We already met Javiez, Katie and Nikolaj…so not stopping there with our introduction to some of the future stars of the international kiting scene, we continue our series looking at the F-ONE Next Generation but this time in the company of the rather amusing Lucas Tarin.
KSm: Hi Lucas, could you tell us a bit more about you… how old are you? Where are you from? How did you get into kitesurfing and when?
Lucas: Hi, I’m 15 years old!! I started kitesurfing when I was 12. Friends of my dad were practicing this sport so I challenged myself to have a go too! Also we have a spot at home in Meze called L’ETANG DE THAU which has really perfect perfect wind!
KSm: What made you decide to get more involved in the competition aspect of kitesurfing early in kitesurf career?
Lucas: To be honest I was not expecting to! I had the chance to improve my skills thanks to my main sponsor F-ONE and also the “pôle espoir France” so I am trying to make the most I can of the opportunity. It’s an amazing chance that I have been given!
KSm: How do you manage to fit in a regular training schedule and at the same time be follow your normal school commitments? What is a normal day for you?
Lucas: For now I don’t encroach on my school schedule, the competition and training are most of the time during weekends and holidays, so I can manage to consolidate the two of them without a problem.
KSm: You are a part of the F-ONE Next Generation which aims to help young riders improve their riding in the company of young F-ONE riders whilst being coached by Etienne Lhote… how have you found this experience? Do you ever feel that it is sometimes a lot of pressure for a young boy like you?
Lucas: I love being a part of the F-ONE Next Generation team, for me it’s a real honor to ride for one of the biggest kite brands. Also it’s amazing to have Etienne Lhote as a coach, you can’t imagine!! Etienne is a really cool guy we couldn’t ask for a better coach.
It’s so cool to be together in the group, we all are friends and we like to spend time together and share some amazing moments!!
KSm: Which kitesurfers inspire you and why?
Lucas: I would like to follow the steps of my friend Paul Serin. He’s really good and really humble! It’s so important not to get too much of a “big head”! PS: Stay like that my Paulo…
KSm: Do you plan a kite session? Do you set goals for yourself to achieve with with specific tricks to work on or do you prefer to enjoy each session as it comes?
Lucas: Actually I’m a bit disorganised… often I improvise in the water… but in the end I have to train properly and I try to do my tricks and at the end of the session I’m usually proud of myself.
KSm: Do you still find the time to just enjoy your time on the water and ride with your friends for fun?
Lucas: Yes I do, I always find some time to play and sometimes even a bit to much… I should stay more concentrated… NOT GOOD LUCAS, NOT GOOD.
KSm: What do you hope to achieve from your kitesurfing career? Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Lucas: If I could pursue my career as a pro I would be very happy… also I would like to teach kitesurfing and sharing my passion with others… otherwise, another option, I will take the place of MIKA FERNANDEZ when he will retire. LOOOOLLLL
KSm: What other hobbies do you have other than kiting?
Lucas: I’m a proper sports orientated man. I play a bit of Rugby and I play in a “jeu de balle au tambourin” team (a traditional sport of my region). It’s really cool but right now I prefer to focus mainly on kitesurfing.
KSm: What advice would you like to give to young people who like you would like to get more involves in the kitesurf industry and would like to make it into something more than just a hobby?
Lucas: Some advice… I’m not sure… but to get results, there is no secret except hard work!! It will finally pay but when I say work it doesn’t mean hard labour just dedication!
KSm: As is traditional to finish we offer you the chance to speak some words of wisdom from your mind to our readers?
Lucas: I’m living a wonderful story thanks to people who believe in me and support me. Thank you to my sponsor F-ONE who trust me and thank you to all of the others who helped me at one time or another in my little athletic career.
SEE YOU SOON ON THE BEACH!!!!
