Breaking Boundaries on Water: An Interview with James on His 322km eFoil World Record
James has just broke the world distance record on the AUDI e-tron Foil by Aerofoils, covering an incredible 322 kilometers along the Côte d'Azur. In this interview, he shares the inspiration, preparation, and challenges behind his remarkable journey, offering a glimpse into what it takes to push the boundaries of this exciting new sport.
1. What initially inspired you to pursue the world distance record on an eFoil?
Well, the activity being fairly young, I thought most records were still relatively easy to beat, and being just about young enough myself, I was keen to try! I guess the competitive streak remains from my younger days as a downhill ski racer...
The opportunity was there via my eFoil Sensation school and Aerofoils test centre in the South of France. This is my fourth season, so I've had time to practice my eFoiling and make good connections, so being able to find sponsors was another piece of the jigsaw – thanks to Aerofoils, Sialia Yachts, H2O Maritime, Active Explorer, Audi Nice, Jet+ Assurances, Antilogos Imprimerie, Wash Down, Precision Fuel & Hydration, Spark Marine Projects, the Town Hall of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, Mark's Real Estate, my friend Alex and Bruno at my base, Le Nautic.
It was also clear that achieving a World Record in such a trending activity would present a good opportunity with media and marketing which could help my business as well as the activity in general, which I'm keen to promote.
2. How did you prepare physically and mentally for such a demanding journey?
I'm lucky enough to be teaching eFoiling every day, and I get a lot of practice in, so my body was prepared for it.
I've mastered a particular style which is standing on the board facing forwards, both feet pointing straight to the nose, like a stand-up paddle. I call it SUPer Style, and it's very comfortable looking forwards instead of always to the side. Being able to switch positions regularly is key to being able to manage long distances.
I took time off before the day to feel energized and ready to go. And I had already done a test run of 203km from my base in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat to St-Tropez and back, so I had no doubt I could do it. I slept well and did quite a bit of stretching before getting on my board for the ride. In truth, it's not like running a marathon; it's not as physically demanding as one might imagine.
3. Can you describe the logistics involved in planning the record attempt, including battery changes and support?
It actually took me three attempts to get this record in the bag. The first time from my base here in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat to St-Tropez and back, I had my friend and partner Bruno and another friend Ed who accompanied me in my Q4 e-Tron along the coast with the batteries. I would change it on the beach, but it wasn't always easy to find each other! I managed 203km on that first run, and it was obvious that a boat would be more suitable for a longer distance. Now that I had proof that a serious attempt could be made, I was able to get people's interest and start finding sponsors. Getting the Sialia electric yacht on board to accompany me was a major step in getting the next attempt organized. Having a boat nearby and people around made the second attempt much more enjoyable and battery changes on the back of the boat easier. Being able to recharge them onboard relieved any doubt of being able to accomplish the longer distance. But the final attempt, we went back to beach stops at the base, which was mid-way around a circuit encompassing Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat - Monaco and back, and Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat - Villefranche and back, a distance of 20km each way.
4. What were the biggest challenges you faced during the attempt, both expected and unexpected?
The most physically challenging aspect of the journey was getting numb feet, especially my right back foot, which tends to be under more riding pressure, pushing through turns. Battery changes are always a welcome relief, but it's also nice to be able to switch positions and move around a lot, which can include sitting and kneeling from time to time.
The most unexpected challenge during the second attempt was falling heavily on my back, which turned off the Strava GPS tracker on my phone. This was the main, but not the only, unexpected logistical issue that led to being unable to determine the exact number of kilometers.
5. Were there any moments during the attempt when you doubted whether you could complete it?
No, by the third round, I had enough confidence in all the equipment, including board, foil, batteries, GPS trackers, cameras recording the whole journey, etc., and in my support team to know that I was going to make it.
6. How did the weather and sea conditions impact your journey?
The first attempt was incredible; the sea was flat, and I hugged the coast on the way out, so the scenery was fascinating, especially around Esterel, and I even saw dolphins, which made the journey really fun. Coming back, the swell picked up and carried me back with some nice waves, which was equally fun.
The second attempt with the Sialia yacht started smoothly, but the sea mass got rougher as the day went on, with massive chop in the bay of St-Tropez making riding very difficult. The journey was more exposed both there and back whilst riding further out, which was less interesting.
But the third and final attempt was on a calm, flat day, and riding along familiar coastline, crossing paths with many people I knew made it very special.
7. Can you describe what it felt like during the key moments of the attempt, such as when you realized you were going to break the record?
Getting up at 05h and experiencing the sunrise with my friend Bruno to prepare for the departure on the final morning was a great feeling. We set out together for the first leg to Monaco and back, which was calm, silent, and beautiful. Another friend joined me for a leg to Villefranche and back at around 12h, but for the rest, I rode pretty much alone until the last one, which was also Villefranche and back around Cap Ferrat. That time, I was joined by friends Bruno and Charles, the Founder of the Monaco eFoil Club and my sponsor with his company Spark Marine Projects in Monaco. Coming around the last corner with them and seeing Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat was really special, and flying for the last time through our channel and landing on the beach with many friends and members of the Town Hall to greet me made for a very special moment. I got sprayed with Champagne, and I drank quite a bit too, which felt good! A fabulous evening.
8. How do you plan to celebrate this achievement?
I celebrate by now solidifying plans to go to Miami in October for the start of a new chapter with eFoil Sensation there. I'll likely go with the Sialia, who'll gladly take Aerofoils onboard as they're taking the boat (Deep Silence) to the FLIBS boat show from here. I want to establish a base where there's a longer season and potential in an equally pertinent place!
9. What message do you hope your accomplishment sends to others interested in eFoiling or pushing their limits?
Like I said in the beginning, at my ripe age of 52, I think it proves that there's a lot of scope yet for setting and beating all kinds of records. eFoiling is an incredible new activity which I think is going a long way with the potential to become an Olympic event. The journey towards that is going to be a lot of fun for those involved, and I feel blessed to have a place in the game and to help it along. I love introducing and teaching people how to eFoil and especially riding with others. I look forward to coaching more, participating in competitions as well as in events with different brands and more riders on the water in more and more locations around the world. Thanks, Aerofoils, I love your eFoils – I'm heading to the water again right now!
James' journey is a testament to the power of determination and innovation in a rapidly evolving sport. As he looks ahead to new challenges, his record-breaking feat on the AUDI e-tron Foil by Aerofoils not only sets a high bar but also inspires others to explore the limitless possibilities of pushing their own boundaries on the water.
Thank you, James, for sharing your experience with us and, most importantly, for taking us with you on your incredible journey!
Sponsors:
@sialiayachts @villedesaintjeancapferrat @activexplorer.monaco @h2omaritime @audinicemougins @sparkmarineprojects @washdown.eco @marks_real_estate @le_nautic @aerofoils.official
