Last week we showed you a video of the ‘Next Generation’ team from F-ONE training together in Morocco. Part of an initiative by F-ONE to help guide the next generation of competition riders to be the next generation of champions guided by a former champion, the highly experienced F-ONE veteran Etienne Lhote.
In the first of our series of interviews with the ‘Next Generation’ team from F-ONE we speak to 12 year old Javiez Jimenez from Fuerteventura.
KSm: Hi Javiez, could you tell us a bit more about you… how old are you? Where are you from? How did you get into kitesurfing and when?
Javier: Hi! I’m 12 years old and I’m from Fuerteventura, Canary Islands. I got into Kitesurfing when I was 5 years old because my father has always enjoyed this sport. I remember I was bored on the sand waiting for him, then I decided to start having a go too.
KSm: What made you decide to get more involved in the competition aspect of kitesurfing at such a young age?
Javier: I believed I have a good level to compete and I like competitions. It give me the opportunity to meet and see new people, places & cultures.
KSm: How do you manage to fit in a regular training schedule and at the same being able to follow your normal school commitments? What is a normal day for you?
Javier: I train as much as I can. I go to the beach to train every weekend and the rest of the week.
I study hard so my teachers let me travel for competitions. I take my homework with me and I work on it when I have free time amongst competitions.
KSm: You are a part of the F-ONE Next Generation which aims to help young riders improve their riding in the company of other young F-ONE riders whilst being coached by Etienne Lhote… how have you found this experience? Do you ever feel that it is sometimes a lot of pressure for a young boy like you?
Javier: For me this is the best experience I have ever had in my life. I’m really grateful to the team who gave me this opportunity and Etienne to have taught me a large number of tricks… and I have never felt any big pressure on me.
KSm: Which kitesurfers inspire you and why?
Javier: My best inspirations are Alex Pastor and Youri Zoon. Youri has strength in his tricks and Alex has style. Also both have been world champions.
KSm: Do you plan a kite session? Do you set goals for yourself to achieve with with specific tricks to work on or do you prefer to enjoy each session as it comes?
Javier: Yes, I plan them. I set goals myself. I enter into the water with specific tricks in mind to practice.. but finally, at the end of my sessions I really enjoy improvising.
KSm: Do you still find the time to just enjoy your time on the water and ride with your friends for fun?
Javier: Yes, for this there is always time.
KSm: What do you hope to achieve from your kitesurfing career? Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Javier: I hope to become world champion and win as many prizes as possible. In ten years I imagine myself being the best rider in the world.
KSm: What other hobbies do you have other than kiting?
Javier: I like surf, SUP, Football and of course my Playstation.
KSm: What advice would you like to give to young people who like you, would like to get more involved in the kitesurfing industry and would like to make it into something more than just a hobby?
Javier: I would tell them that if they really like this sport and they work hard dedicating many hours and effort to improve, they can have their place in the kitesurfing world.
KSm: As is traditional to finish we offer you the chance to speak some words of wisdom from your mind to our readers?
Javier: I have become what I am now. So, If i did, you also can. Finally I want to thank my family, my team and my sponsors.
