Celebrating the waves: The great surfing festival

Between perfect swell and festive fever, the Landes coast prepares its big surfing barnum. Beaches transformed into arenas, parking lots into ephemeral skate parks: the «Celebration of Waves» promises to be the highlight of the season.

Opening at Hossegor: XXL line-up and perfect tube atmosphere

The inaugural ceremony featured a line-up that would make any wax castor fantasize: Rip Curl tents, Quiksilver lounge, Billabong custom workshop and Oxbow corners lined up opposite the Gravière spot. Regulars will also find the Roxy team and freshly-glazed Hurley boards, not to mention Vilebrequin swimwear and Tahé SUPs.

  • Friday, October 24th para surf awards ceremony and first block party.
  • Saturday, October 25 launch of «Objectif Dirigeantes», debates and group free-session.
  • Sunday, October 26th Morning ride followed by Top 14 projection on giant screen.
Day Discipline Spot Post-series animation
24/10 Para surf South-North DJ set Jo&Joe
25/10 Shortboard Open Gravel pit Skate bowl night session
26/10 Longboard & SUP Capbreton Santocha Rugby match + food-trucks

This kick-off connects directly with the Landes championship The same energy, the same swell, but the festive amplitude is increased tenfold.

A tide of prestigious guests

Nazaré, Jaws, Pipeline: loaders from mythical slabs line up alongside the locals. The arrival of the wild-cards, announced by vintage Hoff loudspeakers, electrifies the lineup.

The next section shifts to the cultural axis.

Surf culture: music, art & skate merge on the waterfront

Between two series, the esplanade becomes a creative playground. On one side, the «Faces of Foam» photo exhibition reveals the salty patina of vintage quivers; on the other, O'Neill's concrete modules host flip demonstrations by the local crew.

  • Live-sets Afro-house at sunset, garage rock after dark.
  • Podcasts Recorded live sessions with former champions.
  • Art-lab collective frescoes in tinted resin, open to the public.
Niche Scene Artist/DJ Partner
6-7 p.m. Beach-Stage Sunset Waves Rip Curl
8-10 p.m. Skate-Bowl Vinyl Riders Quiksilver
10 pm-0 am Lagoon-Deck Foam Party Crew Billabong

To extend the trip, the public can explore the Hossegor's most secret spots thanks to the interactive maps available on site.

Skate & surf: a winning combination

Far from being a simple side-show, the bowl becomes a talent incubator. Several finalists at the last Queen Classic Surf Festival confess to working on their carves on concrete before going out to hit the lip.

We're now heading for the pure competition zone.

Competition: from para-surfing to elite titles

Under the watchful eye of the ISA judges, the heats followed one another at a steady pace. The absence of Tya Zebrowski, mentioned in the article on her historical package, But that doesn't take away the suspense: the next generation is growing strong.

  • Shortboard : precise maneuvers and aerials.
  • Longboard Biarritz-inspired retro style, endless nose-rides.
  • Sit-surf & para : total commitment, collective vibrato on the beach.
Category Favourite Season average score Board Sponsor
Shortboard H Léo Dubreuil 16.75 Hurley
Shortboard F Anna Carasco 15.90 Roxy
Para Surf Samir El Gharbi 14.60 O'Neill

The daily results, relayed by the official France championships, These are just a few of the predictions made from beach to beach.

Awards ceremonies: ceremonial but never stuffy

Each podium doubles as a screening or concert at Jo&Joe. These afters encapsulate the «ride by day, party by night» spirit that makes the coast so vibrant.

Enthusiasts can relive highlights on replay from the following dawn.

Now it's time to talk about the values that bind us together.

Inclusion, green attitude and the next generation: the future of snowboarding

The 2025 edition sets the bar high in terms of CSR. Oxbow returnable cups replace plastic, while bio-GNV shuttles serve the area from Bayonne.

  • Adapted surfing Sessions organized by the adapted surfing.
  • Mixed Objectif Dirigeantes« program and inter-federation workshops.
  • International talent exchanges with the new French generation and the Tahitian Juniors.
Initiative Objective 2024 indicator 2025 target
Eco-shapes boards Reduce carbon footprint 35 % 50 %
Women's series Parity heats 42 % 50 %
Handisurf sessions Accessibility 80 riders 120 riders

Brands and organizers are also counting on local textile innovation to boost the circular economy.

A calendar to engrave in your tide notebooks

What to remember? A week that fuses riding, culture and solidarity, captures the best of the world scene and lights up the Landes coast. The next swell will have to watch out.

Where can you pick up your festival pass?

Wristbands can be picked up at the Surfing Center in Hossegor, avenue de la Dune, on presentation of ID and purchase confirmation.

Can I take part in handisurfing lessons without registering?

No, online registration is required in order to guarantee appropriate supervision and the availability of equipment for each participant.

Are there any low-carbon transport solutions?

Yes: free bio-GNV shuttles from Bayonne station, secure bicycle parking and partnerships with local car-sharing organizations.

Are concerts open to minors?

End-of-day sets are open to all; night sessions after 11pm require adult supervision for under-16s.

What are the prize-giving times?

They systematically start 30 minutes after the last final of the day; the precise schedule is updated in real time on the official app.

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