What if the next big revolution in French padel took place... on the water? The idea seems like something out of a crazy dream, and yet, Hugo Donne, young organizer of the FIP Silver in Bandol, does not rule it out. only 22 years old, who has already proven his seriousness in two editions of the Var tournament, is raising this possibility as a real option for the 2026 edition.

An assumed ambition: “We dream big”

Interviewed at the end of the FIP Silver Bandol 2025, Hugo Donne made a striking statement:

"We are exploring several avenues for next year: a club, a landscaped park, the beach... or even a land on the water ! We dream big, but everything will depend on the permits.

While he remains cautious, the idea isn't entirely unrealistic. Several examples around the world show that padel is capable of adapting to spectacular locations: hotel rooftops, beaches, shopping malls, and even floating platforms. In 2021, a padel court was even installed between two yachts in Dubai, floating on the turquoise waters of the Persian Gulf.

So why not? the first edition of an FIP tournament on the water in France ?

floating padel miami
Instagram padel credit
Stockholm padel sea floating barge
Padel floating padel sweden
documentedpartures
short floating suede
floating padel court sea

Bandol 2025, a confirmation edition

With over six players from the world's top 50, public at the meeting from the eighth round, and an professional volunteer team, the second edition of the FIP Silver in Bandol has clearly reached a milestone.

"Last year, our top seeds were in the top 90. This year, some of them were in the top 20 in the world. That's huge for us," emphasizes Hugo Donne. On the women's side, too, the level has soared with the arrival of players from the top 40.

The tournament attracted players and spectators alike, in an exceptional setting on the Var coast, thus strengthening the reputation of a growing event.

Hugo Donne: the early maturity of an organizer like no other

A long-term… and family vision

In addition to this “aquatic” project, Hugo Donne and his family structure have solid ambitions:

  • Launch of a second C5 club in Borgo (Corsica), with 14 covered tracks
  • Application for the organization of a P2000 in Corsica
  • Objective: a major FIP tournament in Corsica within 2 to 3 years

This vision is based on a dynamic of regional event development, but also on a relationship of intergenerational trust, with his father Frédéric Donne:

"He gives me a lot of autonomy. He's there to support me, but he's entrusted me with almost complete management of the tournament."

Land on the water or not, the 2026 edition of the FIP Bandol promises to be even more ambitious, in a potentially unique location. One thing is certain: French padel continues to surprise.

Franck Binisti

Franck Binisti discovered padel at the Club des Pyramides in 2009 in the Paris region. Since then, padel has been part of his life. You often see him touring France to cover major French padel events.

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