stay salty

Etienne
Lhote

Etienne started kiteboarding in 1993, quite naturally as a true kite and windsurfing enthusiast. Since then, he's done it all: freestyle world tour, wave world tour, pro rider, coach...

Born in Brittany, France, and still living there, he enjoys nature and wild landscapes, He's really the kind of guy who feels at home in an icy storm in Iceland. He's probably the most passionate kitesurfer in the world, and that passion hasn't changed a bit over the years.

STAY WILD.

Nationality FRENCH Age 1982

HOMESPOT
Brittany, France

FAVORITE TRICK
Mega-loop

DREAM TRICK
Blind Judge 5

3 REASONS TO GO KITING
Be in the ocean, be in the air, play with the elements

BIGGEST INSPIRATION
Flash Austin, Lou Waiman

FAVORITE MEAL
Whole-wheat pancake
from Brittany

“ A kite is an incredible machine... ”

Etienne Interview

Can you tell us a bit more about your passion for kitesurfing?

In my opinion, a kite is an incredible machine that can take you to the waves, but also to the top of the mountains. And now, with kitefoiling, I can ride so fast in almost no wind, it's an incredible feeling of freedom. There's so much to experience with a single kite.

You just won the lottery, what would you do first?

I'd probably be looking for a sailboat to travel and share this sport with my friends. We would start with a tour of Northern Europe, continuing to the Caribbean or the Canary Islands... or perhaps donate it all to charity.

What’s the most amazing thing you’ve experienced?

Snow-kiting is one of the coolest sports around. You can go up the mountains, fly downhill or free ski and enjoy six hours of riding a day. There's a lot of potential in Scandinavia and the Alps. It's a super easy sport.