3 questions for Stéphane Krause

06/04/2023

From the 13th to the 24th of March, the French Windsurfing Team and the French Group met in Hyères in the South of France for the traditional training camp organised by the French federation at the beginning of the season. Stéphane Krause, National Technical Director of the French federation and in charge of this training camp, tells Windsurfjournal.com about this event where foiling is becoming more and more important...

Windsurfjournal.com: In general, how did the course in Hyères go for the French team and the French group?
Stéphane Krause: The camp went very well. We were able to work in different wind and sea conditions and l'Almanarre was a good choice, both for the conditions, the easy access to the water and the welcome from the locals. There was a good atmosphere in the team. Everyone works together and gives their best. It allows everyone to progress, to adapt... This dynamic is a pleasure, during training sessions it puts aside individual and professional competition. For us (Didier Flamme and Julien Magurno), it is essential that the next generation can perform well at the World and European Youth Championships and quickly become competitive on the professional circuit... It's a big and expensive step between the youth level and the World Cup level, so the less time it takes, the better!

WJ: In the video you posted on social networks, you publicly express your concern about the gradual disappearance of the fin in favour of the foil... On what observations do you base this reflection?
SK : On the observation of the reality of use! The foil now has a huge market share in slalom equipment. From now on, of the 3 boards validated for PWA races, most competitors have 2 foil boards and 1 fin board. The space taken up by the fin is now only needed above 25 knots in heavy seas... How long will the fin last in strong winds? The development of technical skills and equipment will, in my opinion and in the long term, make the fin disappear in almost all conditions. This is a pity for our discipline, both because it will distance itself from a large part of the public and because it will offer less opportunities for competitive styles to express themselves on one or the other. The changeover is brutal, the costs are high and some highly profiled and efficient "fin" competitors leave the circuit, demotivated... However, the race format lends itself to both styles and I think we should think, as in France, about two clearly identified circuits, foil and fin. Spread the foil and fin stages over the season, with a title for each discipline and an overall. This would leave the choice of competing in one or the other, or both, depending on one's aspirations and means. With fixed events, there would be no room for the foil or fin decision... And the competitor would bring the right quiver. Not to mention the fact that what used to be THE solution to "save" events in light winds (7/10 knots) no longer exists... The racers will no longer validate big wings, but wings that cover 10/25 knots. There is also the question of the size of the glider, so as not to make any mistakes regarding the amount of material... It is up to the PWA and above all the pilots to decide. Let them be very attentive and really involved in the choices. And, of course, that these choices are independent of lobbies and commercial strategies, so that the discipline does not become an object of commercial appetite and that it allows each athlete and each brand to express themselves.

WJ: What is the trend on the riders' side in this respect, what is the general state of mind? Do some of them follow the movement out of desire, out of necessity and because they have no other choice?
SK: Most of the riders are in the business or their ambition is young, so they don't have much choice but to follow the movement in order to continue to express themselves at a high level and to be able to live from their passion. So it all depends on the tastes and positions of each person facing the evolution... Some have taken to the foil very quickly and are very efficient, others, who are passionate and efficient with fins, have resisted for a while, trying to remain competitive with fins, especially in the medium range, but they have had to decide to use the foil. Others have given up for lack of means or desire... In any case, even though I have been used to it for many years, I am always impressed by the ability of these top sportsmen to adapt to developments and become efficient very quickly. It takes talent, a lot of work and the ability to put your feelings aside to give it your all! Secondly, it is a mechanical sport, so the question of the engine used is also fundamental to performance. The rider of the team that works or who has the means to have the most efficient engine of the moment obviously has a better chance of being at the front... Some brands use more resources than others to be more efficient, which creates big differences that obviously weigh on the competitors. Although the subject has obviously given rise to discussions between us, the rules of the game are set for this season, so the energy has been focused on how to play and perform within those rules, rather than on what should or should not be done... The question deserves to be asked and considered for next season's rules...