A month of intensity, demands and emotions. From February 15 to March 15, Tahiti hosted the first phase of the Héritage 2026 course, a program initiated by an idea from Jérémy Florès, manager of the French team, and supported by the French Surf Federation and the Tahitian Surfing Federation. A highlight in the construction of the French next generation.
For four weeks, the young athletes were immersed in an environment designed to confront them with the realities of high level: training, physical preparation, technical and mental work, but also management of emotions and competition.
Very quickly, the tone was set. “We increased our intensity. We asked for a lot of requirements,” explains Jérémy Florès. An accepted requirement, at the heart of the project. Because beyond sporting progression, the objective is clear: set a framework, transmit benchmarks. “The idea is really to show them the way to know what they must do to succeed.”
Push to reveal
Throughout the course, the young athletes were faced with sometimes uncomfortable situations. Necessary moments to test their ability to cope, to adapt, to move forward. “We pushed them to the end to see if that was really what they wanted. “In this logic, nothing was left to chance, including in the way of communicating with them. “They knew how to manage their stress, their energy and take the criticism, because we really didn’t give them any gifts,” declared Blues manager Jérémy Florès.
An approach that can give rise to questions. But here again, the framework is assumed. “It can sow doubt… and sometimes it’s good to ask yourself: do I really have strong shoulders? HAS”
The course concluded with an internal competition, designed to evaluate routines, management of emotions, technique and behavior in situations. The feedback is unequivocal: “Frankly, I say respect! It gave us chills… they handled it really well. » Beyond the result, it is above all the validation of the work accomplished that stands out. “It shows that they listened well and all the work that was done during this month. HAS”
Growing up together
Behind the performances, there is the collective dimension of the project: “There was an enormous amount of work from the coaches, the staff, the athletes and the people who ensured that this internship took place in the best conditions. HAS”
At the end of this month spent in Tahiti, the lessons go beyond just the sporting framework. “The kids rose to the occasion… they now have a better idea of what it’s really like to be a top athlete.
But the Heritage course is also a human adventure, where bonds strengthen as the days go by. “We are creating cohesion, a family, and healthy rivalry too. HAS”
This edition is part of the continuity of a project built over time, with a clear ambition: to support the new generation towards the highest level, with a view to the major international events to come, and in particular the Olympic Games in Brisbane in 2032. “It’s only just beginning. Their careers will go very far with this kind of attitude. HAS”
Continuing this dynamic, a new gathering is already planned, for the fall in the Landes. A next step to continue the work started and support these young athletes in their progression to the high level.
 
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THE SELECTED
Sélection FFSurf
Rose Calvez (Pirates Surf Club, 14 years old)
Naia Monte (Hossegor Surf Club, 14 years old)
Cheyenne Patino Ubeda (Poyo Surf Club, 14 years old)
Marley Benesenes Masse (Lou Surfou Surf Club, 14 years old)
Zachary Pommier (Oléron Surf Club, 14 years old)
Matthew Maurin Lignieres (Pirates Surf Club, 14 years old)
Malone Vieuge (Bidarte Surf Club, 15 years)
Hugo Flori (Poyo Surf Club, 16 years old)
Sélection FTS
Liam Sham Koua (FTS, 12 ans)
Kelia Gallina (FTS, 12 years)
Raipoe Chapelier (FTS, 15 ans)
Kavei Pierson (FTS, 11 years)
Miliani Simon (FTS, 14 ans)
Tauirai Henriou (FTS, 12 years)
Anuaiterai Gatien (FTS, 12 years old)
Takihei Ellacott (FTS, 15 ans)
Technical staff
Jérémy Florès, manager équipe de France
Pauline Ado, entraîneur olympique Â
Kevin Bourez, FTS, general logistics
Mathieu Carpentier, director of the French junior team
Michel Bourez, FTS, coach
Marc Lacomare, FFSurf, coach
Tereva David, FTS, coach
Nelson Cloarec, FFSurf, coach
Hihimahana Leboucher, FTS, coach
Thomas Maalem, FFSurf, coach
O’Neill Massin, FTS, coach
