Skater and surfer, Simon is our skate reference. He started out in surfing and even began competing, but he quickly switched to skateboarding. In 2002/2004, with a friend of his, they got intensively into skating by riding non-stop! Then he had the idea to start small local competitions and to travel all over France to tackle the big skateparks in well-known cities.. Through its quality content, it will take you to all the well-known spots for surfing and skating. @simonleaute
Where are you from?
I am originally from Vendée, more precisely from Noirmoutier-en-l'Ile. It is a small town located just below Nantes.
What was the trigger for you? How did you progress?
Where I really had a revelation was when I spent 1 year in Australia on the EAST coast. I discovered the bowl, I skated with real professionals, notably with Steve Cabalero and Bucky Lasek. We traveled entire cities, searching for the best spots to have our best sessions. It really helped me improve, and when I returned to France I participated in the French championships. I earned the title of vice champion of France in 2012/2014/2015.
What does surfing & skating represent for you?
Surfing is now part of my lifestyle. As soon as I can, I'm in the water. I constantly want to improve and discover new spots. Surfing is a sport I like to practice alone, although at first it is easier when you are surrounded by others. Today, it is a real breath of fresh air when I go into the water, and I find that you are more focused when surfing alone.
Skateboarding was a niche, a group of friends and above all a great understanding. It's a sport that is very individual but at the same time, as soon as you need advice, everyone is very open to answering your questions.
What is your best advice for starting skateboarding?
The key in skateboarding is frequency and supervision. When you start, it's better to share as much as possible, to develop the right habits to be able to fall safely.
What are your top destinations?
In Europe, I would say Barcelona because the city has several spots very suitable for skateboarding. Since then, it has been a virtuous circle; thanks to the infrastructure, a real community of skateboarders has formed. In France, Bordeaux is now the first skate-friendly city, the road surface is perfectly adapted. Due to the presence of Darwin, there are even skateboarders who are ready to move to take advantage of it! Internationally, it would rather be Los Angeles. It's the Biarritz/Hossegor of over there, all the sponsors and cameramen are on site. For all skateboarders who want to make it, it's a crucial step.
