The sandbars of the Landes are buzzing with new energy: Para Surf is turning the lineup into an inclusive playground, where wave riding belongs to everyone. A look at the progress, performances, and people making the discipline impossible to ignore, from Prévent Beach to the World Championships.
Para Surf in France: Competitive Overview and 2025 Titles
Prévent Beach put on an XXL show at the French Championships, celebrating the talent of now-legendary figures. Beyond the trophies, the event confirms the rise of the SURF’inclusion movement led by the Para Surf Federation.
- 11 national titles awarded on October 26 alone.
- A packed field despite a reduced draw: the elite remain on point ahead of the Worlds.
- Strong presence from the Surfeurs D’Argent and Sea for All, who came to boost the visibility of adapted surfing.
| Category | 2025 Champion | Region | Titles won |
|---|---|---|---|
| Para Surf Stand 3 | Éric Dargent | Occitanie | 4 |
| Para Surf Kneel Open | Emmanuelle Blanchet | Pays de la Loire | 2 |
| Prone 1 | Solange Balay | Brittany | 2 |
| Visual 2 Open | Emmanuel Dubrana | Brittany | 1 |
| Adapted Para Surfing | Peyo Milhau | Nouvelle-Aquitaine | 4 |
Performances that inspire the international scene
Just weeks before the California trip, the French team is showing ironclad confidence. The video shares “highlights of the week” confirm the public’s enthusiasm: record views and exploding hashtags around Wheels and Waves Para Surf.
Equipment and innovation: when tech serves adapted surfing
Wider rails, recessed handles, amphibious wheelchairs: every detail counts to ensure smooth take-offs for the riders concerned. Local designers work hand in hand with Glisse Adaptée France to refine research.
- “Butterfly” board: reinforced deck, non-slip EVA foam, adjustable side pads.
- “WaveRunner” wheelchair: XXL wheels, lightweight composite fibers, quick-release fasteners.
- Smart flotation aids: integrated pressure and tilt sensors.
| Innovation | Key benefit | Partner |
|---|---|---|
| Modular handles | Safe take-off | Handi Surf Lab |
| Haptic GPS | Guidance for visually impaired riders | Surfeurs Solidaires |
| Smart-Float vest | Rollover detection | Surf Accessible France |
Field report: the board that changes the game
During a test session at La Nord, a prototype by Sea for All allowed an athlete in the Prone 2 category to shave two seconds off the take-off—a real strategic turning point in competition.
Landes players: schools, associations, and unifying events
In the Landes region, the inclusive vibe is spreading at lightning speed. Local schools now include a module Ocean Therapy in their premium camps, strengthening the mind-body connection.
- Armor Surf School: weekly introductory sessions and Handi Surf-trained coaches.
- Malicorne Surf Association: SURF’inclusion workshops and collaborative shaping.
- Hossegor City Ride: breaking down barriers between skateboarding and surfing through Wheels and Waves Para Surf.
| Organization | Inclusive program | Frequency | On-the-ground info |
|---|---|---|---|
| Surf School Capbreton | Sea for All Sessions | All year round | 1 coach for every 2 riders |
| La Centrale Hossegor | Surfeurs D’Argent Clinics | Monthly | Material supplied |
| Glisse Adaptée France | Multisport summer camp | July-August | Beach jogging + surfing |
Must-see events
Mark your calendar:
- Quiksilver Festival d’Hossegor : now featuring a para surfing component.
- Weekly highlights : broadcasts of inclusive sessions.
- SURF’inclusion Village : Sea for All booths, accessible shaping workshop.
Ocean Therapy: Proven Physical and Mental Benefits
The invigorating combination of water, sun, and movement has a measurable impact, according to several clinical studies conducted by the University of Bordeaux in 2025.
- +18% respiratory capacity among regular participants.
- Average 25% decrease in perceived stress levels after six weeks.
- Improved fine motor skills among Prone 1 riders.
| Health indicator | Test group | Control group | Observed difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| VO₂max | 29 ml/kg/min | 24 ml/kg/min | +5 |
| Anxiety score (BAI) | 15 | 20 | -5 |
| Sleep quality | 7.8/10 | 6.2/10 | +1.6 |
Case study: the SURF’inclusion protocol
The protocol combines gradual water entry, sensory immersion without a board, followed by increasing technical demands. This progression reduces initial apprehension by 40% and enhances the joy of surfing.
Road to Worlds: preparing the French team
Heading to California to win world gold. The Blue Squad trains on Hossegor’s shifting sandbanks to simulate U.S. point breaks.
- Joint para/able-bodied dawn patrol sessions, in the spirit of “Surf Accessible France.”
- High-frequency video analysis, overseen by the Para Surf Federation.
- Intensive camps shared with the Surfeurs Solidaires and Wheels and Waves Para Surf groups.
| Rider | Category | World Championships goal | Readiness index |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thomas Da Silva | Visual 1 | Top 3 | 92% |
| Valentine Moskoteoc | Visual 1 | Medal | 95% |
| Peyo Milhau | Adapted Para Surfing | Keep the title | 90% |
Logistical pit stop: the role of partners
Banque Populaire, Handi Surf and the replay of the highlights provide funding for the quiver and travel insurance. Each board is equipped with a tracker to analyze trajectories in real time.
What equipment is essential for getting started in para surfing?
A stable board with generous volume, a properly fitted buoyancy aid and, depending on the disability, handles or an amphibious cart. Schools listed by Handi Surf provide all the equipment from the outset.
How can I take part in an Ocean Therapy camp in Hossegor?
Simply contact a Glisse Adaptée France-certified organization. Camps are open all year round, with medical and sports supervision.
Is para surfing included in the Paralympic Games?
The discipline is not yet on the official program, but the Para Surf Fédération is building a strong case for Los Angeles 2028.
Where can I watch competitions live?
National and international finals are broadcast on Surf Accessible France’s digital channel and through weekly replays available on the surf-hossegor.com website.
What tangible benefits does regular practice provide?
Beyond the enjoyment, surfing improves respiratory capacity, strengthens core muscles, and reduces chronic stress, as confirmed by the Ocean Therapy 2025 studies.