Wave paradise in the Indian Ocean: Antoine Martin on La Réunion - Irresistible temptation
Text: Antoine Martin
I've been coming to Reunion Island for a few years now - this was my fourth time in three summers, so I'm really addicted to the place. I told Thomas (Traversa, editor's note.), who had travelled there before. He motivated me to come along. I met a lot of nice people on the island and the waves are just so good that I actually want to spend every summer there.
This year I decided to come between two competitions: the World Cups in Gran Canaria and Tenerife. The Canary Islands are great, but spending the whole summer there is exhausting, so a little break in a more remote location was perfect. As I only got my new equipment from Quatro and Goya at the start of the new season, I didn't have much time to properly familiarise myself with it. The stay on La Réunion gave me the opportunity to spend time on the water and really familiarise myself with my new equipment.
Antoine Martin: "The helmet gives me a feeling of safety"
There are a few different spots on La Réunion. Some are definitely only for very advanced windsurfers, but there is also a spot that is quite accessible depending on the conditions. I switch between spots depending on how the wind and swell are developing. If the forecast is right, it's not overly complicated. But with the reef and the power of the waves, it's of course always challenging and you have to be constantly on your guard.
After my injury in April, I had to take almost three months off in the middle of the season, which was very hard. However, it eventually went very quickly and I tried to get used to my new equipment and the competitions. However, my results at the start of the season were not what I had hoped for, so I basically had to start again. To rebuild my confidence, I trained in Pozo, an extremely challenging place with big jumps and hard landings. Once you've regained your confidence there, everything else becomes easier. When I went to La Réunion, I was ready to give one hundred per cent again. The fact that I now wear a helmet definitely helps - both mentally and physically, it gives me a sense of security.
The helmet definitely helps - both mentally and physically. I was prepared to give one hundred per cent."
Small but passionate windsurfing community
There is a small but passionate windsurfing community on the island and it's always nice to share the waves with them. It's never crowded, which makes the sessions even more enjoyable. As for filming and photography, I didn't plan on having a professional crew. I just wanted to have fun, get used to my new boards and sails and clear my head. But the locals were super motivated and willing to help with the filming. It wasn't like we had our own film maker with us, so we had to adapt depending on who was available, but thanks to the support of the community it all worked out. We ended up capturing some great action moments and sharing the excitement. Spending so much time on Reunion Island, getting to know the locals and sharing these unique sessions with them creates strong bonds. It's not just about the surfing, it's about the friendships and the connection with the place itself. That's what draws me back there again and again.
I've been coming to the island for a few years now. I'm really addicted to this place."
I was lucky enough to meet two of Keith Teboul shaped boards for this trip. The first board was an 84 quad and had a more traditional shape, you could say something classic and familiar. But the second board was a more exotic 82 with a surfboard-like outline, which I really love. This board is actually Keith's personal design and I found it super interesting to ride. I think that in the future I will base my new boards on this kind of shape and work with Keith on the details.
The collaboration with Quatro and Goya was fantastic. I wanted a brand that suited me both competitively and personally and I'm really happy with the setup. I use the Goya Banzai 11 sailwhich is powerful and very stable. This allows me to choose a smaller size for better handling if needed. In terms of boards, I work closely with Keith to find exactly what I need for the different conditions around the world. This year is all about experimenting, developing my style and feeling really comfortable with the equipment.
Spirit of discovery
For me, windsurfing is still an adventure, but it's true that over the years the sport has perhaps lost a little of that spirit of discovery, of discovering new spots and telling new stories. The market has become tougher, budgets are smaller and brands are mainly focussing on the World Cup Tour. This leaves less room for pure travel and adventure projects. With so many competitions and preparations, it's hard to find the time. But I think it's really important to keep this wild, adventurous side alive.
I think it's really important to keep this wild, adventurous side of windsurfing alive."
The new events in locations such as Japan, Chile and Puerto Rico bring a fresh feeling and a sense of adventure. But it doesn't really matter where the event takes place - a new, remote location always provides more excitement and variety and takes the sport further.
The next mission is always on my mind. I think that's part of what really fulfils a windsurfer - always looking for the next wave that's at least as good or completely different from the last one. And it's so much fun to discover new cultures, share these moments with friends around the world and then pass these experiences on to the younger generation through our videos and social media. It's something I really enjoy doing and hope to keep doing - finding extraordinary places and sharing that adventure!
