On Wednesday January 24, Hossegor witnessed a memorable spectacle, with waves of up to 3 meters and a period of 15 seconds. Ideal conditions, marked by a light southerly wind, set the scene for the 11th edition of the Nord Challenge.
Every year, the La Nord spot in Hossegor is transformed into a majestic stage where imposing waves play host to the Nord Challenge. Prestigious surfing names such as Jérémy Florès, Éric Rebière and Paul Duvignau have joined the line-up to tame these impressive waves.
However, it was our ambassador, Diego Torre, a young surfer from Anglet, who captivated all eyes in a suspenseful final, taking the title at this 11th edition.
We had the chance to chat with Diego Torre after his victory to get his impressions:
Hawaii Surf : How do you feel after winning this competition?
Diego : Of course I'm happy to have won, but it's especially motivating for the future.
Hawaii Surf : Was there anything special about this competition for you?
Diego : This competition didn't really have anything at stake for me other than having fun, surfing for 2 hours in magnificent conditions and being helped by the jet-skis to catch more waves.
Hawaii Surf : As an Angloye, how did you adapt to the wave conditions in Hossegor, and is it different from what you usually do?
Diego : Even though I'm an Angloye, I've always spent a lot of time in the Landes looking for good waves. I already had a good idea of what it was going to be like. In Anglet the waves are more capricious, so you have to fight to find the right one, but it helps when you get to the Landes where the waves are as perfect and regular as any in the area.
Hawaii Surf : How do you train for this kind of competition?
Diego : My training is mainly focused on reading the waves and getting to know each spot in detail. Before my heats, I'd go out in front of where I wanted to get in the water, to analyze the peak as best I could.
Hawaii Surf : What are your future projects or competitions?
Diego : I'd like to go back to surf at Nazare. Hopefully before the next swells arrive!
Diego Torre's win at the Nord Challenge is not just a technical victory, it's also a celebration of his passion and determination for his sport. As Diego continues to push his limits, Hawaii Surf looks forward to supporting this ambassador in his future adventures, which promise to be as thrilling as the waves breaking on La Nord.
Thanks to Victor Perez Pinaud and Jeff Ruiz for the photos!
