Surf: Tube Highlights for the Week of July 13

In the heart of summer, the week of July 13 delivered thick tubes, XXL scores, and an avalanche of competition news. From Hossegor’s shifting sandbanks to Tahitian reef breaks, here’s a condensed recap of the highlights that got the surfing world buzzing.

High-octane surf sessions on the Atlantic coast: analyzing the week’s best waves

The first adrenaline rush played out between Capbreton and Lacanau. At dawn on Tuesday, a well-organized 1.8 m swell paired with an east wind offered a surf session as glassy as a mirror. The locals confirm: “a run of six sets, with waves tubular waves over 120 m, enough to make Even Flow pale!” A godsend for free surfers already scouting for the surfing championship in Hossegor scheduled for early August.

Caraïbos Lacanau Pro: the QS Europe event turning up the pressure

The anniversary edition crowned Hans Odriozola and Victoria Duprat. In a sharp beach break, Odriozola prevailed over Noé Lédée thanks to an 8.67 in a tube final backhand. On the women’s side, Duprat scored a 15.40 combo with controlled frontside surfing. Lily Hirigoyen finished 13th; next up is the Boardmasters Yeti Pro (QS 4000) from August 5 to 9.

International focus: from South African beach breaks to Teahupoo’s legendary left

While Europe was buzzing in Lacanau, the Ballito Pro kicked off the South African leg of the Challenger Series. CT hopefuls had to contend with fickle south winds, but a southern sandbank delivered hollow, punchy bowls. Meanwhile, Kelly Slater secured his wild card for the Outerknown Tahiti Pro, ready to tame the queen of waves baroque waves at age 54.

Revamped calendar: Pantin, Matosinhos, and Cloud 9 change the game

The WSL is adding the Abanca Pantin Classic (August 25–30) and the Norte Surf Fest (September 1–6) as hybrid QS 6000 events; two crucial springboards for Europeans before the move to the Challenger Series. Cloud 9, meanwhile, gains CT status at the end of October, due to uncertainty surrounding Surf Abu Dhabi. To unpack the business stakes behind these moves, take a closer look at the paradoxes of the surf industry.

Young talent: focus on the next generation of European and French surfers

At the Quiksilver & Roxy Junior Pro Capbreton, Axel Dominguez and Lua Escudeiro take the win. Dominguez, consistent since U14, capitalizes on a rail-to-rail bottom turn before an eleventh-hour barrel exit. Escudeiro posts a 9.17 on a metronomic left. Next and final junior stop: Taghazout Bay in November, with the young surfers from Normandy already in the running for new sponsors.

Must-watch spots through the end of July

• La Nord, Hossegor: sandbank in place, 13-second period forecast for Friday.
• Salinas, Asturias: clean right-hand peak for European SUP surfing (July 25–27).
• Matosinhos, Portugal: stabilized sandy bottom, morning offshore winds forecast.
• Cloud 9, Philippines: first monsoon pulses expected as early as the 28th.

Summary table of the week’s champions and key spots

What was the absolute highlight of the week?

Hans Odriozola’s 8.67 in the Caraïbos Lacanau Pro final, a tight backhand tube that sealed his first QS win, remains the week’s most talked-about move.

Why is Cloud 9 joining the CT calendar?

The WSL is anticipating a possible cancellation of Surf Abu Dhabi and has secured a world-class backup spot; Cloud 9 offers a powerful, reliable peak during the desired window.

What conditions can be expected in Hossegor at the end of July?

Forecast models are calling for a west swell around 1.3 m, with an 11–12 s period and mostly offshore winds early in the morning; ideal for tubes on the Gravière sandbanks.

How can you follow European juniors?

Results and live broadcasts are available on official WSL channels and through partner streams during the Junior Pro Taghazout Bay in November.

Where can you find a guide to Southwest surf spots?

An updated overview of sandbanks and reefs is available on the top spots in Nouvelle-Aquitaine page, regularly updated with reports and satellite images.