Since a couple of years the various tests kite Long Distance passionate riders both pros and amateurs. Indeed, the interest of the race lies in part on the fact that at these competitions pros and amateurs can compete on the water, not only by the technical level of each, but also by the strategic choice of navigation .

The Mondial du Vent 2009 will be provided an additional opportunity to focus on these kitesurfers increasingly focused on long distances with this particular test conditions rather Funcky: tramontane 30 knts with violent gusts over 40 knts! 54 competitors were on the starting line, 8 rounds of 10km have been ridden in a sea very choppy.

Among all competitors, note the strong presence of kitesurfers Hérault with among others Sylvain Hoceini, Nicolas Caillou Sébastein Salerno or Charlotte Consort.

Small zoom GIN rider Sébastien Salerno, which was launched a few years ago in the discipline of the Long Distance. Sometimes 7th overall with regularity since it is positioned between 5th and 9th on the sleeves and all its new NAZCAII 7m. "I knew the NAZCA II provides excellent performance because I had the chance to work on prototypes with GRAHAM DC, but I have been blufflé by the flying qualities of 7m in a wind so strong. The kite is incredible stability and its huge range of use (never trim during the competition). Its performance is also close to excellent. He just missed a few legs to take my board race on the very long board off! "

The occasion was all found to go a little talk with Sebastian, and ask him some questions, history to learn more about their background and his keen interest in the LD (Long Distance) ...

Why did you turned to the long distance as a discipline?
I love above all the sea & mountains. I love the idea of being able to move in kitesurfing or snowkiting and me lost in the great outdoors. Freeride quoi!
So it was natural that I turned on the LD. And then, I love the competition! It does not prevent me from m'éclater in freestyle or waves from time to time!

What is LD t'apporter more than other forms of navigation?
The long-distance competitions are great because they are related more to the race. It dates back better in the wind, suddenly, it opens considerably the water. When I see the pile kitesufeurs on a strip of 500m while the sea is so great it makes me laugh a little. For myself, spot overloaded or not, I put myself in the water and I file into the open and I look the other kite far ...

Do you to a special training?
When I test gear or preparing a competition I often sailed with my buddy Sylvain HOCEINI which is a master in this field. When I am alone, my favorite spot is the pond of Thau. I put myself in the water in the drawbridge, I trace to my GPS Balaruc arm, then goes back down to Mèze Marseillan. Peinard! At night, I empty my GPS in my computer and my analysis and my speed trajectories. It's very interesting. And then there's the competition on permanent GPS Thau (www.speed-zone.fr). It follows the route and sending the GPS Gilles PROSTEBOUCLE (from assoc Inkiwi, ndrl) and is on a ranking. For info, I do the course, LISTEL / BALARUC / MEZE / LISTEL over 20km with 5km lift wind 59min record to beat!

How do you think that the LD is perceived in France?
The LD was seen as the discipline of "recycled old freestyle" but we feel we are taken increasingly seriously. Today it's shaking up the gate and the level rises serious. We really need to hang on to stay in the top 10 because everybody grows seriously behind.

The level of Montpellier Hérault even being truly evolved LD, what do you think?
Clearly we have a great level in the Hérault. We are a big ten to follow the French Championship which runs on 6 stages this year. And then, the Champion of France 2008 is no less than Sylvain HOCEINI (encore lui!) The Palavasienne. The atmosphere between us is tip top, it is often to discuss the taquetiqueuuu and stratégieeuuu.

How did your collaboration with GIN?
My collaboration with GIN Kiteboarding came naturally. First because I do a lot of snowkiting. Robert Graham, the designer, I was quickly taken under his wing to help develop the brand kites. We bump on the specification (what qualities search t'on?), It denotes and testing all the prototypes. I worked on the new NAZCA II A to Z and I am delighted with the result! A wing, pure and easy with excellent performance. With GIN is more than just a sponsor for me, I do a little part of the family. And I agree 200% with the spirit of the brand: all kiter on the playground!

Regular news blog Sébatien: www.gin-kiters.fr

And program of competitions for Sebastian 2009:
• 26/02-01/03: DAKHLA (Long Distance XXL): 4th place
• 11-13/04: LEUCATE (World-Wind Long Distance Pro-Am): 7th place
• 23-26/04: ARCACHON (LD French Championship - 1st stage)
• 07-10/05: DOUARNENEZ (LD Championnat de France - Stage 2 + European Championship)
• 21-24/05: VILLENEUVE LES MAGUELONE (Festikite)
• 30-31/05: FREJUS (LD Championnat de France - Stage 3)
• 06-07/06: SAVINE LAKE (French Championship LD - 4th stage)
• 24-28/06: PORTUGAL (PKRA Race Course - 1st stage)
• 11-13/07: Silvaplana (European Championship - Race Course)
• 18-22/07: FUERTEVENTURA (PKRA Race Course - 2nd stage)
• 25/07-02/08: GERMANY (PKRA Race Course - 3rd stage)
• 12/16/08: BRAZIL (PKRA Race Course - 4th stage)
• 17-20/09: SETE (France LD Championship - 5th stage)
• 01-04/11: HYERES (LD Championnat de France - Stage 6)