INTERVIEW: TRANSITION FROM SURFING TO SUP RACING!

Our ambassador Sébastien first got into SUP Racing to keep in shape on flat days but he quickly got completely hooked on this discipline. So today it is no longer a simple substitute for waves to him but a passion for which he trains and competes on his Couine Marie Race inflatable SUP with great results among rigid SUPs. Let’s meet with this passionate SUPer.

 

Hello Sébastien, how did you first get into SUP Racing?

After several years of bodyboarding and surfing, I bought my 1st SUP surfboard in 2011. My 1st SUP Race board followed in 2015 and it already was a Couine Marie 12’6×28 which allowed me to discover the enormous potential of this sport. I quickly took part in a few local races, then in more recognized events such as the Glaglarace, Dordogne Intégrale, etc… And since then I haven’t stopped. Paddling endurance has become my passion!

How did you shift your attention from waves to flat bodies of water?

It is mainly thanks to friends who convinced me because for me a SUP session just had to be in waves! I quickly understood that unlike surfing where you need very specific weather conditions and availability to be there at the right time, SUP racing allows me to be on the water as often as I want. No matter the weather conditions, it is always possible to paddle. This is a huge advantage for me and the reason why I turned more and more towards SUP Racing.

Can you describe how you approach competing?

I try to plan one or two races per month but unfortunately this year there were many cancellations of events due to the health context, so I did not participate in many races. Hopefully 2022 will be different! Despite all the context, I am satisfied with my short 2021 season, I had a lot of fun in the different races. This is what matters in the end! I have a modest track record. I rarely stand on a podium. I know I still have progress to make and that motivates me a lot! With the French open sea championship which took place in Ile de Ré on October 16 & 17, I twice obtained 4th place in my age category (Grand Master) and 23rd in the general classification of the long distance. I’m happy with this place because the level was high and I was the only inflatable SUP to enter the race! Over the long distance of this event, after a somewhat chaotic start in the turmoil created by all the rowers and the side wind, I quickly found a good pace. I stayed very focused on what was going on around me and especially on the bumps in the downwind part. This is where I wanted to make the difference. My goal was to gain as much ground as possible in this part and I think that’s what paid off. I really like this kind of ocean race. It’s on the downwinds when the water is rough that I usually perform the best.  

Do you have a game plan before starting races?

In general I don’t have a pre-defined strategy. Each race is unique. It is only after the start that I analyze the options available to me. For an ultra long distance race it’s different. The strategy to put in place is mainly at the level of resupplying to limit the stops. The management of hydration and nutrition during the race so as not to lack energy but also the intensity to be given so as not to run out too quickly.

How intense is your training outside of the races?

If possible, I paddle several times a week, working on cardio, endurance and other exercises to try to improve my speed and also my paddling technique. I find it very interesting to develop my training according to my feelings. The intensity and duration of these training sessions varies depending on where I am in relation to my next races. During the week I train on a very small body of water which has the advantage of being often sheltered from the wind and at weekends I tend more towards the greater lakes to lengthen the distances, to do a downwind if the wind allows it or the ocean on small surf days. In addition to these workouts, I go cycling, do muscle building and from time to time a few SUP surf sessions.  

How has your quiver evolved?

Since my beginnings I have always been using an inflatable SUP and I started with a Couine Marie 12’6×28. Then I used different sizes: 12’6×26″, 12’6×24″ and then 14’x26″ until this day. This size is currently my favorite because it’s the perfect balance between comfort and performance. It allows me to be very versatile. Regarding the paddle, I have been using the Carbon Pro 7” for years. I find it efficient, light and I have never had pain problems with it even on ultra long distance races.

Why did you choose the inflatable technology?

This is mainly because of the practical side. I don’t have enough storage space at my home for a rigid race board at the moment, an inflatable SUP is the ultimate solution!

Any advice for someone who wants to start SUP racing?

I don’t really have any advice to give but I would especially say to people who start with an inflatable race, that with motivation, perseverance and training, you can compete with rigid SUPs! I’ve always believed this. I think that’s one of my main motivations in every race.

What is your next goal in SUP racing?

For 2022 I have registered for the Tawara (80km) and I plan to participate in other ultra long distance races such as the Dordogne Intégrale (130km) or the 10h de Vassivière. I really like this format of long races where we push our limits. Then I also think of participating in one or two French Cups, Fort Boyard Challenge and local races to which I appreciate mainly for the friendly spirit.