Young paddleboard hopefuls in training in Sainte-Maxime

Since Thursday, the day before yesterday, the Cigale Surf Club has been welcoming a dozen trainees to Nartelle Beach. This gathering is part of the stand-up paddleboarding development project for those under 15. The goal, of course, is to help future talent progress, some of whom could one day represent the French national team.

This training camp brings together members from the Sainte-Maxime surf club, as well as the Toulon Yacht Club, Thonon Paddle Club, and Savoie Paddle Club. As a reminder, the president of La Cigale Surf Club, Yannick Pinaud, has been the national head of the stand-up paddle commission for the French Surfing Federation since January.

Driss Lachkar and multiple world champion, Mélanie Lafenêtre from Maxime (read below), are the training instructors for these four days.

The program is packed for the twelve teenagers, aged 10 to 15. "We are there to prepare them and condition them for competition, whether in their mental approach or in their technique, with physical tests as well," emphasizes Driss Lachkar.

"They drink my words"

Information on nutrition and doping, as well as first aid training, are also planned. Long-distance races, 6 km for the youngest and 10 km for the oldest, await young racers.

"The goal is to make them work on their resistance to effort, the mental aspect is very important in these cases. In these difficult times, these young people need to look in their heads for the positive things and be able to use them when they are in a difficult situation," continues Driss Lachkar.

Having Mélanie Lafenêtre in front of them is a source of inspiration for all these young people. "I would like to reach her level one day. As for me, I am a real sponge in order to be able to improve myself," explains Lucie, a young intern from Thonon-les-Bains.

The multiple world champion explains her presence. "It's really important to pass on my knowledge. I was in their shoes a few years ago, now it's my turn to give back, and it's really cool to coach teenagers. They're very committed despite the fatigue. I can feel that they're listening to what I'm saying because of my status, but there's no distance between us." This training camp will end this Sunday.