Martin Coret is making headlines in the early stages of the European Tour of Longboard’s long-awaited return. After two events, the French surfer is leading the rankings thanks to a standout victory in Portugal and a podium finish in Morocco.
We caught up with him to hear how he’s feeling at the start of the season, his thoughts on the ETL’s comeback, and what he’s aiming for in the months ahead.
Q: Hello Martin! How are you doing? How are you feeling both physically and mentally these days?
A: Hello, I’m doing well. I’m in France until the end of the month before heading back to Galicia for the LQS qualifier for the World Tour. I’m feeling good about my surfing and my mindset right now.
Q: How has 2025 been for you so far, in terms of your athletic performance?
A: So far, the year is going pretty well. I feel like my surfing is on point and I'm in good shape. I've done a few competitions in France and the two ETLs, and so far I've managed to get good results each time, so everything is going really well for now.
Q: The European Tour of Longboard has returned after 13 years, and you were the first winner in Vila Do Bispo. How was the competition there, and how did you feel after claiming that victory?
A: Yes, I'm very happy about the return of the ETL circuit in Europe. I took part in the last ETL in Porto, though I can’t remember what year it was.
I won in Vila do Bispo — it was the first European competition of the year. I'm really happy with my result and my surfing. Apart from the first round, I managed to do more or less what I wanted in each heat.
I still have a few issues with priority management, but it's helping me move forward.
Q: In Bouznika, during the second event of the tour, you climbed onto the podium again with a third-place finish. How was your experience in Morocco? What impressions or lessons did you take away from it?
A: Yes, it was my first time ever going to Bouznika. I really liked the place — the people are very welcoming and kind.
As for the competition, I’m a bit disappointed that I lost. I made a big mistake in my semifinal. At the Bouznika spot, you should never take the first wave of the set. I followed that rule throughout the whole competition, except in the semifinal. I still don’t understand why I did that, but that’s how it goes. I’m happy for young Douwe that he won the competition.
Q: There are still two more events left — Salinas and Estoril — and right now you’re leading the rankings with a margin of over 300 points. How do you see the battle for the title shaping up? Who do you think will be your toughest rival?
A: Yes, there are still two competitions left. I’m not sure yet if I’ll be able to take part in the one in Spain, but I will go to Portugal.
For now, I’m in a good position in the rankings, but the battle is going to be tight. I think my biggest competitors are Antonio Dantas, Douwe Robbroch, and Nicolas Garcia, since he finished second in Portugal.
Depending on everyone’s results in Spain, I’ll see how the rankings evolve. I’m confident for Portugal, even though it’s still a long way off. But it’s competition — anything can happen.
Q: As we reach the midpoint of the year, what are your goals and dreams for the rest of 2025? What challenges are you most excited to tackle before the year is over?
A: Yes, we're halfway through the year. For now, I have a very important competition at the end of June in Ferrol — this event will determine who qualifies for the World Longboard Tour.
That's my main goal for this year, and I’m going to give it everything I have to achieve it. After that, I’d love to win the ETL European title, as well as the French Championships at the end of the year.
So, there are a lot of competitions coming up, but some are more important than others. Still, my number one goal — by far — is to qualify for the World Longboard Tour.