Rider Spotlight: Antoine and Alani Albeau
Antoine Albeau is known as one of the greatest windsurfers of all time. He holds 26 world titles. Away from competition, he shows a different side. He enjoys the water in a simple way and follows the wind with no pressure. He moves with the wind for the joy of being on the water.
Although windsurfing shaped his career, wingfoiling has become a new way to enjoy the water. It is relaxed and fun. There is no stopwatch and no ranking. He rides with friends, family, and especially with his son Alani. These sessions are about enjoyment and time together.
Antoine and Alani
Alani grew up on the water. His life has always included sailing boats, windsurf boards, and long days at the beach. By the age of seven or eight he started to ride on his own. He learned by watching, trying, and playing. Every session helped him gain confidence.
Alani is very comfortable on the water. He is not afraid to fall or try new things. Wingfoiling is fun for him. Antoine does not push him into training or results. Even so, Alani shows natural talent. He joined his first wingfoil race at nine years old and finished first in the juniors class. His excitement on the podium reflected the hours of practice and freedom he has enjoyed learning the sport.
Their sessions show a lot of trust. Antoine gives Alani space. He lets him make his own choices and enjoy the sport in his own way. This simple approach gives them both calm and joy when they ride together. Antoine watches, advises when needed, but mostly lets Alani explore. It is a rhythm that works for both of them.
Home Base on ENSIS Gear
When Antoine is not taking part in windsurf speed events, he spends his time at his sailing centre in La Couarde sur Mer on the Île de Ré. The island has steady wind and wide, shallow beaches. The area is safe and easy for learning, which brings many families and local riders to the school.
This is where Antoine and Alani ride most days. They use the ENSIS TOPSPIN and TOPSPIN ACE wings together with the ENSIS MANIAC INFINITY ACE foil range. They explore light wind cruising, steady afternoon wind, and stronger breezes. Their sessions often stretch from early morning to late afternoon. The variety keeps every session exciting and gives Alani the chance to experiment with his skills.
A Father and Son Story
In the end, their story is simple but meaningful. A world champion still feels happiest on the water, and his son is growing into the same passion in his own way. Alani’s younger brother already shows interest too. It will not take long before he joins them on the water. With a world champion as a dad and a sibling to learn with, both boys are riders to watch in the future. The Albeau family shares a life shaped by wind, water, and the joy of spending time together. Every session, every ride, is about enjoying the sport and being together.
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