The Landes spot came alive during the Banque Populaire Surf Tour 2026. Between powerful sets and a merciless shorebreak, the final day saw Brittany prevail thanks to Gaspard Larsonneur’s surgical precision on every wave.
Banque Populaire Surf Tour 2026: a high-caliber field at Hossegor’s beach break
More than 120 riders from France training centers faced off in a sporting event designed for high performance. The long west swell, forecast by the cyclone swell alerts, produced 1.8 m walls, perfect for aerial maneuvers. The judges rewarded commitment and variety in the carves, confirming the growing level of the nautical sports in mainland France.
Gaspard Larsonneur’s masterstroke, Brittany’s standard-bearer
From the round of 16 onward, the Finistère native set the pace: blistering snaps, a transition floater, then an alley-oop scored 9.17. The final saw him tame a hollow left, linking a layback followed by a re-entry tight to the lip to seal the victory. This success strengthens Brittany’s momentum already seen at the latest France championships.
Surf conditions and equipment: the surfboards that made the difference
The water, alternating between fast sections and hollow bowls, pushed competitors to bring out hybrid quivers. The favored dimensions: 5’10 x 18 3/4, with continuous rocker, medium rails and a squash tail, offering speed and control on the inside.
- High-performance shortboard for vertical maneuvers
- Step-up with a refined outline to handle bigger sets
- Modern twin for gliding during lulls
For those interested, a complete guide to choosing a gun suited to La Nord can be found here: which board to use for surfing La Nord.
| Day | Tide | Heat time | Swell (m) | Heat winner | Average score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Friday | Rising | 09 h 00 | 1.5 | Larsonneur | 15.40 |
| Saturday | Slack tide | 1:30 PM | 1.8 | Martin | 14.67 |
| Sunday | Descending | 4:15 PM | 2.0 | Larsonneur | 16.25 |
Impact on the Breton scene and local economy
The Finistère native’s victory is boosting the surfing sector in Armorica. Schools are already reporting an increase in bookings, while local brands export their shapes to southwestern France. At the same time, Hossegor is capitalizing on this exposure: hotels, surf shops, and van rental companies are seeing a spike comparable to that observed during the summer rush at surf shops. The synergy between the Basque Coast and Brittany shows that a well-structured national circuit energizes the entire value chain.
What was Gaspard Larsonneur’s final score?
Larsonneur won the final with a total of 16.25 points, combining a 9.17 wave and a second wave worth 7.08.
What swell conditions dominated the Hossegor stop?
A long-period 12-second west swell, with wave heights ranging from 1.5 m to 2.0 m, created powerful peaks on the main sandbank.
Which board should you choose for a powerful beach break?
A high-performance 5’10 shortboard with continuous rocker and medium rails remains the benchmark for maintaining speed and grip on hollow waves.
Will the 2026 Banque Populaire Surf Tour include other stops in Brittany?
Yes, a stop at La Torche is scheduled for September to reinforce the national scope of the circuit.