Reunion Island is hosting the first edition of the Francophonie & Indian Ocean Surf Cup, a unique event which brings together from November 16 to 24, the best young surfing talents under 21 from the Francophonie and the Indian Ocean region: Africa South, India, Mauritius, Senegal, Tahiti, New Aquitaine and Reunion.
This event is organized by the Réunion Surf League with the commitment of the Réunion Region and the French Surf Federation, and the support of local partners such as the Saint-Leu Surf Club Elio Canestri.
The competition, which also celebrates the 40th anniversary of the Réunion Surf League, will take place on the waves of the west coast of Reunion. It is part of an approach to promoting the values of solidarity, cooperation and sporting excellence. Three major competitions will punctuate the event: the Indian Ocean Cup, the Francophone Cup and the International Cup. An innovative format will guarantee exciting confrontations throughout the week.
The event reflects the desire to boost exchanges around surfing in the Indian Ocean region. This development highlights the cultural, sporting and natural wealth of the region, while strengthening the links between surfing communities. The creation of the Union of Indian Ocean Surfing Federations (UFSOI) in December 2023 was a key element in this transformation. UFSOI encourages collaboration between surf federations in the region, fostering joint initiatives and regional events that strengthen the unity of the Indian Ocean surfing community.
The event benefits from strong support from the Réunion Region and national support from the French Surfing Federation. This international dimension, combined with the desire to promote values of unity and sustainability, marks an important step in the history of regional surfing in Reunion. The event is also supported by the Union Francophone de Surf which has brought together several countries since its creation in 2022. The first edition of the Coupe de la Francophonie took place in September 2023 in Capbreton (Landes).
In addition to the 36 invited competitors, the event brings together several personalities from the delegations present such as the president of the French Surf Federation and president of the Union Francophone de Surf Jacques Lajuncomme; the president of the Senegalese Surfing Federation and vice-president of the Francophone Surfing Union Alexandre Alcantara; the president of the African Surfing Confederation Oumar Sey; the president of the Nouvelle-Aquitaine surfing league Pier Loustau-Lasplace; representatives of the Tahitian Surfing Federation Philippe Klima and Valérie Poppke; from the South African federation Danielle Powis; Indian Surfing Federation Nawas Jabar and Diviya Pandurangam; of the Mauritian Surfing Federation Frédéric Audy. The delegations will be welcomed on site by the Ligue Réunionnaise de Surf and its president Thierry Martineau.
THREE COMPETITIONS IN ONE
The event includes three competitions, each providing a unique opportunity to demonstrate talents and promote exchanges between delegations:
The Indian Ocean Cup
It will bring together delegations from the Indian Ocean region and the Mozambique Channel.
≈ Each delegation can register a maximum of two male surfers and two female surfers under 21 years old.
The Francophonie Cup
A competition designed for French-speaking delegations and members of the Union Francophone du Surf. it aims to strengthen French-speaking ties through sport and to celebrate a shared culture.
≈ Each delegation can register a maximum of two male surfers and two female surfers under 21 years old.
The International Cup
This competition brings together all the participants from the other cups for a final competition.
THE PROVISIONAL CALENDAR
Due to swell forecasts and weather conditions, the competition management has identified three days for the event to take place.
Day 1 (Monday November 18)
Indian Ocean Cup and Francophonie Cup Qualifications
Day 2 (Tuesday November 19)
Indian Ocean Cup and Francophonie Cup Finals
Day 3 (Wednesday November 20)
International Cup (qualifications and finals)
THE SPOTS
Surfing in Reunion is a unique experience, since it involves exercising in designated secure areas. To maximize the chances of catching good waves, the competition management will select the best spots every morning, with several options located within a 15-minute drive on the west coast:
– “Les Zaigrets”: An “A-frame”, mainly a short, intense right, on a reef slab.
– “The Breakers, DLD”: Three left peaks on the reef. The second peak provides a good tube section, then connects to a slower section ideal for maneuvering. The third peak is more of a “slab” on a reef slab.
– «L’Hermitage» : A world-class left peak and right peak, separated by a large pass in the lagoon. Renowned for its tube sections and powerful waves on the coral reef.
– “Trois-Bassins”: A fun left peak, offering good waves for maneuvering, with a mix of fast and slower sections.
French champion a few days ago in Hossegor, Aelan Vaast is one of the headliners of the event. (Photo FFSurf / We Creative)
DELEGATIONS
Reunion
Jean Jean Tiago
Labasse Louis
Royer Eliott
Bergouli David
Besson Chiaramonti Nathan
Druelle Nalé
Dubourg Toan
Thiel Tao
Arrieguy Karel
Rolland Light Joia
Ile Maurice
Lamusse Rémi
Labonne Noah
Maingard Floyd
Meunier Isaiah
Montocchio Laeticia
Koobah Mounish
Inde
Anbarasu Kishore
Dhanasekaran Srikanth
Prakash Kamali
Gayen Sugar
South Africa
Emslie Daniel
Perel's Lorenzo
Steyn Zoe
Waiting Anastasia
Senegal
Bousso Serigne Fallou
Diop Cherif Adramme
Thioune Déguene
Seck Here You
Tahiti
Simon Kahili
Simon Miliani
Gasbarre Teaki
Chabrier Keo
New Aquitaine
Vaast Elan
Sarah's cheek
Chort Elijah
Lamothe Pierre
THE SERIES
Live score to follow from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. local time (6 a.m. to noon French time)
Indian Ocean Cup
https://bit.ly/4fOKtgR
Francophonie Cup
https://bit.ly/4eB7JOr
International Cup
https://bit.ly/3CFhuO2
