On Saturday, the Presqu’île Crozon Foil Festival hosted the second downwind SUP foil race of this edition—a grueling contest held in the ocean swell of Crozon Bay. Setting off from Île Vierge, 82 riders, including 9 women, took on a fast and technical course finishing at the Théolen slipway.
Beyond the showcase put on by top international specialists, this event carried major stakes for French riders, serving as the sole French Open of the discipline and double-hatting as the French Downwind SUP Foil Championships. Official national titles were awarded based on the combined results of the two races.
A technical race in the peninsula’s swell
Following the Surf Foil finals held earlier in the morning, competitors gathered at the port of Morgat to prepare their gear. At 1:30 PM, after safety checks, riders paddled along the coastline to the start zone. This short warmup offered a preview of particularly dynamic conditions, featuring a shifting swell and a steady tailwind. At 2:00 PM, 71 participants lined up across a scenic starting line. Most managed to get on foil quickly, delivering an impressive spectacle. Distinct packs formed almost immediately, each searching for the optimal trajectories to connect the bumps.
Speed alone wasn’t enough on this course—riders had to read the swell expert-level, anticipate directional shifts, and occasionally veer off the direct line to catch better bumps before steering back toward the finish. In total, 71 riders completed the course, while 5 were forced to retire.
Tahitian Axel Pham gives it his all
In the Open division, Tahitian rider Axel Pham made the winning difference and racked up the most points. Behind him came Thomas Goyard, Raiarii Fadier, and Toaura Haumani. The Tahitian contingent put on a dominant display, proving year after year their dedication to the sport.
Philippe Axmann leads the masters (40+)
In the Men’s 40+ category, Mediterranean representative Philippe Axmann took the top spot with a time of 57 minutes and 51 seconds. At 43, he put on an impressive performance over this demanding course. He finished ahead of Romuald Mamadou, who crossed the line in 1 hour 00 minutes 20 seconds (2 minutes 29 seconds behind the winner). Richard Boudia, also representing the Mediterranean region, completed the podium. This division highlighted the diverse field of competitors, where experience and watercraft management play a vital role.
Yann Quilfen wins the grand masters (50+)
In the Men’s 50+ division, local Breton riders secured a clean sweep. Yann Quilfen took victory in 1 hour 00 minutes 32 seconds, ahead of fellow Breton Greg Closier, who finished in 1 hour 03 minutes 07 seconds. Mathieu Raimon took third place in 1 hour 35 minutes 15 seconds, completing an all-Brittany podium.
Mélanie Lafenêtre, top french female competitor
In the women’s event, France’s Mélanie Lafenêtre delivered the standout domestic performance, taking second place overall in the women’s field, roughly one minute behind the winner. Julie Touzot finished as the second French rider, followed closely by Bretons Anaïs Guyomarc’h and Jeanne Courtois.
French youth deliver on stage
In the Under-18 division, Mediterranean rider Hugo Babilon claimed victory ahead of Brittany’s Axel Gérard in second. Sacha Kourennoy finished third, ahead of Solal Jordon-El Hiny in fourth. The young riders continue to demonstrate rapid progress in a demanding discipline where technical proficiency, anticipation, and ocean knowledge make all the difference.
Wrapping up the french DW SUP Foil Championships
The day concluded with the awards ceremony held at the Salle du Kador in the port of Morgat, wrapped in the friendly atmosphere of the Presqu’île Crozon Foil Festival. Beyond the results, this race once again highlighted the high technical standard of downwind SUP foiling and the depth of talent across the French scene—from junior rising stars to master division veterans.
