Ten Questions: Aurélien Pétreau

Aurélien Pétreau shares his incredible journey, overcoming physical and mental challenges and his plans for 2020 in these ten questions we threw at him right here!

Aurélien Pétreau shares his incredible journey, overcoming physical and mental challenges that lead to his 4th place victory at this year's Red Bull King of the Air. We got the chance to get to know Aurélien a little better, and find out how it all began and what he has in store for 2020!

Aurélien, it's a pleasure to catch up with you! Could you tell us how old you were and how you go into kiteboarding, specifically 'Big Air'?

I started kiteboarding in 2001 when I was 18 years old in Brittany, France. Back then, we learned on 2-line kites, with the safety leash on the handle, and a large directional board. Soon enough, I got into jumping and old school, and it was from then on that I started orientating myself towards Big Air.

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What is the kiteboarding scene like at your home spot?

We've got some beautiful flat water and wave spots around Brittany, but unfortunately, the wind is not strong enough for 'Big Air'. I tend to travel to Brazil, Sri Lanka, Greece and South Africa, searching for stronger winds! 

What is it about Big Air that attracts you the most? Are there other disciplines in kiteboarding that you equally enjoy?

Big Air combines two essential passions of mine; adrenaline and freedom, and that's why it's such an addiction for me. For the past two months, I have been practising a little strapless freestyle, to be able to have some fun in lighter wind conditions.

Last year was pretty rough for you, but you bounced back, stronger than ever. Can you share with us the nature of your knee injury, how it happened, and what rehabilitation you did to get ready for this year's King of the Air?

Yes, it was pretty hectic! In February 2018, I started doing my first Megaloop Double Late Back Rolls. While I was training, I was halfway through my 2nd rotation when my kite hit the water, and I landed aggressively on my leg. It hurt, but of course, I ignored it and continued my session regardless. A few more Megaloop Double Late Back Roll attempts later, I realised that my knee had started to swell terribly, and something wasn't right! After a few tests, I found out that I had torn my ACL and that surgery was necessary. I had my surgery booked in at the end of March, and by the end of April, I had started rehabilitation. By the end of May, I had already started running, and by mid-July, I was back on the water kiteboarding!

Since November, I've been intensively training and strengthening myself to be able to endure these brutal crashes we sometimes take while kiteboarding, and hopefully try to prevent more future injuries!

We were all on the edge of our seats watching the semifinals between you and Kevin Langeree! What thoughts were going through your head during the heat?

I felt utterly serene! I had worked so hard to get to where I was at this point, and here I was, up against a legend, which has been on the podium for about fifteen years; I was where I wanted to be! All the conditions were lined up perfectly, although the wind wasn't as strong as I'd hoped it to be (between 20-25 knots) I did the best I could do. I even attempted my first Megaloop Triple Late Back during that heat, but I didn't manage to land it, unfortunately!

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You're a team rider for F-ONE Kiteboarding, what is your go-to set up? How have your sponsors helped you achieve your goals to become a professional kiteboarder?

For Big Air, my weapon of choice would be the Bandit. It is incredibly versatile, and a beast when it comes to hangtime, lift and looping, and the WTF?! board, which is the best in edging when you ride overpowered.

F-ONE is more than just a sponsor me; it's family! They also listen carefully to the rider's requests and remarks when it comes to developing new equipment.

In your opinion, how do non-kiteboarding related sponsors benefit professional kiteboarders?

As a pro rider, if a kiteboarding brand solely sponsors you, you are dependent on them and become the product of the brand. In my opinion, you should never put all your eggs in one basket!

You are better off having a kiteboarding sponsor to provide you with equipment, and a non-kiteboarding sponsor to financially sponsor you.

Professional kiteboarders need to prepare themselves for the future. Once you are done riding professionally, you need to have a diverse network of people in different industries, as opposed to only kiteboarding, where you spend your days posting photos and videos on social media; you are a sales representative for the brand.

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Besides kiteboarding, what are your other passions? How would you spend your day if you weren't at the beach?

When I'm not kiteboarding, I'm working as a real estate investor. Besides that, I enjoy hanging out with friends and partying!

Who are your most inspirational kiteboarders, both male and female?

All of the male riders at 'King of The Air' are a real source of inspiration for me, and as for the female riders, I'd have to say Angély Bouillot!

We'll be seeing you at the 2020 King of the Air event, what changes would you like to see in future 'Big Air' events?

I would love to see more 'Big Air' events (similar to KOTA) but at different locations like Brazil, Sri Lanka and Oman. I would like to see the event judged solely on 'Big Air', regardless of the conditions.

Where will you be spending this summer and do you have any exciting plans that would you like to share with us?

In a few weeks, I'll be heading to Sri Lanka to explore a new spot called Mannar (rumour has it that it offers 5-10 more knots more than in Kalpitia!) and then, I'll go to Naxos, Greece for the rest of the summer.

Thank you, Aurélien! It's been a please and we look forward to seeing you at KOTA next year!