NEWCOMERS

Find out more about an up and coming French sailor as we interview a promising young talent

Antoine Martin (JP / Neilpryde) completed his first full year on the PWA World Tour this year at the age of nineteen. The Frenchman showed glimpses of what he is capable of over the duration of the tour and the future certainly looks bright for him if he continues to improve at his current rate. On completion of his first full year on tour, we decided to catch up with him to see how he thought it went.

PWA: Firstly, what are your thoughts on how the 2012 season went and how would you rate your results?

AM: “For a first season all around PWA, I would say, it was a good season that has allowed me to situate myself in relation to other sailors. It was pretty good for my first complete tour, and I hope to improve my level more for next year.”

PWA: How long have you been windsurfing?

AM: “I started windsurfing since I was 5 years old, first with the passion of my father, but then I realized what I wanted to do.”

PWA: Who has been your biggest influence on your sailing?

AM: “I have always admired my father because he is a good local rider, it also influenced me a lot with my cousin who always has a very beautiful style.”

“Now I have always followed the movement of the pros and I admire each pro and a lot of style influences me,  there are so many very good riders in the world that there hasn’t been a single influence.”

PWA: What would you be doing if you weren’t windsurfing?

AM: “Probably surf, because Guadeloupe "Caribbean" is a very good place for surfing!”

PWA: Where is your favorite place to windsurf and why?

AM: “For sure, my home spot because I like it and I know the place perfectly for my wave. I also like Ho’okipa because conditions are still present, really good waves and wind.”

PWA: What is your favorite move and why?

AM: :As long as I am in the water I really love to do everything, but I like the wave 360 in particular because it is a move that gives a lot of sensations or slap you a good section.”

PWA: What new moves are you currently learning?

AM: “Surf, I try to do some different 360 frontside re-entry and when I can jump when conditions are very strong I try the pushloop forward.”

PWA: How do you learn your moves and improve your sailing? Videos? Watching others?

AM: “The most important thing is to train but it is always good advice to listen to everyone, whether a pro or an amateur. Videos are sometimes a factor that helps to know how to do a move.”

PWA: Where is your favorite spot on the PWA Tour?

AM: “Actually, my favorite spot on the tour is El Medano, more surf, more side shore wind compared to the other spots.”

PWA: How does competition sailing make you feel? And how do you prepare for your heats?

IAM: “ feel stressed and excited, but it motivates me a lot more to give even more! Before my heat I talk a lot with my friends on the beach, which allows me to relax a lot. I just need 30 seconds alone to really focus on what I have to do.”

PWA: What do you do when you’re not windsurfing?

AM: “Most of the time, I try to do another sport or see my friends.”

PWA: What are your plans for the winter?

AM: “This winter, I go home because the conditions in the Caribbean are really good during the winter, moreover I have the Guadeloupe windsurf tour.”

PWA: What are your goals for 2013 and the future?

AM: “For 2013, I am at first going to try to find sponsors to help travel. In April I will return to Hawaii then I’m going to participate in the PWA world tour. In the future I am going to try to reach the highest level, I don’t know my limits, so we shall see!”

PWA: Thanks for your time Antoine, and enjoy the rest of the winter.