Back Home
On my way back home I was thinking about the good moments I had in Japan…
We sadly had no wind on the last day but managed to surf a bit with the S.U.P. It was quite fun and I didn’t know before I came that there was such a big surf culture there, just like Hawaii I guess… you can find surfshops all over the country. So some guys were ripping in tiny waves. Tomo, one of the best kite riders in Japan that I met in Fuerteventura many years ago was doing some long runs along the beach to catch some fish and it actually works quite well! 
Then we went to the closing ceremony and it was well fun. Had to call the guys to the podium by their names (in Japanese) and was not an easy thing… After this I had to sign some autographs and there was a nice queue of people awaiting just for me! we had some good laughs…
I’d like to say thanks again to all of them for the hospitality, but specially to Hashi, Nanae and Mashado for their time.
On our way back we spent almost 9h in the car because of traffic jams, but next day we decided to go to a typical Spa (Onsen) in the mountains, really relaxing naked moment in hot water watching the beautiful landscape. Then we headed to Tokyo and it was just crazy, never seen that in real before… Just like in the 5th element movie with 3 floors of roads going between the huge buildings in all directions, the city is so huge that it never ends, massive electronic shops, manga shops… And we finished with a real Sushi restaurant before going to the airport.
I sadly don’t have much action shots but the lifestyle ones are cool for me to remember, so will post some of them. As well as the only video clip I found. Here also the website from the national North importer, Hashi san, where there is some more stuff.
Hello Japan!!
Just got to Tokyo after a nice flight eating Sushi! But so far Sushi is not the only thing we eat here in Japan… The guys took me to some amazing restaurants where the food is just not like at home… never had a chicken that good before!!!
Hashi, the North kiteboarding distributor, picked me up and we drove through Tokyo before stopping in the next big city called Yokohoma. In the pic I join, you can see the hotel we stayed in, in the corner to the right. Not so bad Huh!? It’s funny here, I had a walk around the city and it’s quite different than in Europe. People is really, really respectful, friendly and they treat me very well. Most of them are a bit shy tho, but I’ve been told by my teammates Jaime and Jeremie, who already have been here in previous years, that they are not so shy during the party… Still haven’t seen it.
Today the Japanese championship was held in the spot of Omaezaki long beach, so we drove there and had some sessions. The wind was blowing quite strong in the morning, had too much on my 9m and it was quite gusty… didn’t enjoy that much. But then it slightly turned and was quite steady, this time on my 7m and I enjoyed a lot riding with them all… I was invited to share some “Free session” heats with the finalists and it was well fun. Also had a wave heat in medium waves and I was the only stupid one with no surfboard. 
Tonight will have one more delicious diner, and then I’ll study for hours before going to bed. Gotta assume my choice and take responsibilities now… After here, which is not finished yet as I have 2 more days then another visiting Tokyo, I’ll go back home to do some exams, and then a little trip with good friends in Zanzibar (Tanzania)… Really looking forward to this one!! will get a nice suntan!!
Cheers
French championship
Finally back in the game!! It was lovely to be back in the comp and enjoy that little weird feeling in the stomach before every heat… I went with some friends driving all the way up to the north of France at the spot of Wimereux where the french championship was held, just opposite of England.
We got there and it was raining, what esle?! But I have to say we then had great conditions, it was even sunny and the water was not so cold. We had only 2 or 3 days of wind but way enough to complete the single elimination. After doing a couple of heats I managed to climb until the final against Seb Garat who has been french champ for a while now. I was not expecting too much from the comp as it was just a come back for me after 2 years not competing, but I was happy to be in the final with Seb. There was a little crowd on the beach with a nice sunset, some friends cheering to motivate and we tried our best, well powered with our 9m starting with some oldschool board offs, front sent pass, big flat 3s and all the mobes possible.
I of course did not have my best heat in the final, as usual, who knows why… I think Seb neither, he was maybe a bit nervous but he was riding quite consistent during the whole day. It was sick anyway, and I came second, quite happy with that! even if it could be better. haha!! always could be better!
Big up to my teammate Thomas Paris who came first at the junior comp, he’s junior French champ, so cute!! haha.
Then we had some days off with no wind, we went to visit a nice town in Belgium called Brugges where we ate some insane chocolates.
Now I’m back home in Nice and will start studying again tomorrow… wind forecast is looking great for the week at least. And I’m soon leaving to Japannn!! Always wanted to do so, never been in the eastern part of the world so far so it will be great to visit Tokyo and ride with the people there!! just for a weekend!
ciao.