From November 2 to 4, 2025, the grand finale of the Banque Populaire Surf Tour – French Open will set the South Landes coast buzzing. The sandbanks of Hossegor, Seignosse, and Capbreton promise one final show of hollow barrels, committed aerials, and precise tide strategy.
Hossegor, Seignosse, and Capbreton spots ready for the grand finale
The competition director has confirmed a mobile waiting period between La Sud in Hossegor and Les Estagnots in Seignosse, with a backup option at Océanides Beach in Capbreton. This golden triangle offers:
- Sandbanks constantly reshaped by west swells.
- An ideal due northwest exposure to catch winter swells and produce powerful waves.
- Quick access for spectators from the A63 highway.
| Spot | Wave type | Optimal tide | Required level |
|---|---|---|---|
| La Gravière | Beachbreak hollow | Mid-tide ebb | Expert |
| Les Estagnots | Consistent left/right peak | Mid-high tide | Intermediate+ |
| Océanides | Long right | High tide | Intermediate |
For decades, these waves have been the playground of local chargers from the Hossegor Surf Club, the Seignosse Surf Club and the Capbreton Surf Club, youth development clubs highlighted in this retrospective on the French surf generation.
Banque Populaire Surf Tour 2025 competition format: a highly anticipated closed draw
Qualifiers, wild cards, and prize money
The format launched in 2022, replacing the Coupe de France, is simple: only the best are invited. The result:
- Top 22 men + Top 14 women automatically qualified.
- The top young prospect and one wild card are added in each category.
- Just one day of actual surfing, with €2,000 in prize money per division.
| Category | Participants | Registration fee | Prize money |
|---|---|---|---|
| Men | 24 | €45 | €2,000 |
| Women | 16 | €45 | €2,000 |
Riders below the cut make up a waiting list. With a calendar that kicked off in January in the tropics, followed by a windy stop at La Torche in June, the Landes final marks the end of a marathon season supported by Rip Curl, Quiksilver and Billabong.
Landes riders and clubs competing for the national title
The season overview puts several headliners in the spotlight:
- The explosive goofy-footer backed by Roxy, seeking a second title.
- A junior from Seignosse Surf Club already spotted at the Landes championships.
- The Tahitian outsider, emerging from the pathway presented here: new Tahitian generation.
| Name | Club | Style | Average score 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|
| D. Lafitte | Hossegor SC | Rail power | 14.75 pts |
| S. Durou | Seignosse SC | Air game | 14.30 pts |
| T. Mana | Tahiti | Tube riding | 14.10 pts |
Some athletes have just come from the 2025 French Championships, proof that they are in outstanding form. The technical insurers are all set: Allianz provides event coverage while Oxbow supplies the official jerseys.
Economic impact and surf culture around the final
The final plays a driving role along the coast:
- A direct boost for accommodations, restaurants, and surf shops.
- Increased visibility for the local textile industry and artisanal shapers.
- Programs for adapted surfing highlighted through the federation’s initiative.
| Segment | Estimated revenue (€k) | Change vs. 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| Hosting | 1,250 | +12% |
| Catering | 980 | +9 % |
| Surf shops | 670 | +15 % |
The eco-friendly aspect is being strengthened: collective beach cleanups, backstage recycling, and partnerships with committed brands such as Roxy or Billabong. Everything is shared through drone livestreams and stories amplified on social media, inspired by the best surf moments of the past few weeks.
Tips for experiencing the final from the Landes sand
To enjoy a stress-free spectator session, a few tips are essential:
- Arrive before 8 a.m. to park on the forest side.
- Choose a bike along the Vélodyssée to avoid traffic jams.
- Scan the on-site weather QR code to track the swell and tide coefficients.
- Visit the photo exhibit on the seawall after the heats.
| Tide | Schedule for Nov. 2 | Coefficient | Ideal conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| High tide | 07:42 | 83 | Freestyle in the shorebreak |
| Low tide | 13:56 | 78 | La Gravière barrels |
| High tide | 20:05 | 81 | Free surfing at Océanides |
The more adventurous can book a safety introduction with this lifeguard instructor from Capbreton. And to keep a collector’s souvenir, pick up the official photo pack at La Nord beach, where Quiksilver will set up its booth.
How is the spot chosen on the day of the event?
The technical team analyzes the swell, wind, and tide at 6:00 a.m., then confirms the most consistent spot within the Hossegor–Seignosse–Capbreton area.
Are dogs allowed on the beach during the competition?
Yes, before 10 a.m. and after 6 p.m., provided they are kept on a leash, in accordance with the municipal ordinance still in force in 2025.
Where can I find live results?
Live scoring is available on the federation’s app and on the LED screens set up in the competition village.
Is there a VIP pass to access the judges’ area?
A limited number of VIP Passes are sold through the Hossegor tourist office; they include an elevated terrace, drinks, and radio earpieces.