A few days before the start of the 2026 Championship Tour season, Marco Mignot is approaching his second year among the world elite with ambition and lucidity. Elected Rookie of the Year in 2025, the Frenchman now has a clear objective: aim for the world title. Between personal progression, pressure management and structured supervision, he details his state of mind before diving back into the competition.
The offseason has been very long since the last inspection in August last year. What did you do during the 7 months?
Honestly, this was the biggest off season I’ve ever done in my life, even in my entire surfing career. I found it was a good time to relax, take a step back on what I have done in my career and what I need to improve. Spending time with my family is important. All this to really reenergize for my future goals. It’s been a great time to work on my weaknesses and come into the season in the best version of myself.
You are entering this new CT season with the status of Rookie of the Year. In what state of mind do you arrive?
Rookie of the Year, that was super important because it’s a goal that only happens once in a career. Being able to achieve it was a sign that I am ready and that I have confidence in myself. But now it’s a new season, a new goal. I left that in 2025. In 2026, I’m looking for something bigger.
Looking back, what struck you the most in your first season on CT?
What struck me the most was beating Jordy Smith at home in J-Bay. Frankly, it was a very strong moment. There was my little brother, my father, my coach. It’s a memory that I will never forget.
Being elected Rookie of the Year is a strong recognition. Does that change anything in your approach or in the way others see you on the circuit?
Of course people remember it and it changes their outlook. They say to themselves: “Ah yes, he has the level”. It’s a good status, it’s cool to have it in my list. But I don’t care about that. I stay focused on what I think of myself, on my own opinions. I stay myself. I don’t change for others, I only change to progress.
Do you feel a different pressure this year, that of confirming rather than discovering?
The pressure will always be there. The difference between a hero and a loser is the ability to handle it. I worked on it a lot, mentally. We must not deny the pressure, it is there, but we must know how to manage it.
His victory over South African Jordy Smith in the round of 16 at J-Bay last year remains the best memory of his first season on the CT. (© WSL)
Between your first season and today, what aspects have you worked on the most to achieve a milestone?
I worked on everything: physically, mentally and spiritually. There is no aspect that I left out. Whether it’s my strengths or my weaknesses, I’m always looking for progression.
In your opinion, what makes the difference today between a good CT surfer and a contender at the very high level?
For me, the difference is faith. You have to believe in yourself. Many surfers have the level, but it’s the belief in yourself that makes the difference. Can you be there when it matters? Can you become the best version of yourself every day? That’s what makes the difference.
You are accompanied by your personal coach, Jason Aparicio. What does this daily work concretely bring you in your progress?
The connection with my coach is based on sincerity. He is someone who is more than a coach. We communicate about surfing, but also about everyday life. It’s this connection that makes the difference.
Mignot – Aparicio, a duo that works beyond coaching. (© WSL)
At the same time, you also benefit from the help and support of the staff of the French Surf Federation (Duru, Flores, etc…). How does this double supervision work and what extra does it bring you?
The Federation has been a big help for several years. Having Jérémy Florès and Joan Duru to advise me, they are people who know the trick and who have a lot of information to share. I am always open to receiving this advice. But my coach remains Jason. I am not looking to increase the amount of supervision, simply to take all the good information possible to progress.
You find Kauli Vaast on the CT this season. How do you experience the arrival of a close friend in the world elite?
I’m super happy for Kauli. He deserves it, he has a lot of talent and he is strong everywhere. I’m sure he will perform. I am proud of him and I look forward to fighting great battles against him for the French public.
Which stage of the Championship Tour suits you best today?
I think I showed last year that I don’t really have any weaknesses. All the steps can correspond to me. I feel strong everywhere.
The one where you think you can perform the most this season?
I don’t set myself a particular stage. I feel ready for all of them. There are technical waves like Snapper which suit me well, and also spots like Salvador in Brazil. If everything goes well, I can perform on these waves. Fiji, I don’t know yet, we’ll see.
Teammates in the French team, Marco Mignot and Kauli Vaast are today the two Frenchmen qualified for the CT men’s circuit. (© WSL)
And conversely, which stage still represents a real challenge for you?
The challenge is mainly mental. No matter the wave, you have to be mentally ready. Be able to approach all situations with lucidity and awareness.
After a first full season, are you now setting yourself numerical objectives (Top 10, Final 5…) or are you sticking to a logic of progression?
I’ve already said it: I’m not here to be number 5 or number 10. I’m here to become world champion. This is my ultimate goal. Whether it’s this year or in two or three years, it doesn’t matter. I work every day for this.
This year, there will also be the ISA Worlds with a first Olympic quota at stake. What place does the French team occupy in your career and in your medium-term objectives?
Yes, with the Worlds and qualification for the 2028 Games, I have never been so motivated to represent France. This is one of my big goals: to get a gold medal in Los Angeles. I’m really looking forward to it.
Comments collected by Stéphane Sisco
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CHAMPIONSHIP TOUR 2026
1-11 avril : Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach, Australie
April 16-26: Margaret River Pro, Australia
May 1-11 : Gold Coast pro, Australia
May 15-25: Raglan Pro, New Zealand
June 5-15: Surf City Pro, Salvador
19-27 juin: Vivo Rio Pro, Brésil
August 8-18: Tahiti Pro, Tahiti
25 August – 4 September : Fiji Pro, Fiji
September 11-20: Lexus Trestles Pro, United States
October 14-18: Surfing Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
22 October – 1st November: Peniche Pro, Portugal
Dec. 8-20 : Pipe Masters, Hawaii
