Hot's rider: Paco Mercader

Here is the Interview of Paco Mercader, a 15 years old French Hot Sails Maui rider which just got 6th place in the freestyle division of the French championship in Six fours les plages. Let’s ask him some question…

Hi Paco, can you introduce yourself?
Hello, my name is Paco Mercader and I am15 years old. I’m living in the south of France, windsurfing in a spot named Six fours les Plages, next to Marseille. I like both freestyle and wave. I’m free styling in the spot of Le Brusc and wave riding mostly in La Coudouliere.
I’m in high school.

You just got 6th place in the French freestyle championship, which is a nice result for a young guy. I heard that the level was pretty high!
True and I’m really happy of this result! I use to do more wave than freestyle but I’m still training with my friends when there is no wave, which often happens here! I managed to do my moves in the heat without being anxious or nervous. And it worked!
Some riders were really ripping like Vincent Mellouet or my friend Adrien Bosson and Kevin Allegre. It was really nice to have a competition at home.

Which moves did you land in your heat?
I tried to give variety during my heat. At the beginning the wind was pretty light and I was doing my spocks, double flakas, puneta, slider and other light wind moves like the funnel that I land less easily. After, the wind picked up and I tried to go more powerful moves with good forward loops, shove its and big flaka to score.

You also competed in wave, how did that go?
Yes, I did as the championship in wave and freestyle. I had the will to obtain a better result than in freestyle but I was going too big. I really tried to push my cut backs to the max which made me fall and loose so much time! Moreover, I was against the guy who finished 2nd. I’m a bit disappointed but it motivates me even more for next year!

Are you working on new moves now?
Currently, I mostly work my freestyle. I’m working on the shaka, the ponch and the switch chachoo. In wave I’m trying some goiters and taka. I’d like to land this moves clean soon!

You managed to try the Bolt, what do you think about this sail?
I tried it in light wind and I was stoked by the acceleration and the handling of this sail. It’s very light and comfortable. For sure I’m going for it this year!

Do you have some plans for this winter?With school and my boards and sails to pay for I won’t have time and money to travel this winter. But for sure I will try to windsurf as much as possible and I plan to do the French championship in February

Do you have another love than your Hot Sails Maui sails?
Not right now but I’d really like to find a windsurf girl!


Thank you Paco!