Rip Curl Challenge La Nord: Interview with Kyllian Guerin, Reigning Champion

The waiting period for the Rip Curl Challenge La Nord has been open since November 1, 2025, and will continue until April 1, 2026. During these five months, the organizers are waiting for the perfect combination of swell and weather conditions to launch the 13th edition of this big wave competition at the iconic La Nord in Hossegor, for which Rip Curl has been the major partner since the inaugural edition. The event brings together the best big wave riders from the region: thirty-five surfers from the Landes area, along with eight Basque and overseas surfers, both amateurs and professionals. Competitors are judged primarily on their commitment and the size of the waves they choose to ride.

While waiting for the Rip Curl Challenge La Nord to kick off, we spoke with our team rider Kyllian Guerin, the reigning champion of the previous edition. Hailing from Hossegor, he managed to make the most of challenging conditions to etch his name into the history of a contest that has become a benchmark for big wave surfing in the Southwest. During our conversation with Kyllian, he had just returned from a trip to Morocco to present his latest film, Mascaras, at our technical shop in Hossegor.

Hi Kyllian, how do you plan to spend your winter?

KG – I’ll be spending the holidays in Hossegor, and I plan to train and work on my physical preparation at home so I’m ready to score the winter swells in Europe around March/April. I’d love to go to Portugal and Ireland. I also have two or three other spots in mind elsewhere in Europe, depending on the swell. I plan to stay around here while staying ready to chase the biggest swells at the last minute, wherever they break best. I think I’ll be around for the Rip Curl La Nord Challenge, since I plan to spend part of the winter here.

Can you tell us about your connection to La Nord?

KG – Growing up in Hossegor made me develop a sense of awe and respect for La Nord, which is one of the area’s most iconic spots. I’ve seen it break perfectly before: sometimes I was able to surf it, and other times I couldn’t get in because I was too young… This spot has always been a dream for me, and I’ve always had a huge respect for it.

When the conditions are solid at La Nord, what’s different compared to other spots you know?

KG – La Nord is a wave that breaks quite far from shore and moves a lot of water; it’s also a wave where you can ride bigger boards. I approach it either with shorter boards — like 6’2 or 6’3 — or, on the contrary, with bigger boards: 6’6, 6’8, 7’4, or even 8 feet. I have a few large boards that I sometimes test there to prepare for other spots. It’s the perfect place to experiment with different lines and boards.

What’s your best memory at La Nord?

KG – Winning the Rip Curl Challenge La Nord last year was particularly memorable. I was very happy to win this competition on such an iconic wave in Hossegor. Having grown up here, this wave is legendary to me. There was also a year when I came back from Morocco to compete and finished second, behind Justin Becret, who got ahead at the last minute on a left. I was happy for him, but a minute earlier and the win would have been mine. So it was a real pleasure to claim the title. That day, there weren’t necessarily many barrels, but the waves were still big. We focused more on big drops and maneuvers, with a slightly different approach. I hope that for this new edition, we’ll be able to score some big barrels.

And your worst memory there?

KG – I remember a day when I got absolutely smashed. I must have been 8 or 9 years old; it was pretty big — probably around 2.5 meters, maybe a bit more. I took a huge wave right at the impact, which threw me off completely. I let go, dove, and spent almost two waves underwater. It really shook me, but it also helped me gain experience, feel the energy of the spot, and understand how it works. Since then, I’ve developed a lot of respect and a certain fascination for this wave. Mostly, it made me want to chase waves full of energy that give you an adrenaline rush.

Can you tell us a few words about the atmosphere on competition day?

KG – The atmosphere is very friendly, with lots of locals of all ages. There’s definitely some pressure, but also a lot of fun. In recent years, surfers have come from elsewhere: it’s a great opportunity to face new faces and see how they approach the spot.

What’s your mindset during a heat?

KG – There’s always a strategic element: I want to find two good waves, get through my heats, and do the work. When the conditions are really good, my main goal is usually to go for a big barrel or an amazing wave that will make my day, sometimes more than the result itself. And when you catch a good wave, it usually translates into a good score. On the other hand, when the conditions are tougher, it’s more about managing the heat. And when it’s really nice, I try to go for a big bomb.

Mascaras, le tout dernier film de Kyllian au Mexique