In The Spotlight today: Waterman Arthur Arutkin! He can do it all: SUPracing, SUPsurfing, Windsurfing and Surfing! But his main focus is on SUPracing where he already showed some good results and getting better and better. Over the last years he found success in various international SUP races, bringing his talent and kind personality to each place he visits. Read herafter about what Arthur is up to!

Let’s rewind to the start of 2017 – how are you looking back on the season? 2017 was an outstanding year, I really improved a lot in my everyday training – SUP Racing/Waveriding but also my Windsurfing skills elaborated! I just love to be on the water with any board: Windsurfboard, SUP or Surf.

Highs and Lows? The Carolina Cup in the USA was one of the first races of the year, not really my type of race and I did not get the results I was looking for. My victory at the SUP Paris Crossing with almost 700 competitors in December was definitely my highlight of 2017!

Did you do anything different in terms of training and did it make a difference? I have focussed more on the Flatwater/Race training and stepped back in in SUPsurfing and Windsurfing as you can´t do everything at the same speed. SUPracing definitely is my focus. I think it´s important to not go too hard on the body, however still focus 100%.

What is your favourite board in your portfolio you would never toss? My 12’6“ Falcon and 7’6“ ProWave are of my favourite boards I definitely use the most!

Who do you look up to and why for inspiration in Stand Up Paddling and outside of the sport? In the Stand Up Paddle world I always look up to Travis Grant. I love what he gave to the sport and he is a really nice guy.

What advice would you give to young groms? Some important advice I would give to young groms, is to stay really focussed in your everyday training. Most essential is to have fun in what you do, even if it´s hard and not always easy!

Who do you credit as part of your success? I credit my family and friends, but mainly my sponsors for giving me the support I need! I started windsurfing when I was 8 years old, and every summer I spent as much time on the water with may father Michel and my sister Alice. 2009 I discovered SUP then and again my dad was helping me to get into this sport.

Where do you see your future in the sport/immediate and long term plans. Hopefully I will be able to compete in both SUP and Windsurfing because I like both sports a lot and it´s hard to decide what to choose first.

Funniest moment on tour from 2017? I think one of the best and funniest trips was in California with my friends from France, Martin Letourneur and Gab Bachelet at the Pacific Paddle Games.

Flatwater or waves? Waves!

Home or Hawaii? Home, but Hawaii when it’s too cold at home! Your home spot will always have a place in your heart and after all this is where it all started! But Maui also feels like my second home, I have spent a couple of month there every year since young age.

Open Ocean or lake? Open Ocean for sure!

Big winds or big waves? Big winds – I also love to do downwinders with my Falcon, this is the best training.

What do you expect from your winter training and what skills do you want to improve? I want to improve in everything – SUPsurfing, SUPracing and Windsurfing), but as mentioned before my main focus is on SUPracing. Main goal is to always stay focussed!

Finally, what are you looking forward to in 2018? I’m looking forward to compete on the APP World Tour for SUPsurfing and SUPracing and in most events of the PWA Windsurfing Tour. Besides I am looking forward to a lot of fun in and out the water!

More about Arthur here (SUP):https://www.fanatic.com/team/arthur-arutkin-2/

More about Arthur here (WS):https://www.fanatic.com/team/arthur-arutkin/