Kitesurf365 Podcast Summary

Episode: Elliot Bouton | Episode #426
Host: Adrian Kerr
Guest: Elliot Bouton
Date: February 23, 2026

Episode Overview

In this episode, Adrian Kerr hosts rising kiteboarding star Elliot Bouton. Fresh off a breakout season—including a King of the Air qualification and a new sponsorship with F-ONE—Elliot discusses his ascent, the importance of steady progress, his approach to competition, and his goals for the coming year. The conversation dives into team dynamics, competition strategy, gear choices, and the unique challenges (and joys) of the kiteboarding circuit, especially for a French rider climbing the global ranks.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Training & Recent Sessions

• Coming off Intensive Training

  • Elliot returns from a demanding training block aimed at producing a standout video to secure competition entries, expressing satisfaction with the conditions.
  • “Just come back from intense training for the Lord of Trump to get the good video… So I'm pretty happy.” [00:39, Elliot]

• Crazy Sessions at Bucaraz

  • Describes challenging, windy sessions in Bucaraz with gusts hitting 40-50 knots, highlighting how these sessions push the limits and produce huge jumps.
  • Shares firsthand witnessing a teammate’s (Marius) enormous 40m+ jump and the high-performance environment in France.

French Riders and the Next Generation

• Strength of French Fleet

  • Adrian observes the abundance of talented French kiters and contemplates why more haven’t broken into the global top five.
  • Elliot points out that riders like Edgar have reached those heights.

• Transition of Generations

  • Discussion on seasoned competitors stepping aside for the younger generation.
  • “He's scared of the young guys coming through.” [02:55, Elliot]

Switching from Duotone to F-ONE

• Why Join F-ONE?

  • Elliot chose F-ONE for its family-like atmosphere and the opportunity to influence product development and represent a French legacy brand.

  • Highlights the allure of a new, still-under-wraps F-ONE kite that impressed him in early tests.

  • “I was searching like, more a family team… we can work together to the top. So this really interesting me… this kite is sick.” [03:20 - 04:10, Elliot]

  • Adrian agrees on the value of the family feel:
    “Every brand says, hey, we're a family. But not every brand means that.” [04:09, Adrian]

• Respect for Duotone & The Changing Tide

  • Elliot expresses gratitude to Duotone and acknowledges other top French riders making similar moves.
  • “It's time for a new chapter.” [04:33, Elliot]

Competition Progression & Blueprint for Success

• Breakout Year Narrative

  • Elliot retraces his methodical progression: winning smaller comps (Pro2 at Full Power, Tarifa Puckle), placing third in Red Bull qualifiers, and finally making the King of the Air fleet.
  • He emphasizes the importance of building step by step and not aiming straight for the flagship events.

• Adrian: “The Blueprint” for Young Riders

  • Praises Elliot’s approach as the ideal model—compete frequently, start small, climb up.
  • “It's actually the blueprint of what young guys coming through the system should look to do.” [06:36, Adrian]

Pressure & Mental Approach

• Pressure Paradox

  • Elliot feels more pressure at local/smaller comps due to expectations from peers:
    “I feel more pressure in the small comp than in the big comp. Because… if I lose against the little guy, it's a bit problematic, you know?” [08:26, Elliot]

• Living the Dream vs. Pressure

  • Elliot doesn’t put undue pressure on himself and prefers to let the process unfold:
    “It's my dream to do all the comp and all the travel, chase the wind… so why I will put pressure on myself?” [09:04, Elliot]

Inspirations & Competition Dynamics

• Key Influences

  • Looked up to Edgar and Andrea—both as direct mentors and as top competitors:
    “Edgar… was the first guy who brought me to Barca race and to train in the strong wind… Of course Andrea… he's still the goat.” [09:24, Elliot]

• Competing with Heroes

  • The rush of competing alongside former idols is appreciated:
    “If you win, you're the God. So that's the best.” [10:03, Elliot]

Future Goals & Tactical Plans

• Short- and Long-Term Objectives

  • For 2026, Elliot’s focus is on entering as many comps as possible, gaining consistent experience, and building up gradually towards winning major titles.
  • Conscious plan to remain active rather than banking on one result:
    “I don't want to just like, sitting on my result like and be okay. I do one podium… That's nothing. That's just the start.” [25:33, Elliot]

• Series and Competition Structures

  • Discusses the formats of GK (trick-by-trick) vs. Red Bull (variety and family of tricks), revealing his preference for the challenge of adapting to both.
  • Plans to compete in every event possible, big or small.

Gear, Progression, and Technical Focus

• Kite Technology

  • Shifted from Duotone Rebel (D-Lab, 24m lines) to F-ONE (22m lines), allowing for kite-low and bigger jumps in a wider range of conditions.
  • “Now with my new kite, I can ride 22 everywhere and put the kite quite low.” [15:51, Elliot]

• High and Low Kite Positioning

  • Emphasizes the need for greater height and extreme kite positions to keep up with modern competition:
    “Everybody do the same tricks now… You have to put the kite really low and go really high… because it's extreme sport.” [14:54, Elliot]

• Riding in Different Conditions

  • Praises Cape Town’s kickers for being “easy” after more challenging training in Gran Canaria.
  • Adapting to different spots (Mykonos, Bucaraz, Tarifa).

Doubles, New Tricks, and Extremes

• Doubles in Competition

  • Notes that only spots like Bucaraz and Lord of Tram regularly see consistent, high-wind conditions for big double loops.
  • “I think it's the only spot where you can get 50 knots for one week… you can pull the double every jump when it's good.” [18:53, Elliot]

• On Innovation

  • If he could “steal” one thing from another rider, it would be Lorenzo’s trophy and buzzer-beating tricks:
    “The trophy from kota in which four seat first jump on the buzzer… every day. And I will do it in my first jump.” [21:07, Elliot]

Coaching, Family, and Support

• Coaching Setup

  • Coached by Edgar, Thibaut Munier, his local trainers, and his father—who is also his caddy and gives simple, relentless advice:
    “His only advice, his best advice is go higher… Even if I show him the Marius jumps, he will say, go higher. I can't, I can't.” [22:36, Elliot]

• Building the Caddy Team

  • Considering a combo of family caddy and analytical support, especially from the French team coach, Luca.
  • Recognizes the tactical value of having a knowledgeable caddy for heat strategy and adaptation.

Reflections on Injuries and Resilience

• Story shared about Nelson's injury at a “secret spot” and his rapid, impressive recovery and return to high-level riding.
  • “Six months later he was back… destroying the bush he fell in. So that's the good part.” [24:42, Elliot]

Final Notes on Training & Next Steps

• Plans rigorous travel and training at locations like Tarifa, Gran Canaria, and possibly Blue Lagoon and Mykonos, focusing on preparing for all conditions (including riding both directions and improving weak-side tricks).
• Stresses continual improvement and a busy schedule as the keys to sustaining momentum.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments with Timestamps

• On Putting in the Work:
  “I'm going to do all the small comp and step by step, I'm going to going in bigger and bigger comp.” [07:17, Elliot]

• Mentality Going into Competition:
  “I live in my dream, actually, so I don't have to put pressure.” [09:04, Elliot]

• Coaching Wisdom:
  “My father… his best advice is go higher. Every time I show him a video, go higher.” [22:36, Elliot]

• The Danger and Thrill of the Lords of Tram:
  Adrian: “It's the craziest conditions in kiteboarding… It's the only place I've seen riders scared.” [20:27, Adrian]

• On Staying Hungry and Not Coasting:
  “If you stay on this, you're dead. You have to go on and go step by step.” [25:33, Elliot]

Important Segments & Timestamps

• Breakout Year & Progression Path: 05:10 – 07:39
• Switch to F-ONE Discussion: 03:06 – 04:51
• Pressure and Mental Approach: 08:11 – 09:18
• Technical Gear Adjustments: 15:37 – 16:39
• Thoughts on Competition Formats: 10:59 – 11:55
• Discussion of Extreme Spots & Heights: 12:27 – 14:54, 18:12 – 20:54
• Coaching and Caddy Support: 21:50 – 23:44
• Training and Vision for 2026: 25:55 – 26:34

Conclusion

Elliot Bouton delivers candid insights into the journey of an emerging pro in today’s kiteboarding scene. He highlights the necessity of hard work, the importance of balancing ego with humility, and the value of family and mentorship. His methodical, stepwise approach sets an example for young competitors, and his technical curiosity and experimentation with gear underline the ever-evolving nature of the sport. With clear goals and a pragmatic mindset, Elliot stands poised for further breakthroughs on the world stage.