Kitesurf365 | Capucine Delannoy | Episode #412
Host: Adrian Kerr
Guest: Capucine Delannoy
Date: November 10, 2025
Episode Overview
In this episode, Adrian Kerr sits down with Capucine Delannoy, prodigious kitesurfer and four-time world champion at just 19. They dive into Capucine’s meteoric journey, dissect the highs and lows of her competitive years, her training regimen, and her thoughts on the progression of women’s kitesurfing. The conversation is candid, insightful, and brimming with stories about perseverance, mentorship, and community in the world of kiteboarding.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
The 2021 Vice World Title & Motivation
- Capucine’s feelings about her 2021 vice world title (00:53–02:25)
- The decision to combine 2020 and 2021 results due to COVID impacted her first possible world title.
- Capucine admits, “I was really annoyed. So it pushed me to train a bit harder and then to get the next one.” (01:14)
- She reframes it as a positive: “I think it was good it happened,” since it motivated her to come back stronger.
Wave Riding vs. Strapless Freestyle
- Transformation as a wave rider (02:25–03:36)
- Capucine initially felt weak in wave riding but worked hard to improve.
- “This year I won…what I think is the biggest wave event in Cape Verde. ... I really fell in love with wave riding.” (02:34)
- Now she enjoys both wave riding and freestyle, having spent months immersed in the discipline.
Training with Mitu Monteiro
- Mentorship and training alongside a legend (03:36–05:31)
- Adrian explores her relationship with Mitu, who coached her extensively.
- “He was making me work hard. ... Some days like five, six hours in the water. It was really long sessions, but he was just a big support and really good.” (04:11)
- Capucine describes their joint victory in Cape Verde: “It felt like we made it together. It was ... an achievement for both.” (05:22)
Facing Legends and New Competition
- Beating Muna White in Cape Verde (05:31–06:27)
- Facing and eventually beating her idol, Muna White, was a big achievement.
- “Every time we had a wave event, she was beating me. ... This time I have my chances.” (05:56)
- Upcoming events and local talent in Brazil (06:27–09:23)
- Taiba may be a wave or freestyle event; Capucine is ready for either.
- Brazilian women are emerging as strong competitors, many of whom Capucine knows personally: “Kiziani is my neighbor. ... Serena, she lives a bit further, but I see her quite a lot.” (08:57)
Surge of Brazilian Women in Strapless Freestyle
- Why Brazilian girls are thriving in the discipline (09:23–10:33)
- Capucine: “Every time I see a girl doing strapless here, I just think it’s very beautiful. So, yeah, maybe that’s what appealing.” (09:34)
- Natural progression from twin tip to strapless is typical in Brazil: “Yeah, I think so. We live right at the point where everybody passes downwind, and most of the people are in strapless, a lot of them, and the girls even more so. That’s a good place to live.” (10:18)
Inspiring the Next Generation
- Role as an inspiration (10:33–11:23)
- Capucine recognizes her influence on newcomers: “I also want to inspire other girls ... So yeah, it’s super nice when I hear that. ... It is the goal.” (10:51)
- Women’s progression in the sport (11:23–12:02)
- She believes the ceiling is far from reached: “There’s definitely more to do. ... We're not done yet.” (11:29)
Technical Details: Gear and Riding Style
- Equipment (12:02–12:25)
- Capucine rides the Latitude Scarf and Orbit for freestyle: “I do loops in strapless, so I kind of have to use the Orbit.” (12:05)
- The Art of ‘Real’ Wave Kitesurfing (12:25–13:40)
- On using the wave’s power vs. the kite’s: “The less you use the kite, the more points you get and the more beautiful it is to watch. ... Not using the kite is quite the kind of the tricky part.” (12:57)
Riding Punta Preta (Cape Verde)
- Challenging iconic locations (13:40–16:24)
- Capucine candidly discusses the dangers and learning curve: “Pontempreta is terrifying. ... You have this huge wave and then the offshore wind that pushes you out of the wave. ... It was also the reason I started the coaching with MeToo.” (13:56)
- The rocks are hazardous: “The rocks are very close.” (15:43)
Staying Motivated after So Much Success
- Intrinsic vs. extrinsic motivation (16:24–18:44)
- Capucine’s motivation has evolved: “I want to push the level. I want to be the best. ... Even if there’s a competition or no competition, I want to be the first one landing this trick.” (16:43)
- Winning is still important, but chasing personal progression is paramount.
Life Off the Competition Circuit
- Sponsorship shoots and team camaraderie (19:12–21:09)
- Shooting for Mystic and North with friends and legends: “...It was my brother Cam, Francesca and Jet. So it’s just a really, really funny crew.” (19:19)
- On Francesca Del Moro: “She’s really talented and very passionate. Every time I’m with her, she spends hours on the water.” (20:00)
Family Tales: Brothers and the Next Generation
- On her little brother’s talent (21:40–22:52)
- “He spends his whole day in the water more than me. He landed a double loop a couple days ago. ... I’m like, this took me six months. That’s not fair.” (22:10)
- Advice from her brother Camille (23:08–23:59)
- “Cam has never been really good at giving advices when it comes to technical stuff, because I think everything to him was so natural.” (23:16)
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
-
“I was really annoyed. So it pushed me to train a bit harder and then to get the next one.”
— Capucine Delannoy (01:14) -
“Once you figure it out ... it’s dreamy. It’s so, so nice. The wave is amazing. It’s perfect.”
— Capucine Delannoy on riding Punta Preta (14:39) -
“I also want to inspire other girls ... So yeah, it’s super nice when I hear that. ... It is the goal.”
— Capucine Delannoy (10:51) -
“There’s definitely more to do. ... We just have to follow the path of the boys, kinda. So, yeah, we're not done yet.”
— Capucine Delannoy (11:29) -
“The less you use the kite, the more points you get and the more beautiful it is to watch.”
— Capucine Delannoy on wave riding judging (12:57)
Timestamps for Important Segments
- 00:48 – Capucine's career achievements and early motivation
- 01:05 – 2021 vice world title controversy
- 02:25 – Transition to become a wave riding specialist
- 03:48 – Training and mentorship with Mitu Monteiro
- 05:44 – Beating Muna White in Cape Verde
- 06:41 – Discussion on Taiba and format speculation
- 08:04 – Surge of Brazilian women in strapless
- 10:51 – Capucine on inspiring young female kiters
- 12:57 – Details of judging in wave riding events
- 13:56 – Dangers and joys of Ponta Preta
- 16:43 – How Capucine stays motivated
- 19:19 – Behind-the-scenes of Mystic and North product shoots
- 21:40 – On her younger brother’s impressive progress
- 23:16 – Camille Delannoy’s advice (or lack thereof)
Tone and Atmosphere
The episode is a blend of admiration and easy-going banter. Adrian guides the conversation with genuine curiosity and respect for Capucine’s growth. Capucine herself is humble, thoughtful, and reflective—emphasizing both the personal and sport-wide value of community, perseverance, and setting new standards.
Listen If You Want To Know…
- How a world champion stays motivated after reaching the top several times
- What it's like training under a legend like Mitu Monteiro
- The nuances and dangers of world-class kitesurfing spots like Punta Preta
- Why women’s strapless freestyle is exploding in Brazil
- What goes on during epic brand shoot trips — and how kiteboarding families keep each other pushing their limits
A highly recommended listen for anyone interested in kiteboarding progression, women’s sports, or simply the mindset of top-level athletes.