THE LAST TIME: PIERRE MORTEFON
THE LAST TIME: PIERRE MORTEFON
THE LAST TIME: PIERRE MORTEFON
Life at full speed comes with a lot of memorable moments…and Pierre Mortefon remembers them all. From the last time he flew across the water at 35 knots to the last time he got a speeding ticket or stole a strawberry from his daughter, the world champion racer walks us through the last time he did just about everything!
Photos: PWA / Carter, PWA / Rafasoulart
Last time you were exhausted?
PM: It was at Fuerteventura World Cup on day four…we faced really hard conditions with 30/40 kts and I think there was a swell somehow coming from S/SW, it was hardcore racing! I won the two races of the day, but I gave it all and coming back to my hotel room I was done with one more day to go!
Last time you had a killer windsurfing session?
PM: At the beginning of February back on my slalom board in Gruissan! I was flying in 35knots.
Last time your computer crashed?
PM: Well, it didn’t crash but I dropped it in 2018 in the airport after I forgot to zip my bag and it fell to the floor! The computer was just not starting anymore and after a check with technician it was destroyed and I had to buy a new one two days before I departed for the Asia part of the PWA season.
Last time you were on the podium?
PM: A few weeks ago, in Tenerife for the final event of the Slalom X tour, winning the event plus the annual world title ranking was amazing! I had a rollercoaster summer with lot of emotion, I didn’t show too much but it was a great victory and meant so much. On top of that Finian Maynard the boss of FMX arrived just in time for the podium to be there with me which was a cool moment. Then I had a solid night of celebration which do not happen often for me!
Last time you shared a wave?
PM: During my last surf session but it was not in purpose as someone stole the wave from me! I was not happy! This was on a little spot close to my house, but the place is quickly crowded as more and more people are surfing.
Last time you were in trouble with the Law?
PM: I got a speeding fine on the way back from my session at the beach! I was not going so fast maybe 12 km/h extra, but rules are rules the worst is that in France we lose points on top of the fine -2 for this one. Grrrr!
Last time you went over the handlebars at full speed?
PM: One month ago, with my son biking on a forest, I was pulling him with a line, and I went left and he right … we both flew! He did not cry but we were both shocked a bit as it was really not expected and I think I was more scared for him than for me.
Last time you had a non-stressful day?
PM: Mid-November 2024, I was in Morocco for four days holidays with my wife! That was relaxing! I flew to Agadir then we spent some days in Thagazout then in Imsouane. I really enjoying the time there, it was cool, good food plus some times on the water.
Last time you spent a whole day without thinking about work once?
PM: I don’t remember! It’s special, my work is my passion. I always want to make the most of it, prepare well the season, be ready, think about this and that. So, I am thinking a lot about my job and the fact I have an amazing one!
Last time you sailed until your body couldn’t take any more?
PM: This winter during a wave session when on every wave I was telling myself, ‘You should stop, you should stop now!’. But it was too good! During the winter we often go to Saintes Marie de la Mer, this place is well known for speed surfing with a canal but it’s also taking well the south swell coming from the Mediterranean Sea.
Last Race you won?
PM: It was in Tenerife beginning of August, I won race one and race three of the event. But I will remember the 1st one because it was the first one of the event, plus the first one with the new NeilPryde sails. It was perfect to get some confidence, on top of that I had one of my best gybes of the year to manage to win this one! And yes, when I won…I clenched my fist and pointed my finger to the sky. There was a lot of pressure going out!
Last board you really loved?
PM: The FMX Invictus 98! That board is a machine! I discovered it last year when we exchange with Finian Maynard. I knew he works a lot on his slalom range and honestly straight on my first run, I had amazing feelings for it. Then I sailed several spots and the board was much more comfortable compared to what I was used to before. And this is super important when you start racing as it’s super important to be fast but being able to check what’s going on around you is also vital! Then I managed to win Gran Canaria Event and secure the Slalom X World Tittle last year and win the world title again in 2025 by winning Fuerteventura and Tenerife!
Last time you ran a mile?
PM: Preparing for the school cross country with my son! That was tough! I am not a good fan of running especially being a heavy racer I am not really passionate by running, on the other hand I prefer biking and add it to my preparation.
Last time you got really angry?
PM: A month ago, when a guy almost ran us over going out of kinder garden. I was super pissed as I think the people don’t really realise bad thing can happen in a second. As I get older and also having kids you realise some thing and also appreciate a lot the life in general. I screamed but was useless, more important was to secure the safety of my little one.
Last time you prayed?
PM: Last month! When I was organising my wedding this summer with Julie. After 17 years supporting me she really deserved it!
Last time you made a final?
I made all three finals in Guadeloupe! I got three seconds so not too bad! Then I was in nearly every final in the Canary Islands, I was pretty happy with my consistency!
Last time you clenched your first in celebration?
PM: Winning the Foil world title in Japan…That felt good! 2024 was an incredibly intense, I worked a lot and I also wanted to thank my new sponsors. Winning both disciplines was also super special! I really loved the fins before; I enjoy racing on the foil so being at top on both was a dream. Again this year when I knew I won the slalom X, I clenched my fist going over the line! Lots of special moments after a lot of hard work!
Last time you tidied your bedroom?
PM: Two days ago! It’s not really my thing but I like when it’s organised, let say I am dealing the outside part and the garage (most important place of the house!)
Last time your car broke down?
PM: It was last year, nothing bad as I just killed my battery forgetting the light of the car for few days. But I was scared a little bit but was just the battery …
Last time you had a really bad day?
PM: Six months ago, I crashed crashing really hard and hit my neck on the first day of a windy week! It was stupid, I just told my friend it’s so cool to do some fins again you can really push hard and go fast. The wind was a bit gusty and I get a stronger gust coming a bit more from the front and my front foot went out. I crash hard my head and printed it on the monofilm and broke a batten.
Last meal you ate?
PM: I had a nice grilled piece of beef with potatoes and salad…delicious! I cooked need it, nothing too hard but I liked cooking and prepare some good stuff at home.
Last time you sailed in 50 knots?
PM: I think it was 2/3 years ago, we always have the Aff French champ in Le Jai. It’s always windy and we often get 30-40 and sometimes 50 knots. Chop and swell can be massive at this place. This day I was sailing 5.0m and I missed the start by 7/8 seconds because on my launching I could not sail in a straight line! They measured like 53-55 kts on the committee boat.
Last time you washed the dishes?
PM: Last night, that is my duty at home! Honestly, we really share all duties, and I don’t have too much pressure. The fact is as I am not always at home and it’s not easy dealing with two kids alone, I am trying to help the maximum I can when I am there.
Last time you got really drunk?
PM: A long time ago, I am not really a big party guy or drinker! Last party was for sure at home coming back from Japan with a second world title. But I was not sick I just enjoy the moment. Then at the end of Tenerife I made a pretty big party night, sometimes you have to let off some steam!
Last time you missed a plane?
PM: Ten years ago, on my way to Fuerteventura! Everything was well set and organised but the hostess at the counter was way too slow to deal the bags, we had some discussion and negotiation and when everything was fine, she cannot print the tag and we ended missing the flight …I had to go back to the van we booked a hotel to wait the next flight the day after …
Last time you felt stoked with the world?
PM: In January after a perfect ski session with my family! It was in the northern alps in France, I really enjoy skying. I was lucky enough to ski when I was a kid then I did a break few years ago to don’t take any risk for my season. But we started again to go when my son was old enough. Skiing is an amazing sport to share with your kids.
Last book you read?
PM: The Art of Winning – Dan Carter! It’s really inspiring, for the one who don’t know the author he was the captain of All Black rugby team and was an amazing player. I like to read athlete autobiography, and his one is amazing, inspiring with a solid head and a nice life.
Last piece of clothing you bought?
PM: I bought a pair of jeans. I have a good friend working in clothes industry and once a year he pushes me to pass by his shop and get some new stuff. I am not a fashionista, but I like to be ok with my clothes and I wear things that are super comfy!
Last time you laughed out loud?
PM: We were playing on a friends WE 2 months ago remembering the old days!
Last time you went for a slap-up meal?
PM: Last Sunday!
Last time you made the bed?
PM: This morning, I like to make it clean every morning, it launches the day. And I also really enjoy entering my bed when it is nicely made!
Last time you cried?
PM: This winter, it was a mix feeling. From being on top of the world then getting back to normal life with some problems and usual stuff. I think it’s not a bad thing.
Last time you were conned?
PM: Last month buying some stuff on internet and being engaged for 6 months! It was some new coffee on the internet. I wanted to try and discover it but being locked in make me crazy.
Last time you were romantic?
PM: For Valentines Day! Nothing special, home good dinner, nice wine, flowers …
Last time you won something non windsurfing?
PM: Last weekend I won at Monopoly with my family! It’s funny as you need to deal with everyone and try to be smart to start problem and really enjoy the moment.
Last crash in a PWA race?
On Tenerife again in Race three. I was going for the last gybe in 3rd position. Going safe and I just concentrated on my gybe and on the swell. I turn a bit shorter than expected then I missed my boom and went down in the water. It was nothing extreme but just a stupid crash which make me loose 3/4 points! I was angry!
Last time you broke a bone?
PM: 2012 in Fuerteventura. I broke my foot; I had a massive crash going out while training for the world cup. My foot hit the board badly. I came back to the hotel hardly walking and the next morning (1st day of the event) I could not wake up. So, I decide to flight back to France and check with a good doctor. The fact was next event was two weeks after in Turkey and I did not want to miss it for my annual ranking. So, we decided with the doctor to try to make the event with a special bandage. I was not risking anything except having pain. It was ok and hard, but I managed to race all week and be ok on the results. When I came back home, the next day I got a cast for a month and was only just ready for the next event in Sylt.
Last time you were jealous?
PM: Last week, both kids ask for the mother reading a story to sleep.
Last time you lost some money?
PM: Last fine I got for speeding! I don’t drive to fast usually, getting older I am getting safer I think I was fined 90€.
Last time you gambled?
PM: This winter I went for the 250 Euro millions / I got zero!
Last time you said I am really sorry?
PM: To my wife, I forgot to do some stuff at home and we lost time for our weekend!
Last time gig you went to?
PM: I went to see 50 Cent! It was two years ago! It was a big concert in a massive place with probably 10,000 people, it was funny with people from all generation and yes, we song all the songs from when I was teenager.
Last time you went on a non-windsurfing holiday?
PM: November in Morocco – surfing…I love holidays!
Last time you stole something?
PM: Two hours ago, I stole one strawberry from my daughter!
Last time you saw an amazing windsurfing manoeuvre?
PM: Last week checking the PWA wave competition in Chile! Honestly, I was impressed by lot of riders! The four finalists; I liked all their style! Marcilio and Marc are amazing athletes and really solid competitors on the side of their style. Camille and Baptiste have amazing style also.
Last time you jumped so high that you were scared?
PM: When I jumped with my slalom kit in Le JAI, my local beach! I think I was going 7/8 meters into the sky. That is when the mistral is blowing you get 1/2m chop and 50 knots, the perfect place to fly!
Last time you patted yourself on the back?
PM: Coming back from Japan last year, being at home with two trophies to show my wife and two kids! All the family was waiting for me at the airport with 20 friends! We celebrated there and continued a bit for a party, but I was completely destroyed from the flight. I almost miss last flight to get home in Paris, because I was sleeping in the waiting area! After winning the Slalom X this summer in the Canary Islands i was pretty proud also, after overcoming a lot of problems and still managing to win!
Last time you stayed in bed all day?
PM: Last Christmas I had a massive flue!
Last time you had a fight?
PM: Last training camp with the youth French generation. The new generation is pushing hard but they are sometimes too crazy and going to the extremes; so, we had some discussion, it was noisy!
Last time you told a little white lie?
PM: When I told my son the skatepark was closed going home after school! It was already late and I knew we will be late for dinner and sleep.
Last time you read a windsurf magazine cover to cover?
PM: 10 years ago, I don’t remember exactly which one probably a French one, but I was more addicted some years ago. But last time we did a catamaran trip with my friend in the Caribbean. I really enjoyed reading all the articles we work on with several magazines.
Last time you did a jump that made you scared?
PM: This winter on my foil kit with 4.5m. With the foil you can fly high, three to four meter easy but I ejected from my equipment because I was not sure of landing.
Last time you messed up a gybe?
PM: This summer in Fuerteventura! This year it was hardcore, racing Fin and Foil was exhausting, last day of fin I was tired. One race, I pushed hard fighting with Matteo and enter way too hard on a gybe.
Last time you landed a new move?
PM: Aaaaah A long time ago, I don’t try many new moves anymore! Long time ago I was doing some freestyle, with Spock 540, flaka and willy skipper…
Last time you shredded a wave and though to yourself, ‘I’m the man!’
PM: During my last wave session! I was waiting the wave from far and really respecting wave rules! Then a kite gybed in front of me when I had selected my wave so I was burned. Then the next wave in the set, I scored the wave of my session!
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