Coastal Lifesaving: Shaw and Partners World Ocean Series Hossegor Classic 2025
- Margaux Caillier
- Jul 13
- 5 min read
Updated: Oct 29
📅 Date: July 12–13, 2025
📍 Location: Hossegor (Central Beach & Surf Lifesaving Area)
Organized by Shaw and Partners World Ocean Series in collaboration with local surf lifesaving clubs (Hossegor Lifesaving Club, FFSS certified lifeguards) and equipment partners (Ocean Perf, Mellow Sea).
The pinnacle of competitive coastal lifesaving sports!
Pre-Race: Immersion and Recon
I arrived early at the heart of the competition zone in Hossegor. I set up my gear: Sony A9 with 24–70mm lens in my hands, and my Ikelite waterproof housing ready. As a specialized aquatic photographer in coastal lifesaving and open-water swimming, I prepared for the rolling waves, shifting sunlight, and unpredictable athlete trajectories.
The beach gradually came alive: athletes putting on their lycras, prepping their surf skis and paddle boards, warming up for the races. The crowd settled. After a few shots from the sand, I entered the water with fins on, just a few meters from the start line, ready to capture what the spectators on the beach could not see. The light was soft, and the water gently stirred: a perfect setup for intense series ahead.
Strategic Positioning in the Water
Positioning is everything: between heats, I stay alert to the movements, anticipating the typical lifesaving transitions: PADDLE-SWIM-KAYAK/SURF-SKI. I anticipate waves, reflections, the final sprint, and the position of key athletes. Every angle is an opportunity to capture the sport’s technique and emotion.
Event Format and Stakes
The Hossegor stage is the first European stop of the World Ocean Series, a prestigious event featuring a 5,000m (short-distance) but very intense format, combining surf race, board race, ski race, oceanman/oceanwoman, and open-water swimming.
With points for international rankings, prize pools, and the “MVP” multi-event title at stake, the tension was palpable. As an aquatic photographer, I knew the event would be demanding: rapid lighting changes, turbulent water, ultra-reactive athletes, and multiple event transitions that multiply visual opportunities.
Technical Challenges in the Water
Being immersed among athletes is active work.
The Sony A9 delivers high-speed bursts to freeze droplets, faces, boards, and kayaks in motion. My Ikelite housing is solid but heavy in choppy water.
Conditions at Hossegor:
rolling swells,
coastal currents,
intersecting waves.
I position myself just after the start line, then move toward buoy turns, where the energy peaks. I must also return quickly to the final straight before the finish.
Typical lifesaving moments include PADDLE-SWIM transitions, SWIM-SURF SKI sequences, and Oceanman sweeps. Between precise gestures (paddling, board handling, tight turns) and spontaneous emotions (effort, smiles, camaraderie), every shot tells a story of a demanding, human sport.
Anecdote: Mid-Race Magic : Midway through, between a ski series and a board race, an athlete adjusted their trajectory atop a wave. Water splashed onto my housing; I fired the shutter without fully seeing the frame. Technical skill met emotion: the athlete signaling me, the wave lifting them, sunlight illuminating Hossegor beach—a perfect frozen moment
Coastal Lifesaving Event Results
Oceanman Final
This multi-discipline test challenged endurance and versatility:
Jules Fredonnet (Capbreton) – 1st
Bob Whittaker (UK) – 2nd
Mael Tissier (Hossegor Lifesaving Club) – 3rd
Jules dominated, claiming the decisive victory.
Oceanwoman Final
Thais Delrieux (Biarritz Lifesaving Club) – 1st
Elise Daudignon (Hossegor Lifesaving Club) – 2nd
Ellie McCloy (Team United Kingdom) – 3rd
Ellie also triumphed in the open-water swim, showcasing exceptional form.
Open-Water Swim Final
This race featured intense competition among the top open-water swimmers:
Eliot Vergracht (Hossegor Lifesaving Club) – 1st
Jules Fredonnet (Capbreton) – 2nd
Baptiste Cochard (Rennes Lifesaving & Rescue) – 3rd
Eliot Vergracht skillfully used the waves to his advantage, taking the lead to cross the finish line first.
The women also faced the swell in this open-water swim event:
Ellie McCloy (Team United Kingdom) – 1st
Anna-Fiona Volz (Germany) – 2nd
Emmanuelle Bescheron Philaire (FFSS) – 3rd
Board Race (Paddle Board) Final
Bob Whittaker shines once again on the podium, taking first place in this final.
Bob Whittaker (UK) – 1st
Mael Tissier (Hossegor Lifesaving Club) – 2nd
Nicolas Daudignon (Hossegor Lifesaving Club) – 3rd
And among the women, it’s Nicolas Daudignon’s sister who wins the race. Lifesaving truly runs in the family !
Elise Daudignon (Hossegor Lifesaving Club) – 1st
Ellie McCloy (Team UK) – 2nd
Clémence Schorsch (Hossegor Lifesaving Club) – 3rd
Surf Ski (Kayak) Final
Jules Fredonnet climbs the podium once again with a beautiful bronze medal:
Piran Phillips (Portreath SLSC) – 1st
Levi Mayes (Fish OEK) – 2nd
Jules Fredonnet (Capbreton) – 3rd
Elise also climbs the podium once again:
Olive Pearce (Mount Manganui) – 1st
Thais Delrieux (Biarritz Lifesaving Club) – 2nd
Elise Daudignon (Hossegor Lifesaving Club) – 3rd
These athletes embody determination, technique, and teamwork. Capturing their performances showcases the beauty and intensity of coastal lifesaving sports.
The Unique Setting of Hossegor
Hossegor is more than a competition: it’s a majestic backdrop. Pine trees, dunes, Atlantic swells, golden sand, and passionate local lifesaving clubs. From the water, my perspective is rare: I capture the race, spectators, flags, tents, buildings, and sunlight reflections on the sea.
My favorite shot? An athlete in a surf ski kayak sprinting toward the finish line, mere meters from my housing—practically brushing my shoulder. This photo captures the essence of coastal lifesaving and the variety of disciplines athletes face in competition. It’s a whole community in motion offshore.
Gratitude to Athletes & Organizer
When I get in the water, I never know what will happen: whether you’ll come close, wave, or smile. But one thing is certain: I feel at home beside you, sometimes even on your trajectory. You’ve sent me many thanks for the images, but in truth, I am infinitely grateful to you.
I spend hours alone waiting between heats, but when you arrive, I feel like I’m racing with you, at the heart of the action. Thank you to all the coastal lifesaving athletes of the World Ocean Series for sharing these moments. If the photos are striking, it’s because it’s a team effort.
Can’t wait to see you again!
Practical Info & Equipment
📍 Event : Shaw and Partners World Ocean Series – Hossegor Classic 2025
Organizers : World Ocean Series / Hossegor Sauvetage Côtier / Ville de Hossegor
📅 Dates :July 12–13, 2025
📸 Equipment Used: Sony A9 + Ikelite housing + 24–70mm lens
📋 Event Format: Oceanman, Oceanwoman, Open-Water Swim, Paddle Board Race, Surf Ski (Kayak)
📱 Official Results & Rankings: FFSS.fr
💡 Technical SEO Keywords: aquatic photography, coastal lifesaving, open-water swimming, board race, ski race, surf race, Ikelite housing, Sony Alpha, paddle board, top lifesaving athlete
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