A look back at the 59th French Surf Championships 2023
From October 29th to November1st, Biarritz was alive with waves and top-level competitors at the 59th French Surfing Championships. Despite a shortened competition due to heavy swell and storm Ciaran, numerous titles were awarded to the talented athletes in attendance. Bad conditions led to the cancellation of disciplines such as parasurfing, skimboarding, longboarding, bodysurfing and tandem surfing, but 22 of the 38 titles initially planned were awarded.
For the second year running, we were lucky enough to be present at the event with our HawaiiSurf stand. Numerous events punctuated the championships, allowing us to share moments of joy and passion around surfing and the boards. Here's a quick recap of the week's events, shortened as they were, but still full of emotion!
Discipline report: Surf & Bodyboard
1. Shortboard
Category Open - Women :
1. Maud Le Car (Guadeloupe)
2. Sarah Leiceaga (Nouvelle-Aquitaine)
3. Tya Zebrowski (Nouvelle-Aquitaine)
4. Hina Conradi (Pays de la Loire)
Maud Le Car has once again confirmed her reign in Biarritz. Already French champion in 2018 and 2022, the 31-year-old West Indian surfer claimed her third title this year. She outshone the younger generation represented by Sarah Leiceaga (2nd), Tya Zebrowski (3rd) and Hina Conradi (4th), aged 18, 12 and 19 respectively!
Category Open - Men :
1. Maël Laborde (Martinique)
2. Tristan Guilbaud (Pays de la Loire)
3. Jorgann Couzinet (La Réunion)
4. inigo Madina (Nouvelle-Aquitaine)
In the men's category, it was the youngsters who shone! At just 20 years of age, Martinique's Maël Laborde won his first national crown, narrowly beating Tristan Guilbaud (2), Jorgann Couzinet (3rd) and 16-year-old Inigo Madina (4th) in the final. An even more well-deserved achievement for Maël Laborde, who made his comeback after a year's break from competition due to several injuries.
2. Bodyboarding
Category Open - Men :
1. Yann Salaun (Brittany)
2. Louka Zaninotto (Nouvelle-Aquitaine)
3. Victor Le Gleut (Brittany)
4. Ethan Capdeville (Nouvelle-Aquitaine)
In particularly difficult conditions, it was bodyboarder Yann Salaun who came out on top! The title was richly deserved by Yann, who put in an exceptional performance throughout his session, despite waves of over 2 meters during the day. It was his fourth French Open Bodyboard Championship title! At the close of the championships, he also made his mark with the only 10 of the competition. On the prodium, Louka Zaninotto was a close second. Third place went to Victor Le Gleut and fourth to Ethan Capdeville!
Category Open - Women :
1. Lisa Labadie (Nouvelle-Aquitaine)
2. Manon Jarry (Pays de la Loire)
3. Perrine Gourcuff (Bretagne)
4. Christelle Giust (La Réunion)
In the women's category, local contender Lisa Labadie won her third title, her very first in Biarritz! The podium in the Bodyboard Open - Women category at the French Surfing Championships in Biarritz was the scene of exceptional performances, highlighting the undeniable talent of the participants. Champion Lisa Labadie was closely followed by Manon Jarry in second place. Brittany's Perrine Gourcuff impressed with third place, while Christelle Giust from La Réunion stood out in fourth place.
To view all the results and titles won by category, we invite you to read the various blog articles on the official website of the French Surfing Federation.
Partners' village & HawaiiSurf stand
Set up on the casino terrace, the Grande Plage site hosted the "partners' village", an experience open to all. Hawaiisurf made its presence felt with a stand offering a wide range of activities! Our stand was the meeting point for numerous visitors and enthusiastic competitors, who actively participated in our mini-golf game to gain access to the Ferris wheel and try to win numerous gifts and vouchers.
We were delighted to take part in the French Surfing Championships in Biarritz for the second year running. Many thanks to the town of Biarritz, the French Surfing Federation, the various partners present on site and all those who visited our stand. Joy and good humor were always present, and the stand shone thanks to your smiles and participation in the many activities on offer.
Despite difficult wave conditions, the competitors put on an exceptional show, demonstrating their talent and determination. We salute their courage throughout the competition.
These Surfing Championships have been the perfect opportunity to meet you and discuss our shared passion for surfing. We look forward to sharing more surfing moments with you. See you soon for more adventures!
