Jeremie Tronet

YOUR HOBBIES ASIDE KITEBOARDING?

I've always had a passion for both being on the water and creating video content. Filming and taking photos have been a means for me to share the various aspects of kitesurfing and my past travel experiences. Nowadays, it's a great way for me to showcase the incredible moments I have here on the island.

Living on an island with stunning turquoise waters, my days are also filled with other activities. I spend my time surf foiling, wing foiling, fishing, and working on expanding my kitesurfing resort. There's so much to explore and enjoy in this beautiful environment, and I try to make the most of every opportunity.

WHAT DO YOU DO ON A DAY WITHOUT WIND? 

On Union Island, the majority of the season, from November to July, is quite windy. We experience only a few days each month with lighter winds. When the wind calms down, it gets us really excited because it gives me the opportunity to take the boat and go fishing in areas that are inaccessible when the wind is too strong and the sea is rough. This allows us to catch enough fish to sustain us for the next couple of months.

Moreover, days with light winds can also be enjoyable for surfing. This means we try to strike a balance between surfing and fishing sessions. It's all about making the most of the conditions and having fun in the water, whether it's riding the waves or reeling in some fish.

WHAT STYLE OF MUSIC ARE YOU INTERESTED IN? 

I really like all kind of music in general and switch genre depending on the mood and time of the year but if I had to choose I am really into deep house music which I also play during my DJ sets at the Full Moon beach parties on Union Island.

HOW AND WHY DID YOU START KITEBOARDING? 

Back in 1996 when I was only 10 I loved to fly small kites. In 98 my uncle gave me a small 3m power kite and I was playing around with it any chance I had. Growing up on the island of Martinique and with my friends we were trying to fly this small trainer kite on the water with our old surfboards without harness and without knowing kitesurfing was a sport.

Back in the year 2000 we started to see and know of people Kitesurfing with inflatable kites and my only dream was to get one of these magic kites that could relaunch from the water but the prices were obviously too crazy for a 14 years old.

So I took it upon myself to build one. I borrowed the sewing machine if my grand mother and got the pattern from totally unstitching an old inflatable 7m kite my uncle got from his sail repair shop. I spent 3 months on my own stitching a brand new 7m inflatable kite from 3 rolls of spinnaker material and some thread.

The bar was an old windsurfing wishbone I had cut and modified to create a kitesurfing  bar. The depower strap was made of backpack straps.

The kite flew and I managed to finally get into kitesurfing and progress and win my first competitions in the Caribbean. The dream had become true.

WHY ARE YOU RIDING FOR DUOTONE?

I feel incredibly fortunate to have been riding for Duotone, a major brand, for nearly 9 years now. There are three aspects of Duotone that truly captivate me. Firstly, their professionalism is top-notch. Every detail is meticulously planned, and their products undergo rigorous testing. Duotone has established itself as a trustworthy brand, leading the way in the world of Kitesurfing.

The second aspect that excites me is their constant innovation. As someone who has been kitesurfing for 25 years, I get super thrilled whenever I see new Duotone products that push the boundaries of the sport. Whether it's the click bar, wings, or Dlab kites, their ongoing innovation keeps Kitesurfing incredibly exciting, just like it was when I first started 25 years ago.

Lastly, the sense of freedom within the Duotone team is truly remarkable. I couldn't have asked for a better group to be a part of. Each team member has their own unique personality, and everyone is friendly and supportive. As riders, we enjoy great freedom to create new projects and exciting content. This freedom is essential as it allows for creativity without feeling like mere marketing props, and Duotone excels in creating this environment.

Overall, my experience with Duotone has been nothing short of amazing, thanks to their professionalism, constant innovation, and the freedom they provide. A big thank you to Tommy, Philipp and Patrick to make this all possible for me.

WHAT IS YOUR MAIN GOAL FOR THE FUTURE?

Moving forward, my primary focus remains on innovation and originality, as these elements are endless and fuel creativity. Whether it's through my involvement in the Kitesurfing travel business with JT Pro Center and Duotone Pro Center, inventing fresh tricks, or discovering exciting and unique stunts. I definitely enjoy to continually push the boundaries of what can be achieved on a kite and to share this passion with as many people worldwide as possible.

WHAT TRAINING DO YOU DO TO STAY FIT? 

Back when I used to train more rigorously, my primary focus was spending time on the water, surfing, and kite surfing every single day. However, as the tricks started getting more physically demanding, I realized the significance of strengthening my knees and muscles. To achieve this, I incorporate a mix of weight training, Calisthenics, and specific exercises to reinforce my legs. Additionally, I like to maintain a healthy and enjoyable lifestyle, without obsessively counting calories or anything of that sort, just a healthy diet and staying away from what’s bad for you.

WHAT WOULD HAVE BEEN YOUR JOB IF YOU WOULDN´T BE A PRO KITEBOARDER? 

When I turned 18, I found myself  in Medical school in Martinique. Those long hours of taking notes made me contemplate a significant decision. I had to choose between continuing my studies or leaving everything behind to pursue my dream of becoming a full time Kitesurfer. I would first start by doing an instructor course, this  would not only allow me to explore the world but also earn enough money to sustain myself wherever I went. Ultimately, I opted for the latter, and I have never looked back or regretted that choice. Throughout the years, I dedicated myself to improving my skills, securing sponsorships, and eventually transitioning into a full-time professional kiteboarder. I guess I would be a doctor somewhere if I had not decided to quiet the university on that windy day.

WHAT´S YOUR FAVOURITE FOOD? 

I absolutely enjoy the Mediterranean diet! It's hard for me to choose a single favorite because I enjoy a variety of dishes like pasta, pizza, steak, and fish. To top it off, adding a side of sushi as a starter would make me incredibly happy.

WHAT DID YOU ALWAYS WANT TO SAY?

Don't stress over what others say about you, your preferred riding style, or the kite you choose to use. If you think differently and go against the crowd, some people might criticize you or expect you to be like everyone else. However, innovation often begins this way, and you can't be a creative innovator if you don't take risks and ignore how jealous individuals may treat you. Remember, it's your journey, and being true to yourself is more important than seeking approval from others.

But remember that reading the crowd reaction and taking advices from others is also extremely beneficial in creating anything so make the right choices or choosing who to listen to during your creative process