Thomas Cocquelet World Champion in 2005 and KPWT Hangtime in 2006 gives us some time to review his career in the world of kitesurfing and its recent change of "dairy". It begins in 2009 Slingshot, this promises to be strong ...

Thomas, wrinkled long as you compete for Cabrinha, can you come back for a moment on the link was created between you and the brand?
My story begins with a start. Indeed, it is because I came to your house with my family in southern France in late 2001, I had the opportunity to train to take my first steps of a very different, and want to get out. It must be said that the early 2000s was in Languedoc-Roussillon reveals some emulation from the competitors. Everyone was present, Christopher Roussin Christopher Tasti, Malik, Manu Vergel, Micka Fernandez, Franz Olry, Raphael Salles Raphael Selles, etc ... it gratin barge that was on the beaches "Montpellier"!

Obviously, the kid 15 years that I could only wish to copy the masters of the time. During this period, I sign my first contract with Cabrinha. Initially, the loan of sails, you can train to participate in stages of French Championship, which I won in 2003 and freestyle junior speedcrossing, and become vice European Champion Junior Freestyle in the same year. 2003 marked a turning point for me because my prices show my sponsors that the best is yet to come. Thus undertakes a very good relationship with Cabrinha ...

Exactly, you made of riders who had to change the way they navigate with the arrival of technical wings flat, little back:

It is true that the wings plates arrived just when I KPWT World Champion in 2005, and it is not easy to defend its title with the sails of a new genre, and you do not really learn not to make new tricks but need to ask anything you could do before. In fact, the whole movement that we must rethink, redefine ... especially for handlepass! Good at the same time it allowed me to take a lot more commitment. Kite making stronger, you simply do not generate the same power especially for wakestyle, who was increasingly in vogue on the hits. For flat against the wings were a pure revelation regarding hangtime. Many more lift, because we can keep the kite later in a stronger wind!

2006-2008, passing empty wanted something else, or simply step back?

The wings of change, the transition from C flat shape in which at the time was not for the competition did not facilitate the task, sizes not necessarily appropriate to say nothing of the difficult navigation déhooké while it has not helped.
This period allowed me simply to make a point about my desires, my life also. Indeed be competing on this tour requires availability while denying his rear. Kitesurfing is a young sport, and is not sufficiently important financial issues to attract extra sponsors kite. It is clear that many riders can not live this sport, which is really a pity to stimulate the spirit of competition itself!
Today I am in a different frame of mind. I research everything before pleasure. The pure sensation of sliding to us all busy for a time in our practice of kite and my new partnership with Slingshot me this opportunity.

Yes talking about this new sponsorship with Slingshot, which boasts a brand image, trash ...

It is true that Slingshot could be similar to a trademark for riders crazy, which I agree completely! Joining the group gives me great pleasure, not only because the entire staff is composed of people that I like, but the material includes all that I found: nervousness, commitment, speed, all to push the freestyle in the rough ... which is in line with my style of navigation.

Talking in more detail RPM, these sails arrived on the market that everyone is talking about ... but no one has hit!

I got the sails and went directly to water the weekend of May 1st in 12m ² per 15knds and 8m ² in 30knds.

First impressions on leaving the bag, I'm so surprised by the cutting of ears, and one wing almost "wider than long." Off, a wing which enables soft error a lot of steering, so with great tolerance, which is very reassuring. Rotation of crazy, really incredible fishing, but what is most surprising is that this force is not felt in bar, where even the feeling of safety. The idea that you're not going to make you "pluck" is very present, and can truly relax and therefore to try tricks with more desire and less restraint! The RPM successful marriage of the incredible power of a C shape and the ultra-security wing of a plate, while allowing the rider to receive the driver's enormous potential in terms of performance and versatility. Thank you Yuri for the machine!