With the start of the 2025 racing season just a couple of days away, we managed to catch up with reigning world champions, Justine Lemeteyer (PATRIK / PATRIK Sails / PATRIK Foils) and Pierre Mortefon (Phantom / Phantom Sails / Phantom Foils) to see how they are feeling ahead of the start of the season. The opening racing event of the year will be held on the beautiful Caribbean island of Guadeloupe for the 2025 Riviera Guadeloupe Windsurf World Cup, which takes place between 22nd-26th April. 

Hey Justine, how has your winter been and what have you been up to over the offseason?

“Hello, hello ! It’s good to be back to the racing season!

The offseason has been really good. After Japan last year I was extremely tired both physically and mentally after a really intense year. So for the first time in my short career I decided to stay in France and not move to the Canaries or to Tarifa like I did the previous years. The main reason was to not have too much traveling to help me recover from the season and also to be able to spend time with my family and friends. I was only worried that the time on the water would be less important as in the North of France the winter has been pretty cold. But it turned out that the 2025 offseason has been the one where I’ve had the most hours on the water! I’ve been training a lot on the iQ in the national training centre in Brest. I went to South of France three times to train with Mae Davico on the PATRIK gear for example. Adding to this the national training camps organised by the French Sailing Federation, it’s been an amazing winter for training.

Besides this I adopted a Golden Retriever puppy that now follows me everywhere (except when travelling by plane) and we had good fun this winter traveling through France together. So overall a really good winter spent at home.”

Last year you had a phenomenal season - winning two events and finishing second in the other - how are you feeling ahead of your title defence?

“Last year was surreal and above my expectations. I am really happy that I’ve achieved my dream of becoming a World Champion, that slightly changes how I see the racing season because “I’ve done it”. I am really hungry for more and having done it once, it gives me more confidence. So, so far I am feeling pretty good. I have been working as hard as I can with the team around me and I am happy about the work done. I am excited to see who’s the best on the water after the winter offseason.” 

Have you been to Guadeloupe before and are you excited to have the event there?

"I’ve never been to Guadeloupe before and in the Caribbean in general. It’s my first time here and I am really excited about it. I have a lot of friends on the island that I want to catch up with. The spots are amazing with warm water, proper wind and swell. It’s gonna be an amazing event for sure with beautiful scenery, so I am really excited about the upcoming week."

Over the winter you’ve changed gear… how are you feeling with your new setup and what are the main differences you feel?

“Yes, changing gear was a tough decision to make, but after realising my dream, I was scared that my motivation would be lower. So this is one of the reasons I’ve changed to PATRIK - I needed a new challenge: doing it again, but with another brand. PATRIK contacted me early in the season and we talked a lot for several months before I made a decision and I am happy with my choice. The vibe of the team and the hard work of everybody is really amazing. Of course after four years of racing on one brand, you need some time to adapt when changing. But I’ve gotten used to the PATRIK gear faster than I expected. I already had the foil last year, which I absolutely loved, and then I tried the sails and that was it, I made my decision there and then. The gear performs really well and made me improve many points of my sailing. So I’m looking forward to how it will be on the race course.”

If you had to pick an event winner in the men’s side - who would you choose?

“It’s really tough to say after the offseason when I’ve only been training with the French team. Of course Pierre [Mortefon] looks strong. I think all the top guys from last year have a serious chance here, but there are also some younger riders that trained really hard over the winter and who could create surprises. So I hope we’re gonna have a proper week of racing to see who’s the best here in Guadeloupe.”

Thanks, Justine. All the best for the competition. 

Hey Pierre, how has your winter been and what have you been up to over the offseason?

“Winter was good. I enjoyed my time at home after my victory, I had a smooth December - prioritising giving rest to my body & mind - and it was great to spend time with the family and friends after a busy year. Then I decided to stay in France again as the conditions were good and definitely not too cold. We had two good training camps with the French federation and I was training also with some good riders at home. Body is ready, mind too."

The first event of the season is just a few days away - how are you feeling ahead of the start of the season and are you excited to be competing in Guadeloupe?

"I am feeling good, like I said I took time to rest then prepare myself like I know how I am working. The experience is important and getting older can be a good point as you know what is good, what is efficient, and when it’s better to push more or stop and rest. I am excited to start a new season, I want to keep on going and push hard.” 

It’s a new location for the tour - have you been there before? Or have you arrived early to get in tune with the conditions there?

"Yes it’s always special to come to a new location. I know the place as I already came three times before on the French island. It’s also great to start a season and compete in France. I arrived 10 days before the event to get used to the spot and to my kit on those warm waters. It was great to recover from the jet lag and also sail with pretty warm conditions. It’s a big pleasure for me to come for this PWA as the main organiser Tristan [Algret] is a great friend and in the past we were travelling together. I am proud he managed to switch from wearing a competitor cap to the organiser one. On top of that the welcome from the Guadeloupe people was awesome, we visited some schools and the kids were on fire. Can’t wait to get their support on the beach during the event.” 

Last season you were extremely consistent - what do you put that level of consistency down to? 

“Yes, I did almost the perfect season with only top two finishes and two world titles. The experience, the gear, the preparation, the mind, the family support, it’s a big puzzle and you have to put all pieces in the right place, at the right time!" 

If you had a pick an event winner in the women’s side - who would you choose?

"Marion [Mortefon] is off this year as she is awaiting a little baby, so I know the big trophy will not come home. But I will bet on another French, Justine [Lemeteyer]. She was participating at the French training camp and looks on it.”

Thanks, Pierre, Good luck for the contest. 

You’ll be able to follow all of the action as it happens via the PWA live stream with Ben Proffitt to guide you through the best of the action.