The Landes coast is gearing up to buzz like during a big swell: La Centrale beachLa Centrale hosts the only French stop of the Shaw and Partners World Ocean Series. Nine nations, an elite field, and a crowd of more than 2,000 enthusiasts are expected in Soorts-Hossegor for a lifesaving competition that promises as much spectacle as an autumn day on the sandbars.
World Ocean Series: Hossegor, the new global lineup for coastal lifesaving
After a successful first French stop last year, the circuit is back in the same place: the natural arena of La Centrale. At the starting line are the best professional lifesavers from Australia, Spain, Great Britain, and the Netherlands. For race director Emmanuelle Bescheron-Philaire, “seeing nine nations converge on Hossegor confirms that the Landes resort has become a benchmark for maritime rescue in Europe.”
Program: four disciplines to test ocean reading skills and iron stamina
Each event will showcase the fundamentals of sea rescue: explosiveness, strategy, and adaptation to currents. The athletes take on:
- Surf Race: an open-water swimming sprint between two buoys.
- Board Race: a technical prone paddle course, perfect for illustrating applied water safety.
- Ski Race: surf ski power, with a “coastal emergency” spirit.
- Ocean Man / Woman : a salty triathlon combining the previous three, the highlight of the show.
This format replicates a rescue exercise in real-life conditions: reading the sandbanks, positioning at the peak, making decisions live.
The headliners: Doyle, Simpson, and the European contingent going full throttle
The day before the event, Australian Emily Doyle and her compatriot Henry Simpson will lead a training session open to the public. A dream opportunity for kids from the local surf camp to pick up tips worthy of Gold Coast beaches. On the European side, European champion Maëva Le Scornet and Spain’s Carlos Revilla are determined to show that Atlantic swells do not belong only to Aussies.
| Country | Featured athlete | 2025 WOS podium |
|---|---|---|
| Australia | Emily Doyle | 1st – Ocean Woman |
| United Kingdom | Oliver Kent | 2nd – Board Race |
| France | Maëva Le Scornet | 3rd – Surf Race |
| Spain | Carlos Revilla | 4th – Ski Race |
The shared goal: rack up points before the British stop at Fistral Beach and prepare for the 2032 Olympic horizon, when coastal lifesaving hopes to officially join the program.
Hossegor, Europe’s laboratory for maritime safety
The town’s surf identity, underwater topography, and the momentum of the local club explain the success of this stop. Co-organizer Lorène Guillot emphasizes the collective spirit: “Our aim is to offer a moment when athletes and the public share the culture of coastal emergency response in a beach-break atmosphere.” Recent initiatives during the French Surfing Championships have already proven the resort’s ability to combine top-level competition and education.
Why does this spot tick all the boxes?
- Bathymetry conducive to varied races.
- Mobile structures enabling a rescue drill under real-life conditions.
- An enthusiastic crowd, raised on big-wave sessions since childhood.
- Strong partnerships with the Federation and water sports brands.
Behind the scenes, the Water Social Club will host a beach safety village: CPR workshops, a rip-current simulator, and a booth dedicated to marine rescue techniques. Enough to turn the event into a true educational hub.
What time do the first heats start?
The event kicks off at 9:00 a.m. with the Surf Race, followed by the Board Race at 10:30 a.m.
Will beach access be free?
Yes, site access is free. Spectator areas will be marked out to ensure visibility and safety.
Can I register for Friday’s training session?
Registration takes place on site on Thursday from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., limited to the first 60 spots.
What environmental measures have been put in place?
Reusable water bottles for athletes, enhanced recycling, and free shuttles from downtown help reduce the event’s carbon footprint.