Caraïbos Lacanau Pro

The history of the Lacanau Pro, a surfing and board sports festival

The Lacanau Pro was founded in 1979 by a handful of local surfers from Lacanau who wanted to create an international surfing competition modelled on those already taking place in Hawaii, Australia and South America. It was a bold venture, but one that proved a resounding success! Over the years, numerous sponsors have proudly flown the flag for the competition, which was unique in France at the time. It wasn’t long before the surfing stars started turning up. Indeed, the biggest names – such as Kelly Slater, Wayne Bartholomew, Tom Curren and, more recently, Justine Dupont – have all made a stop at Lacanau’s central beach.

A week of surfing, skateboarding, sport and nights out

From Wednesday 8 to Tuesday 14 July, Lacanau Océan will be buzzing with surfing action as it hosts an international WSL QS 2,000 competition, taking place every day from 10.30 am to 6 pm, weather permitting.

Alongside the competition, a packed programme of events, open to all, will be on offer throughout the week:

• morning fitness sessions every day: warm-up, fitness, Body Pump, yoga, aerobics or Pilates;
• daily book-signing sessions at the Lacanau Town Council stand;
• live broadcasts and educational sessions to help viewers better understand the competition;
• introductory skateboarding sessions, open sessions and several competitions open to young people, amateurs and guest skaters;
• stalls run by local organisations and activities focusing on the ocean, the environment and inclusion;
• events, talks and Surf Cafés dedicated to surfing and surf culture.

Every evening, the programme will continue with music, featuring concerts, live performances, DJ sets, a blind test, a bingo night and the Pagaille Festival.

Monday 13 July will mark the end of the competition with the WSL awards ceremony, followed by a concert, fireworks on the seafront and a DJ night. The festivities will continue on Tuesday 14 July with sporting activities, skateboarding and a big music night.

The surf festival in the heart of Lacanau

Set up on the seafront, facing the ocean, the event revolves around a lively village that is accessible to all. Throughout the day, visitors can enjoy free skateboarding lessons, skateboarding contests, muscle warm-ups, as well as conferences, photo exhibitions and environmental awareness stands. Participatory activities, such as litter picking, complete this socially conscious programme. The exhibitors’ village, which is continuously animated, brings together numerous stands and partners, creating a real place for exchange and sharing in the heart of the beach.

And as soon as the sun begins to set, the atmosphere heats up: concerts, DJ sets and musical entertainment set the tone for festive, friendly evenings that are open to all. Combining surfing, culture, sport and music, Caraïbos Lacanau Pro transforms the seafront into a place for encounters and discoveries, where enthusiasts and curious visitors come together to share unforgettable moments.

An eco-responsible event

In 2024, conscious of the privileged environment in which it is taking place, the Caraïbos Lacanau Pro is committed to strengthening its eco-responsible measures and pursuing sustainable activations throughout the week.
A number of actions with energy, environmental and nutritional aspects are being put in place.
In addition to a carbon footprint for the event, designed to limit its impact in future editions, the week will also feature workshops and meetings run by partner associations: P’Sea, See Surf, Water Family, Wings of the Ocean and Surfrider Foundation.
And don’t forget:
 For water: fountains will be installed in the exhibitors’ village
 For waste management: single-use plastic is banned from the site.
 For travel: opt for non-polluting transport! There are bike parks at every corner of the Lacanau resort. And if you’re coming from Bordeaux, take the Bordeaux – Lacanau transgironde 421 bus or car-share. It’s great to hit the road with surfers from all over the world!