Post co vid has seen the rise in festivals, notably the Finistere surfski Festival. Is this the new normal of surfski paddling? The Finistere surfski Festival took place in Easter 2023, over 15 paddlers gathered in North Finistere, France for the 2nd Finistere surfski festival. The location of the festival in the small village Guisseny, France, right off the North West coast of France. Finistere has some of the best surfski conditions and best French paddlers on the circuit. The geography of Finistere makes it a world class surfski destination, with 4 pennisulas jutting into the North Atlantic, it can pick up swell from any direction. We talk to Helen Trehoret organiser of the Finistere Surfski Festival, about the concept and idea of the event.
Hi Helen, Can you tell me about the Finistere Sufski Festival, how and why did it evolve?
The festival was created to highlight the world class conditions that Finistere, or North Finistere has to offer. I felt that I could use the same model as kayak symposiums to bring together people who love surfski paddling, to share their passions for the ocean, no matter what level they paddle.
I spoke to a few people in the surfski world about my concept and from the start recieved some very positive support, notably from Micky Mcdonald from Rogue Kayaks, who sponsored and supported the festival from the beginning, something that is very special as an event organiser.
What was the format of the festival?
The Festival started on the Friday night with a free paddle session in one of the bays found in Guisseny. This is a secret spot, and catches some great swell, it is just a great wave to have fun on!
Saturday was split into two halves, with the morning concentrating on technique with Nacho Soler Fabre from Div 4 paddling. The goal was for paddlers to find a technique that made them feel comfortable in the water. The secret to speed is not a faster boat, it is a good technique. The afternoon the paddlers were back in the water surfing the famous wave in Guisseny. This gave a chance to the paddlers new and experienced, to experience surfing a wave, one of the ultimate sensation of surfski paddling. After a full day in the bucket it was time for a rest.
Sunday was all about downwinding, with a trip to the famous Rade, Brest. But as always the wind never gives us what we want! After a session in the Rade, it was then time for a talk from founder Rogue founder Micky Macdonald, about his up-and-coming brand, developed and produced in Europe.
This was then followed by Ignacio “Nacho” Soler Fabre on training techniques. Nacho based in the Canary Islands, his role for the event was the chief instructor. With a huge amount of experience both in racing and coaching, Nacho is one to watch for the future in surfski coaching. The talk series finished with the famous 3-metre BBQ and drinks!
The final day, Monday, finished with a low key race, just for fun, in Brignongan Plage. France, the perfect ending to a festival!!
What’s next for 2024?
The event is likely to move date to take advantage of the local event Breizh Ocean Race. This is so that paddlers coming to Finistere, can get a full Finistere paddle experience. What is more, in 2024 the event will move to the centre nautique in Guisseny, allowing the event to grow into more a festival and an opportunity to meet other surfski paddlers. But wait and see! The dates are yet to be confirmed!
How can people get involved in this event?
All the details can be found here ===> Finistere Surfski Festival. If paddlers want to sign up for updates on the 2024 event then they can head over to this page!
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