The uniqueness of French kayakers

France. A state that educates many successful kayakers who are among the absolute world leaders. For us, French racers are rivals on the water and friends in normal life. We always have something to learn from each other. Top competitors pay attention to the choice of boat. Our task is to meet the requirements of the competitor, meet his expectations and create a long-lasting relationship. Divergence dominates the Kick The Waves team.

Four resounding names form a kayak national quartet. Luca Barone, Maxance Barouh, Felix Bouvet and Paul Jean. Internationally renowned kayakers, as well as members of the Kick the Waves team, will stand together at the start of the upcoming European Championships.

"Nomination to the French was challenging. The complete composition was decided by two long and two sprint races. According to the results, a different team was built for the World Championships, the European Championships and the World Cups. It's complicated, but it makes sense, "describes Felix Bouvet.

Luca Barone is the youngest of four French kayakers. The 21-year-old competitor was among the best kayakers last year. In České Budějovice he was better than the reigning world champion, Nejc Žnidarčič. Since then, his successes have been growing. The premiere in the senior national team give the young man valuable experience. Luka will definitely try to establish himself among the excellent Slovenian competitors at the upcoming European Championships.

"This is my first time in the adult national team. It is great. I finally feel like I've achieved something. The qualification was demanding, "comments Luca Barone's nomination.

The international races began at the World Cup, which took place in July in Bosnia and Hercagovina. "I left the World Cup in Banja Luka very disappointed. I wasn't prepared enough. I didn't have everything well in my head, and that affected my result. I'm stronger right now. My preparation was demanding. Now I just have to capitalize on it. I focus a little more on sprinting. I don't like long distances so much. I need a fast and aggressive river. I'm good at that, "comments Luca Barone.

"The whole Kick The Waves company radiates incredible power, which is also reflected in the construction of their ships. My TONGA is strong and fast. I need that, and that is why I will continue to prefer it, "adds the youngest rider of the national team.

Paul Jean. A talented French representative who ranks among the world's best. In recent years, he raced on flat water. At the turn of this year, he decided to make a change. "I missed the rivers. I missed the adrenaline you can't get on flat water. Feeling water and understanding it is the meaning of our sport. I like the length of the classic races. That's why I want to race on wild water again, "explains Paul Jean.

Kayaker Paul Jean won the title of French champion three weeks ago. The weekend after, he became the winner of the first world cup in Bosnian Banja Luka. He entered this season in incredible form.

"After the French championship, I caught a covid, which did not help me much in preparing for the upcoming European Championships. I feel much better at the moment. My goal is to do my best. I want to be satisfied with the finish line and say that I did a good job, ”adds Paul Jean.

Paul was the first of the four current representatives to race on our boats. “I have Kick The Waves boats since I started. Representative colleagues did not start on these ships. I do. I never raced on another type of boat because I was satisfied and I didn't need a change, "adds Paul Jean.

Another competitor at the start of the European Championships will be Felix Bouvet. A Frenchman who dominates in the long distance and in the sprint. He is able to concentrate on his performance and his result exceeds all expectations. He prefers the WAKATWO model over his colleagues.

“Design and construction was the initial impetus for choosing Kick The Waves boat. At first glance, these boats are nice. I'm really happy with them. Although I would need a slight change in volume, the Wakatwo is the best boat for me, ”says another member of our team, Felix Bouvet.

"I did not succeed in the sprint nomination, so I will race only at the European Championships in Sabero, Spain. I consider this championship to be the peak of my season and I would like to be in the game for medal placements - in the sprint and in the long distance, "describes Felix Bouvet.

Maxence Barouh and his vision of this season? Find out in the next article!