The Wissant Wave Classic enters a nine-day standby phase on 12 September, marking a milestone for French wave surfing. Following two successful years as a three-star event, the competition on the Côte d’Opale has been upgraded to a four-star Challenger World Cup. This marks the first time since the competition’s inception that a four-star Wave World Cup has been held in France. The upgrade is attracting the strongest international field of competitors ever to compete in Wissant. Situated between the two headlands of Cap Gris-Nez and Cap Blanc-Nez, the spot benefits from a unique geography that accelerates the prevailing winds between the rocky outcrops, creating ideal sideshore conditions. Its natural amphitheatre-like formation has made Wissant one of Europe’s best-known wave spots for years. Now the location is taking to the international stage, a platform that matches its calibre.
World number ones level on points
At the top of the entry list are two names who currently share the lead in the world rankings. Philip Köster and the reigning world champion Marc Paré are both travelling to France with exactly 22,400 points. This tie makes Wissant a crucial race in the title race, whilst the tour is in the midst of its European leg. Morgan Noireaux is another heavyweight competitor from Hawaii. The Aloha Classic champion claimed his fourth title at the prestigious event in Ho’okipa on Maui in 2025, putting him on a par with legend Robby Naish. Noireaux’s presence raises the standard of the starting field significantly once again.
However, the heroes of the home crowd are Arthur and Alice Arutkin. The brother and sister both won their respective divisions at Wissant in 2025 and are now returning as defending champions. Arthur will have to face a significantly stronger international field, which is coming to France for this four-star event. Köster, Paré and Noireaux are putting the Frenchman under pressure, as he knows his home spot inside out. Alice leads the women’s division. Alongside her, competitors including Marine Hunter and Sol Degrieck will be taking to the water.
Five stars by 2027, then?
Event organiser Sylvain Bourlard has a clear vision for Wissant. The move from three to four stars is intended to be just the beginning. Following a successful event in 2026, Bourlard is aiming for full five-star World Cup status in 2027. This would see Wissant rise to the top tier of international wave events.
The weather window runs from Saturday 12 September to Sunday 20 September. This gives the organisers nine days to select the best conditions available and get the top-class field out on the water. The flexible timeframe allows them to wait for optimal wind and wave conditions.
Find all the information at worldwindsurftour.com
