SLALOM TUNING
I like my 7.8m and medium board or my 6.4 and small board. The setup changes every time. On the new Evo 9 we have, normally I follow the settings on the sail. The sail needs to open! You always think that when you put the downhaul on the mast and it is flat on the grass it may look like it is opening a lot. But the sails need to open now a lot more than before in the top. I am using 28-30 harness lines. I will use longer with the 6.4 than the 7.8 and a little bit shorter with the 9.4. I really like to sail with some shape in my sail because I think you benefit from better stability. With the sail set more full you always need to have the mast track a little bit more towards the front to maintain control and not fly away!
LEGENDS
My heroes were always Robby Naish, Anders Bringdal and Bjorn Dunkerbeck! Robby was the Hawaiian. Bjorn was the Terminator! I really liked the way he was winning everything. He really was dominating the sport. I saw Anders one time when I was small at the boat show. I was sponsored by Tiga and he was also in the team. I don’t know how old I was but I remember he was talking French and he explained to me about the new board. For me that was a really big and inspiring moment to meet my hero and have him take time out to talk to me! After a few years I started competing with them. After a few more years I started beating them! That was all pretty amazing to come from a kid who looked up to them to finally beating them at events.
HAPPY PLACE
The best location for me is any warm place with a beach. I like Maui but I like the summer in my place at home in France, the Isle De Re. Alani was super small last time I was at home so I look forward to him being home when he gets bigger. I think he will love the beach. I love being back at home after all the travelling. This winter was freezing though! I was waiting for my new gear and when I was wave sailing the water was freezing. I don’t know what you had in England but it was really cold this year in France. I like being home, there is still always plenty to do on my house and our beach business. I have just spent a month in Maui which was awesome. For sure when I eventually settle it will be Isle De Re! I will still always travel, I think that is in my blood. With my parents and my sister we bought a house in Guadeloupe. This is a really special place as well. It is like Maui. The wind is a bit lighter and the waves a bit smaller but it is beautiful. I have been going there since I was 1 year old with my family.
