a first edition and “a wave of solidarity”

Reunion Island is hosting the first edition of the French-speaking & Indian Ocean Surfing Cup until November 24. An event that brings together the best young surfing talents under the age of 21.

This competition, which also celebrates the 40th anniversary of the Réunion Surf League, takes 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 until Sunday November 24.

This event is made possible thanks to the commitment of the Réunion Region, the French Surf Federation, and the support of local partners such as the Saint-Leu Surf Club Elio Canestri.

Mauritian but also Senegalese athletes are participating in this first cup:

Indian surfers were also invited.

The Indian subcontinent has also become the new area of ​​action for the “Indian Ocean Surfers” association. Eric Pinault, the president of the IOS, goes there regularly. In 2012, during a surf trip to the Indian beach of Mahabalipuram, his association brought back boards for the village children. IOS was able to transport around fifty surfboards, an operation which encouraged the creation of 3 clubs.

The association was also able to organize on-site training in the profession of “shaper” craftsman and set up the first surfboard manufacturing workshop in India. Know-how and skills that Eric Pinault and his friends were able to pass on to Indian athletes and partners based in Pondicherry.

Watch “A Solidarity Wave”, a film by Camille Châtillon and Indian Océan Surfers: