From his first sessions in the warm waters of Martinique to powerful wave days in southern France, Arnaud Jacques has spent more than three decades pursuing his passion for windsurfing. Living close to Hyères, one of France's most iconic windsurfing destinations, he enjoys a wide variety of conditions throughout the year. We caught up with Arnaud to talk about his journey into the sport, memorable Starboard moments, and the advice he would give to the next generation of riders.
How did you first get into windsurfing, and what drew you specifically to Starboard boards?
"I learned windsurfing in 1992 in Le Vauclin, Martinique, with my parents, and I immediately got the virus. I was attracted to Starboard because of its unique shapes and the Wood construction, which was the main DNA of the brand at the time."
What is your home spot, and what makes the conditions there unique?
"I live in the Var region in the south of France, close to Hyères, where you can experience all kinds of conditions, whether it's slalom, foil, or wave sailing. Spots like Almanarre, Le Mourillon, and La Coudoulière are very interesting because, whatever the wind direction, you can easily get on the water. And of course, Martinique, the spot of my childhood, remains very special to me."
Can you share a favorite memory or breakthrough session on a Starboard board?
"One of my strongest memories goes back more than 20 years ago when I was sailing in the lagoon of Cap Est in Martinique with Rémi Vila. That was when I discovered the Starboard Hypersonic.
It was a very complete board with an incredible range of use, and it really left a lasting impression on me.
More recently, I had an unforgettable wave sailing session in Hyères on Christmas Day in 50 knots with the Starboard Ultra."
How do you choose the right board and sail setup for your local conditions, and has that changed over time?
"With Starboard, the range of use of my equipment has increased significantly.
For example, I can now sail longer with a single board size without having to change boards immediately when the conditions change. This gives me more time on the water and greater versatility in a wide range of conditions."
What advice would you give to young or aspiring riders in France who want to progress?
"Windsurfing is above all a passion and a wonderful sport.
It is important not to forget to have fun on the water, whether you are sailing alone or with friends. Progress comes naturally when you enjoy every session."
After more than 30 years on the water, Arnaud's passion for windsurfing remains as strong as ever. Whether he's enjoying the varied conditions of southern France or reflecting on the sessions that shaped his journey, his message is simple: keep having fun, and the progression will follow.
