Every spring, the city of Biarritz, the European capital of surfing, comes alive with a unique sporting event: the Biarritz Pays Basque Maider Arosteguy. For the highly anticipated 2026 edition, the competition once again promises to be a major highlight of the season on the Grande Plage of Biarritz, in the heart of the Basque Country.
Staying nearby, in a place with strong character and soothing energy such as Hotel & Spa INDARRA, allows you to fully experience this celebration of surf, combining passion, ocean vibes and the Basque art of living.
Maider Arosteguy, an iconic European surf competition
Created in 1984, the Biarritz Pays Basque Maider Arosteguy is recognized as the oldest surf competition in Europe. The event pays tribute to Maïder Arosteguy, a well-known Biarritz local and committed figure who actively supported the very first surf competitions organized in Biarritz by Robert Rabagny, a pioneer of surfing on the Basque coast. Taken too soon, Maïder Arosteguy remains today an emblematic figure of the city and of French surfing.
For more than forty years, the competition has marked the official opening of the surf season in France, usually around the Easter weekend, at the end of April, depending on wave and weather conditions. The exact dates for the 2026 edition have not yet been announced, but the event is already considered a major highlight of the European surf calendar.
A high-level event bringing together young talents and professional surfers
What makes the Biarritz Pays Basque Maider Arosteguy unique is its format, bringing together young generations (cadet and under-18 categories) alongside the Open Men and Open Women, where world-class surfers compete. The 39th edition, held from April 19 to 21, 2025, was sponsored by Clément Roseyro, winner of the Nazaré TUDOR Challenge 2025, and brought together nearly 250 participants from France, Europe and around the world.
On the waves of Biarritz, rising talents share the lineup with internationally renowned surfers. Over the years, legends such as world champion Kelly Slater, Laird Hamilton, Kai Lenny, Michelle des Bouillons, Justine Dupont, and world champion Lisa Andersen have all left their mark on this competition, now considered a true reference on the European surf circuit.
Prize money, reputation and international reach
The growing stature of the event is also reflected in the significant increase in prize money. Rising from just a few thousand euros to €20,000, equally split between the Open Men and Open Women, the competition has reached a level comparable to major events on the professional world circuit. This prize fund attracts renowned surfers every year, further enhancing the event’s reputation far beyond France.
Today, the Biarritz Pays Basque Maider Arosteguy is recognized as a major event in European surfing, combining sport, culture, heritage and a deep passion for the Atlantic Ocean.
A unique atmosphere on the Grande Plage of Biarritz
For several days, usually from Monday to Saturday, the Grande Plage of Biarritz turns into a true surf festival. Between competitive heats, entertainment, encounters, evening events and podium ceremonies, the city moves to the rhythm of the waves. Locals, families, surf enthusiasts and professionals gather in a friendly, festive atmosphere deeply rooted in Basque culture.
The gala evening held at the iconic Hôtel du Palais, bringing together top athletes, partners, elected officials and key figures from the Basque Coast, symbolizes this collective commitment to the ocean, a precious shared heritage of the region.
Stay at Hotel INDARRA to experience Maider Arosteguy 2026 differently
To fully enjoy the competition while indulging in a moment of well-being, Hotel & Spa INDARRA is the perfect choice. Located in Arbonne, just 15 minutes from Biarritz, this 4-star hotel embodies the spirit of the Basque Country, between ocean and mountains.
A reimagined family home, both elegant and welcoming, INDARRA offers a unique experience combining contemporary design, Basque traditions and a refined lifestyle. After a day spent on the beach or at the heart of the event, guests appreciate the calm surroundings, natural setting and high-end facilities: spa, heated outdoor swimming pool, hammam, sauna, fitness room, yoga studio, large terrace and garden.
A hotel designed for surf and ocean lovers
INDARRA naturally appeals to surfers, teams, companions and sports enthusiasts. Its Surf Room, surf lessons and courses, welcoming common areas, attentive service and soothing atmosphere make it a true base camp for experiencing the Maider Arosteguy competition under the best conditions.
Whether you are a spectator, athlete, photographer, partner or simply a lover of surfing and the Basque coast, the hotel offers the perfect balance between proximity to Biarritz, comfort, nature and serenity.
A complete Basque experience combining sport, sea and well-being
Attending the Biarritz Quiksilver Maider Arosteguy 2026 means diving into the history of European surfing, feeling the rhythm of the waves and discovering a city deeply connected to the ocean. By choosing Hotel INDARRA, you extend this experience with an authentic, rejuvenating and inspiring stay in the heart of the Basque Country.
While waiting for the official dates of the 40th edition, INDARRA already stands out as the ideal address to experience this major sporting event, blending passion, elegance and true Basque spirit.
