Pipeline Pro 2011 - A month summary by Roxane

Roxane Bonet is back to France after a month in Hawaii. Before leaving to Reunion Island, we interviewed her about her experience and her smile is already an answer.

For the first time you participated in an event of the IBA. Is it difficult? How does it feel to be the only French representative?
It sure is difficult in the financial sense! Fortunately, my sponsor (Gliss Speed Boat Industry) paid for my travel! But I'd like to thank Natacha Sargardia, Neuza Muchacho, Marta Perez, Lumar Guitare, Isabella Sousa… for helping me! Because without them, I would have probably slept in the street and been in deep shit (Thanks to Brahim Idouch, inchallah Brahim). Being the only French is not necessarily a drawback, it forced me to reach out to the others and thus to learn their language and share their culture. But it's true that, in the competition, I felt a bit lonely in the water!

On the instant you were disappointed in spite of your great performance. What are your conclusions now?
It's true that I was disappointed to lose so close to the goal. Anyways what's done is done, now I intent to train more and my motivation has increased tenfold! As Natacha said, the good thing is that I did beat half the girls in the trials and that I attracted judges' and competitors' attention. And then I've been to Hawaii, I surfed Pipeline, barrels right in Rocky Point, hit some open sea turtles, spilled all my beer on Ben, bike-crashed into another bike and enjoyed the sunset with the girls at Sunset Beach!

There is a lot of confusion on the women tour. Could you sum up this situation and give us your opinion?
The concern is that IBA structure doesn't have enough money for the women tour, as all the funds of this year went to the new men tour with some crazy Grand Slam! I'm in for a bodyboard recognition. For this we need to compete on appropriate spots like The Box or Shark Island. But come on, it's not a reason to remove our events! Okay, we're not as spectacular and as many as guys, but we are determined, motivated and courageous. So leave us a presence in some (I said some) men's competitions! In a way, I hope this problem will tighten up the girls of the tour, restore a fair schedule and thus be a good starting point for next year!

How are your relations with the girls of the tour?
Extremely friendly! It's true that I stayed most of the time with Neuza, Nathi, Lumar and Martita but I get along well with others, especially Isabel (Isabela Sousa) I would say we are like a small family and I'm the youngest and only French (for now!). But it's always nice to see them all and always in a different country. Nevertheless, they have no choice, they must endure my half "creole" spanish!

You were with Australian, South African, etc... How was the atmosphere? Have you met a lot of people ?
The atmosphere was incredible, the people there are friendly and joyful! To give you an idea, it was "Boogie Nation" every day! You meet people every day in the water, bike or even to "Foodland". I met Jared Houston and Natacha on bike, I have sympathized with Matt Lackey in the water. I had a small session that day with him, Kingy, McCarthy, Jared, Charly Chapelet (besides, Kingy "dropped me" and Charly told me "what an honor"). But you've got to know that I stayed mainly with the Spaniards and Canarians (Yeray Martinez, Cabrera Airam ...). By the way, they accepted me nicely and I appreciate them very much.

You go to Reunion Island this weekend for two months. What are your goals?
Surfing, physical training, photos and video clips, work and do my own garden!

What do you think of the Mermaids initiative that has just been created?
It's good that girls can stick together to shake our discipline, especially in France! We are really motivated for the promotion of women's bodyboarding, also thanks to Marine Mangui and Elodie... They did a good job and it's not finished! We are a small committee but motivated and I think that's missing in the pro circuit! Moreover for any information do not hesitate to leave a message on our Facebook wall!

Finally a word about Waïnot. What was the feeling? Some opinions from the riders on the brand ?
Manny Vargas enjoyed the style (by the way, next time, I must not forget his t-shirt!). Several times the guys called me Waïnot, they all asked me why Waïnot? You already know my answer "Waïnot!". Ben Player said "It suits my style" (I'm not sure what he meant, exactly !). They all liked the spirit of the brand : Simple, dynamic and 100% bodyboard!