40 knots, mast-high waves, first victory: Three questions for Tiree winner Miguel Chapuis

​With winds of 40 to 50 knots and mast-high closeouts, Miguel Chapuis celebrated his first-ever World Cup victory at the Tiree Wave Classic. The Spaniard talks about his mental development, training on La Réunion and the key to his success in extreme conditions.

​In 2023, Miguel Chapuis had already got a taste of victory by finishing second on Tiree; this time, he secured a major triumph at the Tiree Wave Classic. In mast-high waves and with gusts of 40 to 50 knots, the Spaniard kept his cool and came out on top against some of the world’s best wave riders. It wasn’t just his training in challenging conditions that paid off, but also his new mental approach. In a short interview, Chapuis talks about what lies behind this success – and why he still can hardly believe it.

Miguel, you finished second in Tiree in 2023, and now you’ve claimed your first Wave World Cup victory there. What has changed for you since then, and when did you realize that you could actually win this time?

2023 was a really decisive year for me, it was the end of a chapter, as it was my last year riding for NeilPryde and JP. In fact, Tiree was my last event on that gear. After that, I eventually signed with North and Flikka, which gave me a huge boost in motivation, especially because I felt so good on the gear and I naturally started to improve and become more consistent.

I also feel like my mental game has improved a lot since the last time I was in Tiree. I’d already been competing on the tour for several years, and I’ve learned how to sail well under pressure, push until the very last moment of a heat, and trust my sailing. I’ve also realised that my goal should never be to chase a result, but rather to find that feeling of flow and ease in my performance. When that happens, I know I can perform at my highest level and, eventually, achieve good results.

This time in Tiree, everything came together. With the confidence I had in my sailing, I knew it could finally be my time to take the sword!

I knew it could finally be my time to take the sword!

In 40 to 50 knots, mast-high closeouts and no room for error, you appeared to be in complete control. How did you cope with these conditions – and what was the key to your victory in the final against Marino Gil?

I guess that even though the conditions were gnarly and difficult to handle, they were exactly the kind of conditions I enjoy and have been training for the most lately.

In September, I was in Réunion Island, where I sailed in some really strong, big down-the-line conditions, so I think that definitely helped me.

I also felt confident in my ability to go big off the lip and even land some tricks, so in the end, everything came together. Once I caught my first good wave and checked the clock, I knew I had enough time to find a solid backup score and put together another strong heat total.

On your way to the final, you beat Marc Paré, and in the final itself you scored two 7.5 points waves. Does your first World Cup victory feel more like a dream come true – or like the start of a new chapter in your career?

Beating Marc was a real sign that I’m on the right path with my approach and my progression. I know I still have a long way to go to reach Marc’s level. Without a doubt, he’s the best out there in all kinds of conditions, and it’s really inspiring to watch him sail.

This time, I sailed better during those 15 minutes and managed to make it through to the final, but I have so much respect and admiration for the level of sailing Marc displays in any kind of conditions.

The new chapter in my sailing career really began last year, when I achieved my first podium in Sylt. Then, this year, I made my second podium in Pozo, and now I’ve followed that up with a win. Things I was dreaming about not so long ago are now starting to happen, so it all feels pretty unreal.

Thank you Miguel, and congratulations again!

• ​Two sisters on the podium: Emma and Frida Miron on their adventure on Tiree