2020 was a year for settling in, hunkering down and for these two French kitesurfing dynamo’s, training more than ever. In our new series, we’ll be exploring how the GKA athletes train for competition. As the level of kitesurfing continues to explode, competitors are diving deep into diet, workouts and mental strategy. We sat down with Camille and Capucine Delannoy for a look into their unique relationship and how they’re pushing one another on and off the water.
Although still only 22 years-old, Camille Delannoy is already something of a tour veteran. He was born and raised in France before moving to Prea, in Brazil, with his family and that’s where he honed his high-powered riding style. He always seems most at home when the conditions are really cranking and his strapless freestyle level is high. His front rolls are some of the most fluid, tweaked and stylish out there and he commits hard when out on the water. We asked Camille a few questions about his training style and how he pushes his sister in her riding.
Capucine is Camille’s younger sister but don’t let that fool you–her riding is powerful and versatile. She is already one to watch on tour and we are sure to see some awesome things from her this year!
Camille Delannoy
How do you help Capucine train?
I don’t know if I can say I’m really helping her but we do spend a lot of time on the water together and being able to ride with her is, I think, motivating her quite a lot!
Can you walk us through a typical training day?
I can’t give all my secrets but it includes a lot of training (in and out of the water), a lot of food and a lot of sleep. I think food is really important and can really make a huge difference in how you feel and how you ride. I’m not a vegetarian but I’m trying to be conscious about what I eat and how it makes me feel.
What are your favorite pre-competition foods?
Something light that I can digest fast. I usually don’t eat so much on a competition day and when I do, only small portions. For example some nuts, cereal bars, etc.
What’s your secret to success in competition
I think preparation is key. Once again, I can’t reveal all my secrets but arriving prepared and confident on a competition day is one of the key factors for success in competition. Of course, even with a lot of preparation, it does not assure me that I’m going to do well but it definitely helps.
What are your 2021 goals?
My goals have always been about competition and getting the best results possible. With the current situation, I don’t know when the next event is going to happen so my goals have been pretty different: I did some projects that I’ve always wanted to do but never had the time to (ex: Isole) and I’m still focusing on training but in a different way. I’m now more about progressing in both freestyle and waves and finding my own style of riding while trying to bring new things into the sport.
When did you get sponsored?
I got my first partnership when I was 16 years old, it was the beginning of everything for me!
What’s the best thing about traveling with your sister?
Being able to go to the best places in the world and ride the best waves with her is pretty cool! I’m really happy to be able to share something that is meaningful for both of us.
What’s the worst thing?
When she wants to cook (we usually end up ordering pizza).
How has the move to Brazil been?
I was 13 years old, I just started kitesurfing and because we moved to Brazil I was able to kite every day for 6 months a year! So I can’t really complain, it was like paradise for me and I couldn’t ask for anything else.
Favorite saying, quote or mantra?
Have a good time all the time.
How do you keep the board on your feet?!
Haha this is maybe the question I get asked the most… To make it simple, I use the wind which pushes the board against my feet and rotating also helps. In theory, it’s simple but on the water, it doesn’t always go as planned.
Do you work-out off the water?
Of course! I work out almost every day out of the water. It’s mostly to prevent injuries and take care of my knee.
How has lockdown been for you?
I actually feel bad talking about my lockdown… I was in Brazil, some wind almost every day so I can’t complain! I was training a lot (in and out of the water) and did things I never had time to do so for me lockdown was actually pretty good.
What’s your favorite trick?
Triple front roll is definitely one of my favorites!
Capucine Delannoy
How does training with a sibling help you?
Being always in the water together, training and pushing our limits together help us a lot!
Can you walk us through a typical training day?
In a typical day I study in the morning, when the wind picks up I go kiting and at the end of the afternoon I workout.
What are your favorite pre-competition foods?
During a competition, I eat small meals, and only things I can digest fast , so I can feel comfortable in my heat ! Also, I drink a lot of water to stay hydrated.
What’s your secret to success in competition?
I think it’s a lot of preparation before the competition physically & mentally and a lot of hours in the water. Also a few minutes before a heat I like to enter in a “bubble” and do not think about the pressure but only about the tricks I’m going to do. My dad helps me with this!
What are your 2021 goals?
My goal this year is to win an event and to keep improving my freestyle & wave riding.
When did you get sponsored?
I had my first sponsor when I was 12 years old.
What’s the best thing about traveling with your sibling?
Being able to discover new places, spots and cultures together it’s amazing!
What’s the worst thing?
When he drops in on my waves!!
How has the move to Brazil been?
I was 7 years old, and I was really happy to be able to live on a beach, learn kiting and ride my horse
Favorite saying, quote or mantra?
Hard question, I asked my family and apparently the quote I say the most is “I’m hungry”
How do you keep the board on your feet?!
With the wind and some speed during the rotation.
Do you work-out off the water?
Yes, I try to work out every day
How has lockdown been for you?
I passed the lockdown at home, in Brazil where I was able to kite and train every day so I can’t complain about it!
How does it feel to be the youngest kitesurfing competitor?
It’s really cool, everyone is really kind to me and gives a lot of advice. Also I feel really lucky to be able to learn from the other talented riders!
What’s your favorite trick?
The double front roll!!
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