Can you introduce yourself?
My name is Zoé Grospiron, I am 24 years old, and I am a professional longboarder. I am on the WSL international longboard circuit and I have just had my best season of my young career by finishing 6th in the WSL world rankings and 2024 French champion. I am also proud to represent my country as a member of the French team 2 years in a row at the ISA world championships where I finished 4th in the world in this competition in 2023 and 2024. I am also very happy to be the ISA team world champion in 2023 where I was able to share some very strong moments with the French team in EL Salvador. At the same time, I am continuing my studies in business and management at EM Lyon. I am currently studying for a Master's degree in Executive Management remotely in order to follow my dual project.
I love nature, I grew up in the Alps mountains with skis on my feet and it was only later, around the age of 12, that I discovered, when we moved with my mom and sister, the Basque Country with its ocean and waves. Nature has been my source of energy since I was little and I can't live without it now ;)
Which competition brought you the most emotions and why?
Although winning the title of French Champion in 2024 was a huge source of pride after years of perseverance, the competition that thrilled me the most was the one in Abu Dhabi for the last stage before the WSL World Finals. During this competition, I reached my first WSL World Final. This moment was particularly special because it was the first time that two French women met in the final of a stage of the WSL World Tour. Sharing this experience with all the stakes of a final and with Alice, a friend and a surfer who inspires me, made this moment unforgettable. This result also marked an important step in my career because it allowed me to propel myself to 5th place in the world rankings and therefore qualify for the WSL World Finals in El Salvador where only the top 8 can participate to claim the title of world champion: my dream.
What challenges have you encountered during your career and how did you overcome them?
The hardest thing in my career has been/is learning to lose and turning every failure into an opportunity to progress and learn. In sport, you often lose much more than you win, and it's a choice I made, and even though it's sometimes difficult, I wouldn't do another job for the moment for anything in the world. It's not always easy, but I'm learning to look at every defeat as a step to grow, technically, mentally, and personally.
I often ask myself: Why am I doing this? Why am I "hurting" myself? For the love of the ocean, for the immense joy that surfing brings me, and above all, to get out of my comfort zone and always progress. Remembering this notion of pleasure is essential to keep the flame alive and move forward with the heart.
I overcame these challenges by surrounding myself with the right people: my physical and mental coaches, but also my family and friends, who form a strong circle of trust. My sponsors also play a crucial role! Their support helps me stay focused, humble, and motivated while having fun!
What is your relationship with beauty?
My relationship with beauty has been complicated for a long time. My body, which changes due to sport, which develops/changes with age and the "pressure" that I put on myself with social networks/media have affected my evolution. But today I am well aware that my body is my work tool and that without it I could do nothing so I try to cherish it as it is and take care of it because, for me, beauty goes far beyond physical appearance. It settles in authenticity, self-confidence and in those moments when we are fully connected to what we love and who we are.
Your other passions?
I love running, hiking, road biking, and recently I've gotten back into yoga. These moments are all ways to discover new landscapes, to take introspective journeys while doing a physical activity that lets off steam... because yes, I'm a lively energy source!
Music also plays a big part in my life, whether it's to relax or motivate me before a competition.
What inspires you?
My mom is my greatest inspiration. Her strength, unconditional love, kindness, and perseverance inspire me every day! She's a great warrior! She has always been a role model for me, whether it's through her ability to overcome challenges or the way she fully invests herself in everything she does, and especially the way she helps my sister and me to be true to who we are and embody beautiful values.
Your plane/travel essentials?
A good book (my current favorite is “Never Again Without Me” by Maud Ankaoua)
My Alaena lip care duo , because flights can be very dehydrating + a body and face sunscreen !
A notebook, to write down my ideas, my thoughts
And of course: my boardbag and my bikinis! ;)
