Hossegor 2009 - Following on from a successful defence of the Celtic Cup, Federation Francaise de Sauvetage et de Secourisme (FFSS) invited Wales to send a team to the French National Championships in Hossegor. At very short notice Wales managed to put a team together and travelled down to the south of France to battle the infamous shore break.

The touring party consisted of Craig Robertson, Lloyd Rosewell, Lewis Rosewell, James Longdon, Huw Rudall, Lana Evans, Rhian Thomas, Tanara O'Neil, Sara Gwynn, Cerys Rudall, Emma Holloway, Chris Parry, Ben Parry, Tom Parry, Jack Giddings, Simon Perry, Ami Byles, Lucy Curtis, Elouise Neighbour, Helen Packman and Hannah Griffiths.

In very testing conditions, whilst trying to come to terms with some strange french rules the Welsh Team managed some notable successes namely Lana Evans 1st Swim; Mens Sprint Relay team 1st;Cerys Rudall 2nd Flags; Chris Parry 2nd Sprint; James Longdon 2nd Flags; Mens Taplin 2nd; Mens Board Rescue Relay 2nd; Mens Rescue Tube 2nd; Mens Board Relay 2nd; Craig Robertson 3rd Swim;James Longdon 3rd Sprint; Rhian Thomas 3rd Swin; Ladies Rescue Tube 3rd; Ladies Board Relay 3rd; Ladies Taplin 3rd; Ladies Board Rescue Relay 3rd; Ladies Surf Teams 3rd.

The trip was not only a success in terms of competition but also in terms of relationship building and networking. Following on from the trip France have promised to return to the Celtic Cup in 2010 with some of their big name competitors already expressing an interest in competing. There were also useful relationships made with Hossogor, Biarritz and Capbreton all of which have expressed an interest in competing in the 2010 Welsh Championships.

A delegation from Santa Cruz attending the competition also extended an invitation to Wales to take part in the Californian Championships which they are hosting in 2010 and 2011.