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A major figure on the international scene, Pierre Mortefon has been at the top of the slalom discipline for over a decade. The year 2024 marked a high point in his career with a double world title in Foil Slalom and Slalom X. In the 2025 season, he confirmed his consistency by retaining his Slalom X title while taking second place in Foil Slalom. This result was all the more remarkable given that he had to contend with widely reported equipment difficulties. For 2026, the Frenchman is starting a new chapter by returning to North Windsurfing, the brand where he began his career. Interview.
Windsurfjournal.com: After several seasons marked by intense pressure related to equipment and partnerships, what concrete changes does the stability promised by North bring to your athletic preparation?
Pierre Mortefon: Yes, last year was difficult to manage, but I came through it pretty well. As you mentioned, stability was something I took into account when making my decision. The idea of committing to such a group reassured me. It won't change my preparation itself enormously, but it's a plus in terms of managing my career, and I need to try to have stability.
WJ: North is gradually returning to the forefront of windsurfing, with a new organisation and a clear vision. What convinced you most about their sporting and technical project?
PM: The question pretty much sums up my answer. It was all of these elements that motivated me. The project is fresh, new and full of motivation in itself. The idea of wanting to get back to the top is of course the number one factor, and the investment, both human and financial, that is being made around this goal is consistent. Motivation is the number one factor that appealed to me.
WJ: And yet, after your performance in the second half of the 2025 season, many people thought you would stay with NeilPryde... How far did your discussions with the sail brand go?
PM: Of course, and I thought so too! Then things happened, and there were discussions on both sides, exchanges and a lot of thought on my part. It wasn't a decision I took lightly, but when I weighed up all the factors, the scales tipped in favour of North and not NeilPryde. That doesn't take anything away from what we achieved together in 2025, and I'm grateful to them for that, especially Robert Stroj, the designer, who was a great help.
WJ: You know the North brand DNA very well, having worked there when you were younger. How is the sailmaker today different from the one you knew when you started out?
PM: Yes, I spent a lot of time at North when I was younger. It's the brand that launched my career! And of course, it has evolved, just like me. There have been a lot of changes since I was there. But it's clear that today they want to start a new chapter, and I'm happy to be part of it. The goal, once again, is to be at the top! What I find similar to before is the quality they strive for: the products are beautiful, the accessories are really clean and the organisation is well structured.
WJ: As a rider at the top of the world rankings, what role do you want to play in the development and direction of North's racing equipment?
PM: With such ambitious goals announced, both the brand and I must strive to have excellent equipment so that we can line up at the starting line with confidence and achieve the goals we have set together. I will therefore be very involved in all developments and committed to ensuring we have the best tools at our disposal.
WJ: On that note, what sails will you be using this season? How much leeway does North Windsurfing have to offer competitive racing sails this year?
PM: We're working on the equipment and what comes next. The PWA deadline has been extended to help brands better comply with the new rules for racing in 2026, with an additional sail/board in slalom and only three sails in foil.
WJ: At 36 years old, with several world titles already under your belt, what keeps you motivated to train every day and push your limits?
PM: I love what I do! I think I'm at a key point in my career, and I'm pretty happy with my last two seasons. The crazy thing is that despite the difficulties, I was really happy during last year's competitions. I had to deal with a particular situation this winter with the introduction of this new challenge, but now that the foundations are in place, I'm ready to give it my all: on the one hand to show North that they chose the right horse, and on the other hand to continue living the dream at the highest level!
Source: Pierre Mortefon
Photos: North Windsurfing/Robin Christol
