From Biarritz to Tenerife: Autumn Contest Recap

Fall on the European longboard scene hits differently. After wrapping up amazing sessions, my autumn schedule took me straight to two iconic locations: the legendary Belza Classic in Biarritz, followed directly by the ETL Pro Tour stop in Los Realejos, Tenerife.

It was a journey full of highs, unexpected hurdles, and pure passion. Here is a look back.

Belza Classic (Biarritz, France)

Stepping onto the beach in Biarritz always feels special. The history, the Basque energy, and the heavy atmosphere around Côte des Basques make the Belza Classic a must-attend event.

• The World Stage: This wasn’t just a regional contest, the absolute world elite was present, with top-tier surfers traveling in from Hawaii, Mexico, Brazil, and across the globe.

• Pushing Through: Unfortunately, illness and a fever caught up with me right before/during the event. But giving up wasn’t an option. I laced up, hit the water, and tried to give my absolute best despite the physical limits. Sharing the lineup with these incredible athletes under those conditions was a true test of grit.

Vanlife Reality: Stranded in France

The adventure didn't stop at the water's edge. Right after the contest, our camper bus broke down on the road, leaving us needing a tow. Suddenly, my girlfriend and I were stranded in France without a real plan or a home base. But that’s part of the nomadic surf life…..you adapt, figure it out, and keep moving forward.

ETL Pro Tour – Playa del Socorro, Los Realejos (Tenerife)

From the unexpected roadside stops in France, the journey continued south to the volcanic shores of Tenerife for the European Longboard Pro Tour stop at Playa del Socorro.

• The Challenge: The waves here were extremely fast and hollow—not conditions you would typically call "ideal" for traditional longboarding.

• The Reality Check: As a competitive surfer, the goal is to surf well in any condition. Unfortunately, cracking the code on those heavy, fast sections in Los Realejos didn’t go the way I wanted this time. It’s all part of the journey, and the lessons learned there are invaluable.

Equipped for the Road

Traveling from contest to contest across Europe with a camper bus means your gear has to withstand everything, from unexpected breakdowns and cold French mornings to powerful Canarian swells. A huge shoutout to the setups that keep me performing:

Boards: @torqsurfboards

Accessories: @roamsurf

Gear: @saintjacques_wetsuits

What’s Next?

The season doesn't stop here. From fighting through fevers in Biarritz and roadside breakdowns to the tough reality checks in Tenerife, every experience goes straight back into the training logs.

Stay tuned for more updates, and see you in the water! 🌊✨