Tuesday & Wednesday : opening rounds of Cadet/Youth shortboard, with a solid WNW swell forecast.
- The response teams of the SNSM will remain stationed at the North channel in case of a tricky set.
| Date | Discipline | Spot | Key facts |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monday | Youth Bodysurf | Santocha | Falling tide |
| Tuesday | Cadet Shortboard | La Sud | 1.5 m swell, offshore |
| Wednesday | Youth Shortboard | Le Prévent | Glassy conditions |
To follow these upcoming matchups, head to our hub dedicated to championships, constantly updated.
Final insight
Between Para Surf, SUP and Tandem, the first half of the championships confirms that diversity has become the new norm. It is now up to the junior shortboarders to raise the bar another notch and close out this 100% Landes edition.
How do Para Surf results influence selection for the World Championships?
The FFSurf staff bases its final selections on national performances, heat scores, and attitude in the line-up. Most of the day’s winners will head straight to California within 72 hours.
Where can I check the live score for the upcoming finals?
Real-time tracking is available on the official FFSurf website and relayed by Surfing Hossegor, with a dedicated feed on partner social media.
What safety measures are in place for para-athletes?
Para Surf France competitions mobilize zodiacs, Handi Surf-trained beach marshals, and SNSM lifeguards to provide assistance and rapid evacuation.
Can you watch the junior shortboard events for free?
Yes, access to the spots in the Town of Capbreton and the Town of Hossegor remains open. Spectator areas are marked out to ensure the smooth movement of competitors and judges.
Are there courses to get started with adaptive surfing?
Several local organizations, including the Surfing Hossegor program, offer supervised introductory sessions with specialized equipment. Practical information is listed in our section dedicated to adapted surf lessons.