As a local guy, Louka could tell the guys all the ins and outs of the spots around Leucate, and as a former Naish Team Europe member, Stig could tell them more about his journey and how he progressed from Naish Team Europe to the International team. Their role on the trip was to tell the young guns more about what it takes to be a pro rider and what brands expect from you as a rider, about when you are representing a brand in a positive way and how you add value to a brand. Besides that they could coach the boys while riding, where Stig was focusing more on those that are into Big Air and Louka those that are into freestyle.
The team arrived in the evening in Leucate and went for dinner to get to know each other a bit better. From that moment on, Louka got the job as interpreter and had to translate the menu everywhere they went. Imagine if the boys ended up with something on their plate that they didn’t recognize… Burger and fries it was. After two days with lots of fun and riding like crazy, it was time for a more serious meeting with Stig, Louka, photographer Arthur Samzun and videographer Floris Tils – time to step up the game and become more professional. Stig and Louka told the boys for example that you can be the best rider in the world, but if you walk to the beach with your headphones on, get on the water, do your tricks and go home, you will not be interesting for a brand and are not representing a brand. You have to be open to others, talk to people on the beach and help them. Besides that a brand expects you to be present and help out on demo days, give presentations and head to events if asked.
