Kitesurf365 Podcast | Episode #428: Marius Sanchez
Date: March 9, 2026
Host: Adrian Kerr

Episode Overview

In this episode, host Adrian Kerr sits down with French kiteboarder Marius Sanchez to unpack the story behind his recent viral “big jump” at Bacaraz. They delve into the highs and lows of competitive kiteboarding, the challenges of progressing to the sport’s top tier, the mind games behind big air, and the unfiltered reality of chasing heights. Marius reflects on missing the Lords of Tram cut, discusses gear innovations, and shares lessons about focus, preparation, and recognition among peers.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Missing Out on Lords of Tram Fleet

• Reflection on Not Being Selected:
  Marius addresses his disappointment at not making the cut for the Lords of Tram event. He attributes it to his video submission being “a bit too low” and acknowledges that while it hurts, he can only focus on improving his own performance (01:15).
• Quote:
  "What I can control is my sportive way...I was not good enough. So I just gonna work on this and I had a better video... Let's work on it and let's do better next year." — Marius (01:15-02:02)

2. The Mindset and Mental Challenges of Competition

• Struggling with Consistency:
  Marius emphasizes that breaking into the top competitive level is as much about mental strength and consistency as technical skill. He admires competitors like Andrea and Lorenzo for their winning mentality.
• Quote:
  "Everyone can go out there and do the tricks, right? But it's doing the tricks under pressure...that’s really hard." — Adrian (03:51)
• Marius on Mindset:
  "It's definitely a mind game more than everything...You need to trust in yourself and that’s something you need to work on." (05:23)

3. Behind the Viral Bacaraz Jump

• Moment-by-Moment Recount:
  Marius gives a detailed, visceral account of the massive jump, revealing genuine fear mid-air and how he regained focus to land safely (07:23).
• Quote:
  "I thought I was a drone, you know, like I could see everything...Then I start a bit like kind of panicking...then I focus...and then I landed perfect." — Marius (07:23-08:37)

Notable Moment

• Peer Recognition:
  Adrian references Elliot Bhattan’s comments:
  "Even Elliot Bhattan said on his podcast he said Andy landed like a boss." (08:37)

4. Technical Insights: Gear, Wind, and “Magic Gusts”

• Wind Conditions & Setup:
  The session took place during a storm with highly variable winds (20-50 knots), contributing to the massive boost from intersecting gusts (09:34-11:24). Marius was on an 8m Reading Master Model kite with 22m lines.
• Kite and Line Choice:
  Marius attributes the leap to the combination of “magic gusts,” timing, and equipment reliability (14:04-15:14).
• Quote:
  "It's really important to have the great gear to upgrade your skills...this kite is definitely a game changer." — Marius (14:24)

5. The Aftermath: Adrenaline and the Community Reaction

• Adrenaline Rush:
  The jump left Marius buzzing with adrenaline, sleepless for two nights, and stunned by his own accomplishment (12:41-14:00).
• Celebration on Return:
  Landing was met with cheers from friends; parental pride added an emotional touch (20:26).
• Quote:
  "I could not sleep for two nights...that was maybe the craziest thing I experienced all life." — Marius (13:00)

6. Unregistered Jump & Bro Science

• Forgotten Device:
  Marius forgot to charge his Sufr watch, making the jump officially unrecorded (16:51). Discussion ensues about "bro science"—estimating jump heights from photos and community debate (18:06-18:44).
• Quote:
  "Rookie mistake...I was focusing on doing tricks for my entry video...then unfortunately I got the big jump without watch." — Marius (16:51-17:56)
• Peer Respect Over Numbers:
  "For me when I post the jump, I didn’t say it’s a world record. I say biggest send of my life, which is true...everyone...comment and say it's a big jump. This is what I need to know." — Marius (19:44)

7. Chasing Records and the Future

• Height Hunting:
  Marius expresses a mixed attitude; he enjoys data and rankings but prefers to ride for the experience and technical tricks—not just chasing the highest jump (22:02-24:16).
• Competitions Ahead:
  He intends to compete in as many events as possible, focusing on building a standout entry video for King of the Air and Red Bull events, and gaining more competition experience (24:16-26:07).
• Quote:
  "I want to keep going on and I want to push...but also for me...doing only big jump, I don't know, I feel this bit annoying...I just do all my tricks, because this is what I like." — Marius (23:40-24:16)

8. Frustration with Competition Selection & Entry Videos

• Calls for Clarity & Fairness:
  Marius criticizes inconsistency in judging entry videos for top events, asking for stricter adherence to rules about trick count and visible landings.
• Quote:
  "If you say five tricks landing, you need to see the landing and the five tricks. If you don’t see one of your landing, you out. Why will we score you?" — Marius (27:27-28:36)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On mental fortitude:
  "Winning's a habit too, right?...They just have faith in what they can do." — Adrian (04:56)
• On community and motivation:
  "It's all about also my feeling, you know, the pleasure...when I go back to the beach and all the friends are happy...that was a good accomplishment." — Marius (20:26)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 01:15 – Marius on missing Lords of Tram selection
• 02:25 – On the challenge of breaking into elite competition
• 07:23 – Play-by-play of the big Bacaraz jump
• 09:34 – Discussion of wind conditions and timing the gust
• 13:00 – Adrenaline aftermath and sleepless nights
• 16:51 – Not wearing the Sufr watch for the big jump
• 18:44 – Community debate (“bro science”) over jump height
• 20:26 – The joy of peer recognition and friends' celebrations
• 24:16 – Future goals: competitions, entry videos, chasing records
• 27:27 – Critique of comp entry video rules and fairness

Conclusion

This episode goes beyond the hype of viral jumps, offering listeners a nuanced look at the psychological, technical, and communal sides of modern kiteboarding. Marius’s humility, competitive drive, and honest reflections make this a resonant episode for aspiring athletes and fans alike. As the French talent pool continues to grow, Marius’s focus is clear: improve, stay true to the sport’s spirit, and reach new heights—watch charged next time.