French Surfing Championships
The national surf championships on the Landes coast
About Surf Championships
The French Surfing Championships are the largest national surf competition, organized every autumn on the mythical spots of Hossegor, Seignosse, and Capbreton by the French Surfing Federation. For ten days, over 550 athletes compete in ten disciplines on the waves of Estagnots, Plage Sud, and Santocha. This major French surfing event crowns the national champions and highlights the Landes coast as the epicenter of European surfing.
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French Surfing Championships: The Epicenter of National Surfing
Every autumn, the Landes coast hosts the French Surfing Championships, the most prestigious national competition organized by the French Surfing Federation. This major event brings together the elite of French surfing on the mythical spots of Hossegor, Seignosse, and Capbreton, three towns that form the golden triangle of European surfing.
Ten Disciplines, One Title
The French Surfing Championships cover a wide range of board sports, reflecting the richness and diversity of surfing:
- Shortboard: the premier discipline, with radical maneuvers and spectacular tubes
- Longboard: the elegance of classic surfing, between nose riding and carving
- Bodyboard: aerial tricks and technical barrels
- Bodysurf: surfing in its purest form, without a board
- Para surfing and adaptive para surfing: inclusive competitions for athletes with disabilities
- Kneeboard: surfing on the knees, technical and committed
- Skimboard: riding on wet sand and in the waves
- SUP Surfing: stand-up paddleboarding in surf conditions
- Tandem surfing: the acrobatic discipline for two
Three Exceptional Spots
The heats are spread across three spots chosen for their respective qualities:
- Les Estagnots (Seignosse): renowned for the power of its waves and its often spectacular conditions
- Plage Sud (Hossegor): world-famous for its perfectly shaped barrels, comparable to the best WCT spots
- Santocha (Capbreton): a tactical spot offering varied and technical waves
Over 60 Years of History
The French Surfing Championships have been organized since the 1960s, making this event one of the oldest surfing competitions in the world. The Landes coast, the cradle of French surfing, regularly hosts this competition which has seen generations of champions pass through. The 61st edition in 2025 confirmed the emergence of a talented new generation.
A Unifying Event
Beyond the competition, the French Surfing Championships are a gathering of the French surf community. The event village hosts exhibitors, activities, and screenings, while the public can watch the heats for free from the beach, creating a unique atmosphere combining high-level sport and seaside relaxation.
Practical information — Surf Championships
Practical Information — French Surfing Championships
Access
By car: The spots are accessible from the A63 motorway (exit 8 Capbreton-Hossegor). Free parking near the beaches of Seignosse (Les Estagnots), Hossegor (Plage Sud), and Capbreton (Santocha). Warning: parking lots can be saturated during peak sessions, it is recommended to arrive early in the morning.
By train: Bayonne station (20 km) or Dax station (30 km), then take a TransLandes bus (line 7 Bayonne-Hossegor) or a taxi. Hossegor station is served by some TER trains.
By carpooling: The surf community is active on carpooling platforms, a practical and ecological solution to reach the spots.
Competition Spots
- Les Estagnots: Seignosse north beach, access via Boulevard des Lacs. A spot renowned for its powerful waves, ideal for committed disciplines
- Plage Sud: Hossegor, access via Avenue de la Côte d'Argent. Known for its legendary barrels and consistent swell
- Santocha: Capbreton, access via Boulevard de la Digue. A more sheltered spot, offering varied and tactical conditions
Schedule and Times
The championships generally take place from late October to early November, over a period of about 10 days. Heats are scheduled based on weather and swell conditions, with sessions starting as early as 8 am. The daily program is updated each evening on the Federation's website for the next day.
Prices
Completely free access for spectators on all competition beaches. No tickets are needed, just head to the beach to enjoy the show from the seaside.
Follow the Competition
Live scoring and results on the French Surfing Federation website (surfingfrance.com). Live video broadcast on the FFS YouTube channel. Coverage on social media with the official event hashtag.
Equipment and Advice
Bring warm, windproof clothing for beach sessions in October-November. Binoculars are recommended for following heats from the shore. Food and drinks are available at the beach bars and restaurants in the three towns.
Contact
Fédération Française de Surf
Website: www.surfingfrance.com
Surfing Landes: www.surfinglandes.com
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Travel to this festival
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Where does it take place — Surf Championships
Plages de Hossegor, Seignosse et Capbreton
Plage Sud, 40150 Soorts-Hossegor