We’d like to introduce you to one of the hottest new talents out there. Since last year, he’s been fighting for the junior world champion title and came really close to snagging it.
This 16-year-old French kid lives in La Teste-de-Buch, loves all kinds of sports, and enjoys everything beach-related with his friends.
Even though he’s still young, he’s been bodyboarding for 10 years and has three Junior French Champion titles under his belt. Plus, he’s won the Junior division at the IBC Taghazout Bay in Morocco for two years in a row. It’s worth mentioning that he also made waves in the Men’s Division in Morocco, where he qualified for the main event among the best bodyboarders in the world.
So, here’s one of the riders with the most potential in recent years.
Without further ado, we present to you an exclusive interview with
LOUKA ZANINOTTO!
- How did you feel after winning the first event of the Junior Men Rising Series at the Taghazout Bay Pro in Morocco?
I felt immense pride in winning this event for the second time in a row. Winning this competition gives me a second chance to fight for the Junior World Champion title at the Fronton King in October.
- What are you currently studying, and what are your academic plans?
I’m currently in my second year of high school in Biarritz. I have two goals: becoming a professional bodyboarder and obtaining my BPJEPS certification to teach surfing and bodyboarding.
- What does bodyboarding bring to your life?
Bodyboarding gives me a sense of freedom. It allows me to have fun in the waves and travel to different countries.
- What do you think of the level of bodyboarding talent in France?
In France, we have a growing number of promising young bodyboarders, especially in the past five years, as the number of competitors has skyrocketed. Personally, it makes me happy to see more young people getting into bodyboarding.
In addition to your victory in the Junior division, you also qualified for the main event of the Men’s Prime Series, finishing ninth and competing against the best in the world.
- How did it feel to face top athletes and achieve this result?
Finishing ninth in the Men’s division in Morocco was a surprise for me. Making it that far in the competition and competing against the world’s elite was an honor. It motivates me even more to work hard and eventually beat them.
- What are your dreams, both in bodyboarding and outside of it?
In bodyboarding, I dream of becoming a world champion and leaving my mark on the sport. Outside of bodyboarding, I’d love to create my own surf school or launch a board sports brand.
- Who are your bodyboarding idols?
My bodyboarding idols are:
– Ryan Hardy
– Pierre-Louis Costes
– Dave Hubbard
- Would you like to see an IBC World Tour event in France? Which wave would you choose?
I would love to see an IBC World Tour event take place in France! In my opinion, the best waves for such a competition would be at La Gravière in Hossegor or La Salie my home break in La Teste-de-Buch.
- Is there anyone who helps you progress in bodyboarding?
Several people help me improve in bodyboarding, especially my coach Nicolas Padois and my brother Timeo Zaninotto.
- Nicolas Padois devant la surf-house de l’avenue Théophile-Gautier. © Crédit photo : photo d. p. 2. photo: Yann Salaun. www.letelegramme.fr
- What places in the world would you love to visit?
I’d love to visit Brazil, Hawaii, Australia, Indonesia, and more.
The Junior division final will take place in October at the Gran Canaria Frontón King, and you are currently ranked number 1.
- How are you preparing for this final?
I train five times a week in all kinds of conditions to be fully prepared for the big day.
- A message for young people who want to start or improve in bodyboarding:
Jump into bodyboarding by learning the basics, but most importantly, go to the beach with your friends have fun in and out the the water and enjoy every moments!
- Here’s your space to say hello, thank someone, or share anything you want:
I’d like to thank my family, my coach, and my friends who support me in my journey, thank you guys at IBC for the opportunity as well as my sponsors:
@legacy
@sen.no.sen
@bz-proboard
@Q&lean consulting & coaching
Instagram: louka_zaninotto
