Caraïbos Lacanau Pro Surges Towards Finals
The 44th edition of the Caraïbos Lacanau Pro, a cornerstone of the World Surf League (WSL) Europe Qualifying Series, is nearing its conclusion. This historic event, the oldest professional surfing competition in France, has seen intense competition as surfers vie for crucial points towards the Challenger Series and the Championship Tour. Beyond the waves, the festival celebrates surf, skate, and music, highlighting local culture and environmental awareness.
Key Takeaways
- The Caraïbos Lacanau Pro is celebrating its 44th year, making it France’s longest-running professional surf event.
- Competition resumed after lay days, with semifinals locked in for the women’s and men’s divisions.
- The event is the first stop on the WSL Europe 2025/2026 Qualifying Series.
- Beyond surfing, the festival includes skate competitions, live music, and raises awareness for environmental and social issues.
Semifinal Showdowns Loom
After facing challenging conditions and difficult tides, the Caraïbos Lacanau Pro has set the stage for its semifinals. In the women’s division, Janire Gonzalez Etxabarri delivered a dominant performance, securing a high score with powerful maneuvers to advance. She will face her sister, Annette Gonzalez Etxabarri, in a highly anticipated matchup. Anat Lelior also continued her strong showing with a quarterfinal victory and is set to compete against France’s Sarah Leiceaga.
On the men’s side, Tiago Carrique set a strong pace with a precise and powerful backhand combination, earning a high score and advancing to the semifinals. He will be joined by fellow French surfers Nicolas Paulet and Sam Piter, who also won their respective quarterfinal heats. Carrique is slated to face Adur Amatriain in the first semifinal, while Paulet and Piter will battle it out in the second.
A Festival of Culture and Awareness
The Caraïbos Lacanau Pro is more than just a surfing competition; it has evolved into a week-long festival celebrating surf, skate, and music. The event village offers entertainment for all ages, featuring a skatepark that hosts events like the Skate Family Contest and the ‘cash for tricks’ GOATS OF LACA contest. Evenings are enlivened by live concerts and DJ sets showcasing local artists.
Furthermore, the event champions environmental and social causes, dedicating each day to raising awareness about ocean protection, inclusion, disability, and water resource conservation. This commitment underscores the festival’s deep connection to its community and its role in promoting positive change.
Event Details and Legacy
The Caraïbos Lacanau Pro QS 2,000, with its competition window running from July 8-13, 2025, is a significant event for surfers aiming for higher tiers of professional surfing. Organized by the Lacanau city council with support from Côte Ouest and numerous partners, the event has a rich history dating back to 1979. It continues to be a vital platform for both established and emerging talent, embodying the spirit of surfing culture and community engagement.
Sources
- Competition Resumes at Caraïbos Lacanau Pro, Finals Day Tomorrow, World Surf League.
- Caraïbos Lacanau Pro Celebrates 44th Edition, World Surf League.
