For our November rider profile, we’re featuring one of the sports most genuine riders, Olivier Dorsner. Olivier talks about why his location is inspiring (the photos say it all) and his first riding experiences.
How long have you need riding?
I began kitesurfing 8 years ago after watching two of my friends riding. I remember telling myself "this is for me!"
Where is your home riding spot?
My riding spot is in « Finistère Nord » which is the northern part a department of France in the extreme west of Brittany. The locals call it the «pool » as it can be extremely flat. It is also known as the sand dunes of Saint Marguerite.
What makes your spot unique and inspiring?
The dunes of Saint Marguerite are unique as the landscape is truly amazing. When you arrive on the spot, you can immediately notice how lucky were are: there’s no human activities apart from people on the water having fun. In fact, what makes the spot unique and inspiring can’t be described with words, so here’s a picture:
What are your favorite conditions and riding style?
Typical Breton weather: bright sun (no, I’m not joking) and some clouds to put in relief the brightness of the landscape. 20-25 knots. I’m not a freestyle weapon or an old-school superhero but I love freeriding and when I pump my Screamer 9, I love to boost high over the sandbanks. When the wind is a bit shy, the Renegade 13 LTD is the perfect choice in order to have fun.
Where do you travel to ride? And what is your favorite travel destination?
When I was a student, I had time to travel to great places like Dakhla, Fuerte Ventura or Rhodes. Family obligations now reminds me that I can’t go too far away. However, we have some many sweet spots in Brittany that every sessions are a unique travel.
Why about kiting keeps you addicted?
The fact to be totally autonomous and to be able to ride practically anywhere keeps me completely addicted. I love to discover new places where to ride on my own. But I also enjoy sweet sessions with other people that share the same passion. But the most important thing about kiting are the unique sensations and the multiple disciplines that this sports can provide.
You've been riding Epic gear for a long time. Why choose Epic?
Honestly, I chose Epic at first because I wanted to ride something different. My fidelity to this brand can be a proof that I have never been disappointed even though I can test other brands from friends. The gear from Epic is fully achieved and very fun to ride. But Epic has also something different from other kite companies. It’s a family company which offers full attention to its customers. You can easily discuss with Dimitri and Helen and share them observations about what should be improved. Today, I am promoting Epic kites in France. This allows me to meet knew people and share my passion.
Clearly you have a great relationship with Dimitri and Helen. Any interesting stories that you can share?
At first, I used to discuss with Dimitri via mail or skype. When I first met him in real (during the « Mondial du vent » in Leucate), I ended up sharing the same bed because there were only double beds in the hotel. I never thought I would meet him in these conditions!
Where do you see the sport going? What excites you about it?
Foiling is clearly the next thing: for the last two years, more and more people are rushing into this new sport. I still haven’t had the opportunity to test a foil board but I hope I will soon. Every people I meet who ride a foil board tells me how unique it is to ride above the water. Can’t wait to try.
What advice would you give to new riders?
Be sure to take kite lessons at first. The sport might feel easy but you can seriously injure yourself if you’re not well prepared. Even though I started with kitesurfing lessons, this didn’t prevent me to literally fly over a sand dune and crash hard near wooden fences. That was my first trial but thank God, I did the right thing to avoid the worse. But when you start to feel at ease, pump up your gear, discover what nature offers you and have fun!
Any parting words or thanks that you'd like to provide?
First of all, I would like to thank Dimitri and Helen for all the confidence they’ve put in me. But I would also like to thank the Epic Kites family which includes Jeroen the best kite designer, the different Epic Reps – I’ve met like Marc from Blast Kiteboarding in UK and Nikos from Greece and all the different Epic riders that share the same passion through a great brand.
Link to video
