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Hôtel du Palais Biarritz

Crédits : Charlène Campos. Translation: Jill Harry. Pictures: RR, Jose Walker

Johanne Defay, an iconic figure in French surfing

Johanne Defay is ready to ride the Paris 2024 Olympic waves, bearing the nation's colours aloft.
How did you discover surfing?

The ocean cradled my childhood. I was only two when my parents decided to move to the island of Réunion. It was there that my father passed on to me his passion for surfing. I began by having fun with a bodyboard before taking my first lessons when I was eight.

How do you feel as the Olympic Games approach?

My 2024 season is already well on its way. A good many events await me before the Olympic Games, but I feel serene and on top form. My stay in Tahiti in January was highly beneficial. I perfected my technique on the Teahupo'o wave and took full advantage of the Polynesian ocean.

Tell us about this famous spot.

Teahupo'o is a magnificent, unique wave that carries you to the left and is very hollow. It mainly offers tubes, making it a daunting challenge. Rather than trying to control it, you have to understand it, observe, and anticipate it.

Are you a regular on the Côte Basque?

When I'm in mainland France, I love surfing in the Landes. When I was at secondary school, I was lucky enough to live between Bayonne and Biarritz. I loved spending time on the Grande Plage.

What do you like about Biarritz?

It is a charming town, on a human scale, a great place to live. Strolling around the Halles and tasting local specialities is a real treat!

What are your upcoming projects?

Today, my goal is to win a medal at the Olympic Games. In parallel, my surf lodge project at Seignosse Bourg is taking shape. In the future, I would like to continue to thrive in the world of surfing, though far from the stress of competition, while sharing my passion with others.

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