Wednesday, January 24, Hossegor witnessed a memorable spectacle, with waves reaching 3 meters and a 15-second period. The ideal conditions, marked by a light south wind, set the stage for the 11th edition of the Nord Challenge.
Every year, the La Nord spot in Hossegor transforms into a majestic theater where massive waves host the Nord Challenge. Prestigious names in surfing, such as Jérémy Florès, Éric Rebière, and Paul Duvignau, have gathered at the line-up to tame these impressive waves.
However, it was our ambassador, Diego Torre, a young surfer from Anglet, who captured all the attention during a suspenseful final, thus winning the title at this 11th edition.
We had the chance to talk with Diego Torre after his victory to gather his impressions:
Hawaii Surf: How do you feel after winning this competition?
Diego: Of course, I'm happy to reach this first place, but it's especially motivating for what's ahead.
Hawaii Surf: Did this competition have a particular significance for you?
Diego: This competition didn't really have any stakes for me except to have fun, surf for 2 hours in beautiful conditions, and be helped by the jet skis to catch more waves.
Hawaii Surf: As an Englishwoman, how did you adapt to the wave conditions in Hossegor, and is it different from what you usually do?
Diego: Even though I am Angloye, I have always spent a lot of time in the Landes looking for the right waves. I already had a good idea of what it was going to be like. In Anglet, the waves are more capricious, you have to struggle to find the right wave, which helps when you arrive in the Landes where the waves have a perfection and regularity unmatched in the area.
Hawaii Surf: What does your training for this kind of competition involve?
Diego: My training is mainly focused on wave reading, knowing each spot in detail. Before my sets, I would go opposite to where I wanted to get into the water, in order to best analyze the peak.
Hawaii Surf: What are your upcoming projects or competitions?
Diego: Afterwards, I want to go back surfing in Nazare. And that, hopefully, before the next swells arrive!
Diego Torre's victory at the Nord Challenge is not just a technical win, it is also a celebration of his passion and determination for his sport. As Diego continues to push his limits, Hawaii Surf is delighted to support this ambassador in his future adventures, which promise to be as thrilling as the waves crashing on La Nord.
Thanks to Victor Perez Pinaud and Jeff Ruiz for the photos!
