At just 16 years of age, Tess Sermet has become a rising star on the European windsurfing scene. Originally from Le Marin, Martinique, she recently won the European Junior Slalom title in Viganj, Croatia, in June 2024. With an unbridled passion for speed and spectacle, Tess distinguishes herself in a sport where she combines performance, perseverance and international ambitions. In an interview, she shares with us the keys to her success.
An early and promising start
Tess Sermet was introduced to windsurfing at the age of 9 by her older sister and her instructor, Roland Ursulet.
She was hooked from the start, competing in local competitions and then in the French championships from the age of 12. Her meteoric progress led her to join the France FMX Racing and S2Maui teams, as well as the Funway Surf Shop rider team. She particularly remembers her first sensations: " What impressed me most was my first planning, the feeling of speed. Achieving my first jibe before I was 10 remains an unforgettable memory ".
Early success and rapid rise
In 2024, Tess Sermet was runner-up in the foil-slalom European Junior Championship, before going on to win the title of European Junior Champion in the slalom-aileron category. Her domination was undisputed: she won all 6 rounds of the championship, marking her name among the future greats of the discipline. When asked about her impressions after this victory and the keys to her success, Tess explains: " This year, I've been training a lot, both on the water and working on my fitness with cross-fit three times a week. This podium has given me immense joy. I'm also very pleased with my 2nd place in the foil-slalom class, as I have less experience on this type of boat. "
Objectives and training
The 2024 season is a particularly busy one for Tess. Without a regular coach, she trains alone in Le Marin bay, combining two to three windsurfing sessions a week with CrossFit sessions to maintain her physical condition. Listed in 2024 as a hopeful high-level sportswoman, she has benefited from the support of the Maison de la Performance since the end of 2023. To balance her studies with her rigorous training, Tess relies on flawless organization. " The most important thing is to plan well. I use every free moment in class, whether it's recess or the lunch break, to get on with my homework. I also adapt my timetable to the wind forecast, so as to maximize my time on the water. When I'm on the move, I take my lessons with me and try to catch up on work before and after competitions, because during them it's hard to concentrate on anything else. "
National and international competitions
In April, Tess took part in a training course with the French team, where she gained experience alongside the best French riders in the discipline. She then went on to compete in the French AFF funboard championship, finishing 2nd in slalom-aileron and 3rd in foil in Marignane, before winning a foil-slalom competition in Leucate. This training course with the French team was a real godsend for Tess, who, without a regular coach, found it a unique opportunity to measure herself against the best in the discipline. " Watching, learning and sharing with the best is exactly what I've been dreaming of she confides. She also stresses the importance of training in strong wind conditions, an experience she lacks in Martinique. " These intensive training sessions, particularly on starting procedures and courses in strong winds, have enabled me to make significant progress and gain confidence for the rest of the season. "
With a combination of talent and rigor, Tess Sermet pursues her windsurfing path with well-defined goals. Between intensive training and international competitions, she is preparing to take on new challenges and continue her progression in this demanding sport.
