Introduction.

Hi, I’m twenty, I was born in Saint-Martin in the Caribbean and I’ve loved the ocean since I was a kid. My parents have a sailing school on the french part of the island, I was lucky to grow up in an environment that encouraged water sports. I decided to put my studies on hold after graduating high school to focus on practicing sports and making videos. My specialty is kitesurf, but I’m currently trying to get better on other equipment to become an accomplished waterman. 

Can you tell us about your day to day life and your practice ?

My daily routine often varies depending on the weather conditions, but I always start with a session or a workout at sunrise, to get a good start. After that comes a lot of time spent in water.

You spend a lot of time in water, can you tell us about your different activities ?

Indeed ; I started windsurfing when I was four, and I quickly got started on kite, surf, paddle… until the foiling trend emerged. I started with kitefoil and windfoil, and I got addicted very fast to the feeling that comes with foiling.

You use the Efoil, what do you think of it ?

When the surf and SUP foil phenomenon came to life, I was really intrigued by this new type of ride and the potential it had even in non ideal conditions. I immediately came in contact with Takuma, that’s when our partnership started. The Efoil is the ultimate activity to compensate for lacking riding conditions, it’s mostly the way it gives the sensation of flying above water that’s incredible. It also allows you to get access to different, unexpected spots. 

How do you use the Takuma Wing ?

For me, the Takuma Wing became the ultimate weapon for intense conditions, like tropical depression, when the wind blows relatively hard and irregularly. But its use in softer conditions is very enjoyable, especially with the ability to make downwinds with a different equipment. 

You also like contributing to R&D ?

Yes the R&D side of things is really interesting to me, I like modifying and testing gear to see what could be improved, but I like even more finding ways of optimizing the equipment. Of course when a new product comes out, it’s important to have as much feedback on it as you can, that’s usually what we do as riders. 

Can you tell us about your last trip?

I had the chance to discover Siargao during a surf trip. It’s a destination I already want to visit again, a good vibe, good waves, everything that makes a good trip. As to pick a favorite spot, I’d probably go with Le Morne, in Mauritius, but on the orient bay, my home spot, which stays my favorite because of the variety of conditions you can find there and all the sports you can practice. 

Can you explain how to do a dock start?

Ideally have a dock around 20 centimeters above water surface, with 4 meters of space to start comfortably. Hold the board like a skimboard you would be ready to launch, and take three to four steps of momentum. The foil should be in the water at this point, the speed will generate lift on the foil. Hands still on the board, place your back foot first on the board, then your front foot. Then stand upright and carry with a pumping movement.

Instagram : @theo_demanez