Slalom X World Champion 2025: Pierre Mortefon in an interview - "I was a little lost"
SURF Redaktion
· 06.09.2025
Pierre Mortefon had certainly imagined his preparation for the Slalom X World Cups on Fuerteventura and Tenerife to be different. A muscle injury in his leg made proper training impossible, and shortly before departure he was shocked by the news that he would have to change sail brands between Fuerteventura and Tenerife. Lots of drama, stress and pressure - but in the end two event wins and the next world championship title. He told the PWA how he dealt with the situation.
Hey Pierre, congratulations on another extremely impressive summer and of course on defending your Slalom X World Championship title - how does it feel now that you've had a bit more time to really process the news?
Thank you! It was a great summer. Not exactly easy, but we had fantastic racing days and I'm definitely very happy with my performance. During the month in the Canary Islands I was very focussed. When I came home, I slowly realised that it takes time, especially because the season is not over yet and I am now preparing for the end of the foiling season.
Most people are probably aware of the problems you had to deal with during the summer, but how did you personally manage to block out what was going on in the background and still perform at your best?
It was hard and my situation was really difficult. Even though I might not have shown it so much, I was a bit lost before my trip to Fuerteventura. First of all, I had been injured at the end of May and had only been on the board three times before flying to Fuerte - which is actually the event you want to be best prepared for. But then, less than 24 hours before my flight, the problems surrounding my sponsor started. I saw it as an additional challenge. I had good support, not from many people, but from the right people.
You mentioned that Finian Maynard was a great help to you during this time - how did he help you and how good was it to have him by your side in Tenerife?
Yes, Finian is one of those people, including my wife and some close friends. We all had the same goal and put together a plan and an agenda and looked at the different options. Having a former top rider by your side is just great, especially when he listens to you. Yes, the dialogue and support from Finian and the FMX team was great. His presence in Tenerife was the icing on the cake! We both enjoyed the moment when the World Championship title was secured!
It's obviously not ideal to change sails in the middle of the season, and even less so when there's so little time between Fuerteventura and Tenerife, but somehow you managed this transition seamlessly - what were the main differences for you between your previous sails and the new ones?
It's certainly not ideal, but that was also the reason for my choice. I knew the sails would work well and it was a good decision. I rode them three times between the two events and felt comfortable pretty quickly. The main difference was the smoothness of the sail, super comfortable and plug and play so I could get into race mode quickly.
Did you have to adjust the board settings or the position of the base plate or something because of the swap?
It was a bit different, but not that much - in terms of weight or centre of effort, it was similar. And on the other hand, when it felt good, I knew I had a good option and didn't try too much as I didn't have time to take any risks.
In Fuerteventura, it was very exciting at the top on the first three days, but then you dominated on the fourth and fifth day - did you consciously start to push a little harder, or what would you put that down to?
Yes, it was close because the race was open and the guys were riding really well. I've said it before, but I didn't surf much before the event and at the beginning I lacked rhythm and even when I started well I was a bit lost, but day by day I got better. Everyone got tired, me too, but I felt better and better on the track.
You then continued there on Tenerife, won the very first race and then the third - how proud are you of that?
I was really happy! The first day of the race on Tenerife wasn't easy for me. We had waited for the right conditions the two days before and only started very late in the afternoon. The wind was light and it wasn't easy to ride. In addition, I felt the pressure, I wanted to show a good performance to thank the people and brands that helped me. Winning this first race, especially with a fantastic gybe and the battle with Matteo [Iachino], was a strong signal to everyone and especially to myself!
After a few fin-only events, it will soon be time to compete on the foil again - where you are currently in second place. How do you feel about getting back on the foil?
I recently got back on my equipment, it's different but you quickly get used to it again. I have to get used to all my equipment again, and that's not easy because there are more combination options on the foil, but I'll do my best and work hard and efficiently as always to be ready for Sylt.
How did you celebrate your third world championship title in two years?
Firstly, I celebrated a lavish party in Tenerife, even though I wasn't really ready for it after this month full of action and pressure. But then I had my wedding a week after the event. It was a very special moment and a beautiful celebration with all the people who have supported me from the beginning and are part of this story - definitely a good experience!
