Breizh Ocean Race 2025: A Key Test Event Ahead of the 2026 European Championships

The Breizh Ocean Race returns on April 19 and 20 in Ploudalmézeau, Brittany, France for another promising edition. Organized by the Estran Ploudalmézeau and CKCB Brest clubs, this ocean racing event attracts paddlers from all over France and abroad. The 2025 edition will be particularly important, as it will serve as a full-scale test event ahead of the European Championships taking place in the same location in 2026. Open to K1 and K2 surfski, OC1, OC2, and V6 outrigger canoes, the BOR showcases a body of water that is both stunning and demanding, right in the heart of northern Finistère. To learn more about the event, its history, and its significance, we spoke with Stéphane Roudaut, president of Estran Ploudalmézeau, former member of the French waveski team, and a passionate ocean sports enthusiast for over 35 years.

Hello Stéphane! To begin with, could you introduce yourself and tell us about your journey in paddle sports and surfski?

Hi Mathieu. I started paddling at the age of 14, so that’s over 35 years ago now. I began mostly with sea kayaking, then quickly transitioned to waveski and surf kayaking. I practiced for about fifteen years. Then I moved into surfski around the early 2000s, probably around 2005.
In terms of results, I finished as vice world champion in waveski in 2003, in Guadeloupe, in the New Age category. I was part of the French team from 1993 to 2005. In surfski, I’ve won several national titles in the veteran category, as well as in K2 with Yannick Lahousse.

Can you introduce the organizing club, your role, and the club’s position in the local and national paddle sports scene?

There are two clubs organizing the Breizh Ocean Race: the Estran Ploudalmézeau club, which I preside over, and the CKCB, the kayak club of Brest, led by Mikael Menez. We’ve been co-organizing this event together for four years now.
I’ve been president of the Ploudalmézeau club for three years. Before that, I was a full-time staff member with a State Diploma. I worked as a sports instructor at the club for about fifteen years, mainly in kayaking and sailing. Then at age 37, I made a career change: I became a self-employed fisherman. I mainly do line fishing.

The Ploudalmézeau club is very ocean-oriented: we have a sea kayak leisure section, a recreational outrigger team, and above all, a strong surfski sports school. We’ve had great results, with for example a world champion title for Mathis, and several national titles in the junior and U23 categories.

What is the history of the Breizh Ocean Race (B.O.R.)?

The BOR has existed for about fifteen years. The first editions were held in Quiberon. After that, the event rotated—one year in Quiberon, the next in Finistère—sometimes in Brest, sometimes closer to Le Mézou.
When the momentum faded in Morbihan, we picked up the torch here, on the northern coast of Finistère, starting from the fourth edition. Since then, we’ve been trying to keep the event alive every year.

What are the special features and new elements of the 2025 edition of the Breizh Ocean Race?

For the past two years, we’ve been opening the race to other craft, especially outrigger canoes. OC1s (or va’a) were already present, but again this year, we’re expecting both single and, hopefully, V6 teams. After surfski, the most represented craft is clearly the OC1, followed by OC2.

Can you tell us about the location? What are the features of the course area, and how are routes adapted to the weather?

The Breizh Ocean Race takes place in Ploudalmézeau, more precisely on the Tréompan dune. We’re in the northwest of Finistère, right at the edge of Brittany, where the English Channel meets the Atlantic Ocean.
It’s a very technical body of water, with strong currents, breaking zones, rocky shelves, frequent swell, and wind that almost never stops. It’s rare to have calm conditions. Fortunately, we have the “abers” (editor’s note: or “rias” in southern Finistère), which are sea inlets that go inland — they can serve as backup spots if conditions are too rough. We’ve already used Aber-Benoît or Aber-Wrac’h as sheltered alternatives. Depending on the wind direction, we can also organize the downwind race in the opposite direction.

The Tréompan base is ideal: we can launch from the beach and adjust the race route according to conditions, either north or south. It’s a real privilege to have such flexibility in terms of logistics and safety.

Can you already tell us which top French and international paddlers are expected this year?

Among the international athletes, we can mention the German Gordan Harbrecht, CEO of Nordik Kayaks, a well-known name in the sport, who will be present. Gordan is actually starting to get very familiar with our local waters. As for the Spanish athletes, it’s always a bit harder to get them to come, but we’ll have a few British paddlers, like Rosie Edwards, who is currently in great shape.

Among the French paddlers expected: Valentin Henot, although I’m not sure how much he’s been training this season. We’ll also have Benoît Leroux, David Szlachta, Mathis Roudaut — not to be overlooked — and Gwendal Stéphan, our nephew, who’s also doing very well. Unfortunately, we won’t have all the guys from Grau-du-Roi who are part of the French long-distance national team.

On the women’s side, we’ll see Thaïs Delrieux and Iloha Eychenne, who’s brand new to the surfski circuit but could definitely be a surprise contender.

For more information about the 2025 Breizh Ocean Race (and to register before April 14), visit: www.breizhoceanrace.fr