Hossegor and Lanzarote strengthen their links around the same surf culture

Louis Rodrigues, president of Eurosima, Maria Martin, head of Lanzarote Sports destination, Miky Picon (pro surfer) Bastien Bonnarme (surf photographer), Maxime Castillo (pro bodyboarder/surfer) Makoa Gomez (pro surfer, local to Lanzarote) Hector Rodriguez and Lorenzo Seis, the organizers of the Quemao Class, Tinajo (Lanzarote)

Hossegor and Lanzarote are separated by more than 2,000 kilometers of ocean. However, in recent days, the two emblematic territories of European surfing have found themselves around the same table for the event “ Linking Surfing Spots », organized by Hossegor par Lanzarote Sports Destination and the Lanzarote Quemao Class. 

The objective: to create bridges between two destinations which have largely contributed to writing the history of European surfing and to strengthen exchanges between stakeholders in tourism, industry and surf culture.

Organized in the heart of the Pédebert pole in Hossegor, the meeting brought together institutional representatives, professionals from the sector, specialized media and figures of European surfing around the international influence of Lanzarote and its flagship event, the Quemao Class.

For Oswaldo Betancort, president of the Cabildo de Lanzarote, the Lanzarote Quemao Class perfectly illustrates the island’s capacity to bring about international projects from its local identity. Born around the legendary El Quemao wave and driven by the passion of the surfing community on the island, the event has gradually established itself as one of the benchmarks for European surfing.

Same observation from Héctor Fernandez, general director of Turismo Lanzarote, who sees in this initiative an illustration of the strategy led by the island to strengthen its visibility among communities and professionals linked to surfing, nature sports and to experiences focused on the ocean.

Among the personalities present were Jean-Louis Rodragues, president ofMost Euroswho moderated the round table.

Around him, Maxime Castillo, Bastien Bonnarme, Miky Picon and local Lanzarote surfer Makoa Gómez shared their experiences around the wave of El Quemao, the singular identity of the Quemao Class and links that unite Lanzarote with international surf culture.

Everyone spoke of the importance of El Quemao, often nicknamed the ” Pipe canarien HAS”. With its power, its ultra-technical character and its reputation well beyond the archipelago, this wave has become over the years one of the symbols of high-level surfing in Europe.

Beyond the competition, the exchanges above all highlighted what brings Hossegor and Lanzarote together today. On one side, the Landes, historic heart of the European surfing industry. On the other, a volcanic island which has built its reputation around its waves, its authenticity and booming sports tourism.

Two destinations very different in their geography but which share the same ambition: to preserve a strong surf culture while continuing to shine internationally.

At a time when surf tourism continues to develop, the exchanges initiated between Hossegor and Lanzarote could well mark the start of new collaborations between two territories which are among the references of European surfing.

Because if the waves are different, the passion that unites them remains the same.

Tags: Bastien Bonnarme eurosima Linking Surfing Spots Makoa Gomez Maxime Castillo Miky Picon