Hossegor, a mythical spot for boardculture, is set to vibrate for ten days in a row for the third edition of the Quiksilver by Swatch Festival. Here, surfing mingles with music, art and party in a supercharged atmosphere, supported by major partners such as Red Bull, Rip Curl, Billabong and Monster Energy. The line-up brings together the big names and young prodigies of trip surfing, from memorable sessions on the Landes sandbanks to live performances that get the night dancing. With high-flying competitions, artistic direction by Jean Jullien and an eclectic musical program, this year's event asserts its authentic, modern and vibrant DNA. For fans of gliding, sea stories and artistic happenings, there's no room for half-measures: this festival embodies pure passion.
Surfing competition in Hossegor: new format and international headliners
The Quiksilver Festival by Swatch has become the must-attend back-to-school event for all core surfers and beach break enthusiasts. Twenty-four champions - including Kelly Slater, Kauli Vaast and Kai Lenny, as well as Coco Ho and Vahiné Fierro in the women's category - will be divided into 12 new teams on the banks of Hossegor, Seignosse and Capbreton. The competition breaks with the classic codes: each team will compete in series of four, with themes such as Air & Barrel or Best Combos, decided according to the conditions of the day. Miky Picon, event director, is on the lookout for the strongest waiting period to choose the four most explosive days.
This mechanic, with individual scores accumulated for the team, infuses strategy and fun, while remaining true to the surfing philosophy of adaptation, show and pure riding pleasure. Competitors can free surf when it's not showtime, bringing a rootsy, relaxed vibe to the line-up.
- Kelly Slater, eleven-time world champion, still going strong at 53
- Kauli Vaast, Olympic champion ready to hit the big time
- Kai Lenny, A complete waterman, combining foil, SUP and radical surfing.
- Coco Ho and Vahiné Fierro, the faces of women's surfing
- Michel Bourez and Joan Duru, French surf ambassadors in their own backyard
| Teams | Stars to watch | Flagship discipline |
|---|---|---|
| Team Slater/Ho | Kelly Slater, Coco Ho | Tubes & Turns |
| Team Vaast/Fierro | Kauli Vaast, Vahiné Fierro | Best Barrel |
| Team Lenny/Le Car | Kai Lenny, Maud Le Car | Twin-fin Free Surf |
| Team Bourez/Duru | Michel Bourez, Joan Duru | Combo Airs |
To find out more about the competition and what's at stake, go to this dedicated page. The analysis of mythical confrontations can be found at here.
Highlights of the waiting period
The alchemy between legendary pros and young wolves promises anthology heat. Expect :
- Surprise themed series inspired by the swell of the day
- Free surf sessions between rounds, open to local prodigies
- Unexpected encounters on the beach for tactical analyses, book signings and impromptu masterclasses
An immersion to be followed on site and through media partners such as GoPro for video recap, or Volkswagen for team logistical support.
| Key dates | Spot | Special Event |
|---|---|---|
| September 20 | Hossegor | Opening Party and first Obstacle series |
| September 24 | Seignosse | Meet & Greet pro surfers + Cash for Tricks skate |
| September 26 | Capbreton | Para-surfing and sessions for all |
| September 27 | Seignosse | Demo Skate & Death Race |
To make sure you don't miss out on any of the best runs and memorable atmospheres, find out more about the « surfing moments of the week ».
Boardculture en fête: music, art and crazy skateboarding in Hossegor
The Quiksilver Festival by Swatch sets the Côte Landaise ablaze beyond the line-up. Live concerts, energizing DJ sets and slice-of-life exhibitions electrify the whole of Hossegor. Every evening, the Place des Landais vibrates to the rhythm of the festivities: from the opening party to the closing night by Deezer, the nights are long and intense. Pop-folk, electro, house, techno... there's something for everyone.
- Opening night with Kid Kipichi and Ménades
- Explosive closing by Deezer with Urumi, Romain, Mandragora
- Film screening Back to the wall with Jérémy Flores
- Amazing skateboarding demos by Swatch and Cash for Tricks sessions with Element
- Workshops, surfing lessons for all, beach clean up
| Evening | Location | Themes |
|---|---|---|
| Sept. 20, 7:30pm | Place des Landais, Hossegor | Opening Party |
| Sept 22, 8pm | Cinéma Ph'Art, Capbreton | Back to the Wall« screening» |
| Sept 23, 7:30pm | Surfing, Seignosse | Movie Night + live concert |
| Sept. 27, 7:30 p.m. | Place des Landais, Hossegor | Closing Party |
The full list of events and artist partners is available at the event page.
Skateboard sessions, yoga workshops and exhibitions: the art of combining all the vibes
From seasoned boardriders to rookies, there's something for every enthusiast. Between a yoga session on the beach contemporary art exhibitions by Jean Jullien, and skateboarding workshops initiated by the Swatch team, the immersion in the ocean lifestyle is total.
- Exclusive exhibition with the Jean Jullien X Quiksilver capsule collection
- Skate workshops: tricks, technique and death races for budding riders
- Ecological actions: collective beach clean-up with Oxbow
- Meetings and book signings with the big names in boardsports
To explore the spots and secrets of local riders, take a look at this insider's guide.
Local roots and partners committed to surf culture
The raw energy of the Quiksilver Festival by Swatch is made possible by a coalition of iconic board sports and lifestyle sponsors: Swatch, Red Bull, Rip Curl, Billabong, Oxbow, GoPro, Volkswagen, Monster Energy. The event is also rooted in the communities of Capbreton, Hossegor and Seignosse, testifying to its deep roots in the soul of the Landes region.
- Official sponsor Swatch hosts workshops and skate shows
- Red Bull, elite energy logistician day and night
- Oxbow, clean ups partner and eco-responsible ambassador
- Volkswagen, transport for teams and guests
- GoPro, official media for onboard images and video reviews
- Monster Energy, for long sessions and wild nights
| Partner | Role at the festival | Activity focus |
|---|---|---|
| Swatch | Skate demos, sponsoring | Workshops, cash for tricks |
| Oxbow | Beach Clean Up | Eco-commitment support |
| GoPro | Media coverage of the contest | Best-of videos surf & skate |
| Monster Energy | Energy for athletes & the public | After-parties & entertainment |
The festival's impact on the region continues unabated, energizing hotels, shops and restaurants in the area. Today, the event is one of the economic and cultural pillars of the entire Atlantic coast. Read more about Hossegor's «future-proof» dimension on this folder.
Why the Quiksilver Festival by Swatch is electrifying back-to-school surfing
Since its inception, this event has been an adrenalin rush for European boardculture. It combines Landes heritage with innovation in artistic, musical and sporting expression. With its free concerts, innovative competition formats and artistic happenings, this festival inspires the entire European board sports scene.
- Accessibility: free evenings and events
- Émergence: a springboard for young local talent
- Mixed: families, pros and kids on the same spots
- Visibility: media coverage and partner involvement
The Quiksilver by Swatch Festival has prompted other towns to rethink their own surfing events to blend sport, art and the music scene, without losing the authentic spirit of the «Landes» trip.
A unique experience to be relived every year and discovered in its entirety on social networks. For a glimpse of the atmosphere in 2025, immerse yourself in these feeds and retrospectives that mark the coast.
Frequently asked questions about the Quiksilver Festival by Swatch in Hossegor
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Which famous surfers are taking part in the Quiksilver Festival by Swatch 2025?
The line-up features international stars such as Kelly Slater, Kauli Vaast, Kai Lenny, Coco Ho, Vahiné Fierro, Michel Bourez and Joan Duru, all ready to bring their best to Hossegor. -
How can you enjoy concerts and events without surfing?
The musical program, exhibitions, screenings and skateboard sessions are all free of charge, designed for all audiences. The festival advocates accessibility for enthusiasts and neophytes alike. -
Does the festival offer activities for beginners or children?
Yes, between surfing initiations, skateboard workshops and yoga on the beach, all ages and profiles can take part in sessions supervised by pros and volunteers, supported by Swatch and Quiksilver. -
What impact does the festival have on Hossegor and the Landes region?
It acts as an economic and cultural booster, attracting thousands of visitors, boosting the local fabric and showcasing the heritage and modernity of the Landes surf scene. -
How can I follow the competition and live events?
All news, results and highlights can be found on the official page, as well as via partner media platforms such as GoPro and Red Bull TV.
