We catch up with one of the hottest prospects coming up through the freestyle ranks, Louka Pitout has been smashing it lately, find out what drives him right here!

Louka Pitot grew up on the tropical island of Mauritius in the middle of the Indian Ocean. He learned to kiteboard at the age of ten, and since then, he has had claimed his spot as 2x Junior World Champion, 3x Junior French Champion and 8th overall at the GKA Kite World Tour. This young Mauritian is on a tear through the Freestyle world! We got a chance to ask Louka 'Ten Questions', and here's how it went!

Louka, we're stoked to catch up with you! Tell us about your childhood! What was it like growing up in Mauritius? Was it as incredible as one would imagine? 

Thanks for having me; it's great to be here with you guys!

Growing up in Mauritius is probably much better than you would ever imagine! Ever since I can remember, I've always had a deep passion for the ocean; I don't know who I would be without having the privilege of growing up in a place like Mauritius, with the sea as my backyard.

We used to squeeze in a quick wakeboarding or surfing session before school and we'd go to class feeling stoked and fresh! After school and once we'd finished our homework, we'd head to the beach again.

I never realised how lucky I was until I moved to Montpellier a couple of years ago for university.

Unfortunately, we don't choose where we are born, but I have to admit, I am very grateful.

How and when did you get into kiteboarding and what pushed you towards freestyle?

I was ten years old when I first got into kiteboarding. My best friend used to kiteboard a bit with his parents, and one day I went to the beach with them, and I was awestruck! When I got back home I begged my dad for lessons, and luckily he allowed me to give it a try, and since then, I've been hooked!

I guess you don't choose your discipline; it chooses you! My friends and I pushed each other's limits, we spent hours in the lagoon, trying jumps and attempting tricks. That's why I enjoyed freestyle so much; it was a way we could progress together.

Simon Lamusse also grew up in Mauritius, but on the other side of the island. Later on, whenever I was motivated to try a new trick, we’d kiteboard and train together. I'll never forget those days! 

What affects you most when you go back to Mauritius for a visit? Would you ever consider moving back there permanently?

As I mentioned earlier, I moved to Montpellier two years ago for university and honestly, it’s a lot easier to travel around Europe for competitions.

I don't think I'll head back to my paradise island as soon as I finish university; there is so much to do in this world we live in! But eventually, I want to move back to Mauritius; the lifestyle is incomparable to anywhere else!

How long have you been riding for CORE, and what is your go-to set up? What do you like most about being part of the CORE team?

It's my fourth year riding CORE. My go-to set up for freestyle is the Impact and Bolt board, with the wake-style bar.

I like the fact that there aren't that many CORE team riders, so the experience I am getting and the shooting we've done is enriching.

Who do you look up to in the kiteboarding scene and who encourages you to push your limits?

There are many riders that have been on tour for years, including Youri Zoon and Alex Pastor to only name a few, that I look up to. The fact that I am competing against some of them is an extraordinary feeling! I used to watch videos of all these guys day and night when I started kiteboarding, and to think that now we travel the world together is too good.

I'd like to also give a shoutout to Alby Rondina, he pushed and motivated me when I was learning my first tricks, and even got me my first sponsorship deal.

At the moment we have an excellent French team and we all bring out the best in each other. The support I am getting from them is unbelievable, and I am thankful to be sharing this passion with them.

Can you share with us one of your most memorable kiteboarding sessions?

That's a tough question! Brazil is one of the best spots I've ever been to, but I've had the most fun in Mauritius! It's hard to tell which is best; I'll have to give this question a pass!

Other than kiteboarding, what are your other passions when the wind isn't blowing? 

If there is no wind, I either surf, wakeboard/waterski, snorkel or go fishing.

I also enjoy playing tennis and squash; those were always our sports as a family while I was growing up, but I'm sure I'd lose miserably to my younger brother now!

What is the best piece of advice you've ever received, and who was it from?

I've always dreamed about becoming a professional kiteboarder, and I often asked pro riders I met what the secret was. They always answered with "train hard and remember to have fun!”, that’s the advice I always follow.

How do you think your generation of kiteboarders have changed the sport, and what changes would you like to see in the future?

I'm not sure if we would consider Bébé as the new generation as he's been around for a while and keeps impressing us all with his new tricks, and tricks we would think are impossible.

The 'new generation' that is changing the sport and undoubtedly been raising the bar are riders like Max, Val, Arthur, Adeuri and of course Bébé.

Max landed the first Back Mobe 7 a year or so ago, and in Brazil, we saw Val land it as well. Adeuri has been pressuring Bébé with his Blind Judge 9, and the only people who landed it so far are the four names mentioned above if I am not mistaken!

They are a lot of changes I and many other riders would like to see including more grabs as they are starting to be a bit forgotten in the Freestyle tour. I feel a bit hypocritical saying that, as I don't do any myself!

The speed at which the sport is evolving at the moment is insane. At nearly every event, someone comes up with a new trick, something we haven't even thought of yet. I'm not sure what the future holds, but I have no doubt that it's only going to get better, more extreme, and more exciting, and I'm thrilled to be taking part in this journey.

What's next for Louka Pitot? What plans do you have for 2019-2020? Any exciting projects you can share with us?

Competition wise, I'm currently ranking 8th, but that doesn't mean anything. The season isn't over, but what I want is to stay in the top 10, and make it to the semi-finals.

I've missed the semi-finals twice this year, because of small mistakes I've made. It's been difficult, but I'm learning and hopefully, I'll make it to a semi-final this year!

Project wise, it is pretty exciting, but I can't share it all here just yet! However, I can assure you that our video from Venezuela with Therese Taabbel, Rita Arnaus, Val Garat and Jerome Cloetens is going to be released soon, so keep an eye out for that! We spent two weeks in the archipelago of Los Roques, in search of the best conditions and more breathtaking kite scenery.

On the other hand, what makes me pretty excited is that I recently became an ambassador for the Mourouk Ebony Hotel in Rodrigues Island, and I am looking forward to sharing more about this beautiful destination with you all.

Thanks, Louka! We wish you the very best for the upcoming season!

Thank you, Jen and IKSURFMAG for the questions and your time! See you all very soon, and in the meantime, I wish you fair winds, and wish you all a great summer!

Videos

Louka Pitot - GREECE Day 1
Louka Pitot - Brazil 2018
By Jen Tyler
Italian/Egyptian Jen Tyler grew up on the sandy beaches of the Red Sea and has been on the IKSURFMAG & Tonic Mag team since 2017.

Comments