TEAM NEWS: TWO CONSECUTIVE SUP SURF VICTORIES!

Pierre Girardeau makes a perfect start to the season and earns his place on the French National Team

Two national competitions, two victories, and a selection for the French National Team. Pierre Girardeau could hardly have dreamed of a better start to his 2026 season. The rider from Vendée made a strong impression during the first two major events of the French SUP Surf circuit, claiming back-to-back wins in Les Sables-d’Olonne and on Île d’Oléron.

A Home Victory in Les Sables-d’Olonne

The French SUP Surf season kicked off from May 1–3, 2026, at Tanchet Beach in Les Sables-d’Olonne during the French Longboard & SUP Open, organized by the Olonna Surf Club under the auspices of the French Surfing Federation. The event was one of the key dates on the national calendar and an important step in the race for selection to the French National Team.

For Pierre Girardeau, the stakes were even higher as he was competing on home turf. Despite the pressure and nerves that come with a season-opening national event, the Vendée native gradually found his rhythm.

In modest but rideable conditions, he confidently progressed through the quarterfinals and semifinals before delivering a standout performance in the final.

More relaxed, inspired in his wave selection, and particularly sharp tactically, Girardeau showcased powerful and committed surfing. His strategy quickly gave him the upper hand over his rivals, securing victory in front of his home crowd.

A symbolic win for the Les Sables rider, who could not have asked for a better start to his national campaign.

SUPer: Pierre, GONG team rider, riding the Alley FSP Pro with a Carbon Pro 8" paddle.

Confirmation on Île d’Oléron

A few weeks later, the tour moved to Charente-Maritime for the second major national event of the season: the French Open of Île d’Oléron.

Familiar with the venue, Pierre Girardeau returned to a spot that has brought him success before, having already claimed victory there in 2025.

This time, conditions were significantly more powerful, with sets reaching around 1.5 meters and clean waves providing an ideal playground for France’s top SUP surfers.

Facing a highly competitive field, the Vendée rider immediately showed his intentions. He dominated his quarterfinal with a 7.33/10 wave score before backing it up in the semifinal with a total of 14.27 points out of 20, including waves scored at 7.60 and 6.67.

The final once again allowed him to demonstrate his full potential. In quality conditions and surfing with confidence, he posted an excellent 8.33/10 wave and finished with a total score of 13.73 points, securing another victory.

This second consecutive win confirms his consistency at the highest national level and further strengthens his position among France’s leading SUP Surf athletes.

SUPer: Pierre, GONG team rider, riding the Alley FSP Pro with a Carbon Pro 8" paddle.

A Place on the French National Team Rewards His Strong Start

The good news followed shortly after: Pierre Girardeau was selected as one of only two athletes chosen to represent France in SUP Surf in 2026.

Thanks to his performances in the opening national events, the Vendée rider will wear the French colors at the 2026 European SUP Surf Championships, to be held in July 2026 in Salinas, Asturias (Spain), one of Europe’s most renowned surf destinations. The event will bring together the continent’s best SUP surfers.

This selection rewards several seasons of consistent performances, as well as an exceptionally strong start to the year.

SUPer: Pierre, GONG team rider, riding the Alley FSP Pro with a Carbon Pro 8" paddle.

Proven Equipment

For both national victories, Pierre Girardeau relied on equipment he knows perfectly:

Alley 7’4 board
Carbon 8 paddle
FCS Accelerator Carbon fins

This setup has supported him throughout his successful start to the season and will now accompany him toward his main objective of the year: the European Championships in Spain.

With two wins from two competitions and a place on the French National Team, Pierre Girardeau heads into the European summer with confidence and ambition. The season is still long, but the Vendée rider has already laid the foundations for what could become one of the finest years of his sporting career.