The sandbanks of Hossegor are still buzzing from the last autumn sessions: the ideal opportunity to look back on a exclusive interview granted by the surfing legend Tom Curren. Visit first memories of the landes, musical ambitions and a sharp eye for the hexagonal surf, the three-time world champion shares some juicy details that resonate throughout the world. Landes culture.
Exclusive interview with Tom Curren: Landes memories and the wealth of Landes benches
The Californian dives back into 1980: cool arrival on the Côte d'Argent, long swell, late-day tubes until 11 p.m., compact sand like a reef. This personal experience forged the strong bond he has maintained with the region ever since.
- Offshore right discovered at low tide north of Estagnots
- First left-hander at high tide at La Gravière
- Meet the local pioneers who were already shaping their own twin fins
| Spot | Bench type | Sensations evoked by Curren |
|---|---|---|
| La Nord | Compact sand, progressive slope | Miniature Waimea-style roll-in |
| Les Culs Nus | Shifting shoals, mutant shorebreak | Flash tubes, late take-off |
| Basque Coast | Mixed reef / sand | Long wall inspires smoother surfing |
When memories feed modern practice
Curren stresses the importance of studying the morphology of the coastline to anticipate the evolution of spots. Recent initiatives, such as the project presented on the future of the Hossegor spotlight, are part of this continuous observation process.
Study of French surfing: progress, coaching and freesurfing in 2025
When asked about the current level, Tom insists that the French youngsters benefit from supervision worthy of Australian or Hawaiian structures. Visit freesurf emancipates itself thanks to event formats such as the Rip Curl GromSearch d'Hossegor.
- Video support and data tracking from U12 categories upwards
- Wide range of shapes: from retro twin to gun for Nazaré training
- Synergy between clubs and federations to optimize presence on the World Tour
| Period | Access to professional coaches | Dominant material | Flagship event |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1990s | Occasional | Shortboard 6’2 squash | Quiksilver La Torche |
| Year 2010 | Regular | Hybrid 5’8 | WCT Hossegor |
| 2025 | Almost daily | Twin & mid-length epoxy | October agenda Hossegor |
Competition or alternative: the same quest for commitment
The champion applauds the opening up to less formatted avenues: filmed sessions, video editing, and experimental meetings like the William Aliotti Invitational. This crossover between competition and free expression feeds the general level and stimulates a new generation already visible at the French Surf Championships 2025.
Ambitions musicales: when music and surfing merge on the same crest line
After the session, it's time for the amps. Curren forms a family trio: Lee Ann on vocals, Pat on bass, Tom on guitar. A four-track EP was recorded in Biarritz, a skilful blend of rock, surf and reggae.
- Influences: The Wailers, Dick Dale, The Growlers
- Equipment: Vintage Stratocaster and minimalist pedalboard
- Local collaborations with Basque-Landes musicians
| Date | Location | Format | Special features |
|---|---|---|---|
| June 15, 2025 | Rock Food, Hossegor | Concert unplugged | Final jam open to the public |
| July 20, 2025 | Belharra Café, Bidart | Release EP | Guest DJ surf-garage |
| August 28, 2025 | Biarritz Surf Festival | Live full band | Screening of previously unreleased free-surf clips |
Music and surfing: a permanent creative osmosis
Tom compares rhythmic placement to gaining speed on a bottom turn. Same listening, same timing. Studio sessions are scheduled after the morning tides to capture the ocean's energy. Local shops support the initiative: the best surf shop in Hossegor will distribute the vinyls in limited editions.
Landes culture and the future of equipment: innovation without betraying the DNA of benches
The three-time champion sees a massive return to thin EPS and epoxy twins. Lightweight, instantaneous recovery: the perfect weapon when the benches are shifting fast. This technical shift can also be seen in the West Indies, where the Guadeloupe surfers now regularly shine at national level, completing a successful historic triumph.
- Shapes inspired by California retro but adapted to fast beach breaks
- Slightly bulkier foam to exploit summer softness
- Asymmetrical tips for more backside drive
| Board type | Medium size | Ideal conditions | Feedback Curren |
|---|---|---|---|
| Twin fish | 5’4 - 5’8 | 0.8 - 1.2 m, westerly swell | “Rail-to-rail fun”.” |
| Mid-length single | 6’8 - 7’2 | 1.2 - 1.8 m, offshore light | “Uninterrupted flow” |
| Step-up pin tail | 6’6 - 6’10 | 2 m+, large bars | “Safety without sacrificing speed” |
Towards a sustainable, connected spotlight
The developers of the «Smart Dune» project are collaborating with the town council: bathymetric probes, augmented reality forecasts and discreet down-lighting for full moon sessions. A field of experimentation of which Curren is an ambassador, convinced that innovation and respect for the coastline can coexist.
Why is Tom Curren so attached to the Landes?
The unique quality of the dynamic benches, the historic link created on his first trip in 1980 and the local surf culture, both authentic and open to experimentation, explain this lasting attachment.
What are the concrete musical projects for 2025?
A four-track EP recorded in Biarritz, summer concerts between Hossegor and the Basque Coast and limited vinyl distribution via partner surf shops in the region.
How does Curren analyze the evolution of equipment in France?
He notes an assertive return to thin twins and mid-lengths, emphasizing that these modern shapes inspire creative surfing while responding to the specificities of French beach breaks.
Has freesurfing become more important than competition?
For Curren, the two worlds feed off each other: expression session formats boost progression, while competition remains a concrete benchmark for validating level and physical preparation.
Which Landes spots does Curren recommend for twin fins?
Les Culs Nus at rising tide for their fast sections, La Centrale d'Hossegor when the shoal settles well to the north and some more secret breakers towards Messanges for glassy mornings.
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