Few people can claim to be the best in the world in any field. French windsurfer Tituan Galle is only 26 years old, but is considered something of a "guru" in his field. He has won the Wing-Foyle World Championship three times, developed exercises and techniques that arouse the interest of all surfing enthusiasts around the world, and has also become an internet personality with over 150,<> followers on Instagram.
Gala, who has been spending the past week on Eilat's beaches and taking part in an international surfing event taking place in the city, maintains modesty in an interview with Israel Hayom, saying: "I guess in recent years I was definitely the best in the field, but today there is a new generation of young and talented surfers who are promoting the sport, so I'm not sure that right now I'm better than them."
Tituan Gala surfs Wing-Foyle in Eilat / Credit: Eilat Hotel Association, Agas Productions Ltd.
After years as a kitesurfer, the Frenchman has recently started promoting a new windsurfing style called wing-feuille, which combines two elements: an air-filled wing and a surfboard with a dedicated "foil" fin. He explains: "I started surfing at the age of 8, and I met the wing-foil four years ago. My previous sponsor was one of the first to enter the field, he suggested I give it a try, and as time progressed I enjoyed it more and more."
Gala surfers in Eilat. FIRST TIME IN ISRAEL, PHOTO: GWEN LE TUTOR
Are you nearing the end of your professional career?
"I've been a professional athlete for almost 7 years. I started kitesurfing and in recent years have moved to Wing-Foyle. I feel like I'm nearing the end of my career, I'm training less and concentrating more on other things right now. Promotes things I believe in, trains other people, and generates content on social media. I will still be competing in the upcoming World Championships."
Is surfing more of a hobby or more of a profession?
For me, surfing is first and foremost one of my passions. I have many, and this sport is one of them. Of course, it's also a job, so I think I've been lucky enough to do something I'm very passionate about."
Why didn't you try to make it to the Olympics?
"Kitesurfing, the style I used to compete in, became an Olympic sport in 2014. I decided not to continue on this path, because it is not the path I believe in. I'm a person with many passions, and I don't want to devote my whole life to one thing. I like to do a lot of different things. Even if Wing-Foyle becomes Olympic, I definitely won't take part, but it can do good for the sport."
You had a good chance of winning an Olympic medal. Don't you feel missed?
"Not at all. As I said, I don't particularly like the Olympic spirit, focusing on one thing for 4 years. In addition, the maritime field at the Olympics is a terrible ecological disaster, because they consume a lot of equipment."
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Been to almost all over the world
As part of his professional career and the content he produces on social media, Tituan travels a lot around the world and has already visited a number of countries that he cannot reproduce: "I compete in an average of 10 competitions abroad every year, and in addition I am invited to many events," he says. "In my free time, I travel and try to reach special places in the world and create content from them."
In Israel, this is his first time, when he takes part in an international surfing event at Coral Beach, whose goal is to promote surfing tourism in the southern city, which enjoys optimal conditions most of the year, and in his favor the best surfers in the world came to Israel.
Tituan Gala. Only 26 years old, photo: PR
What have you heard about Eilat?
"I didn't know much about the city to be honest. I told my dad I was coming here, and he said it was a nice, famous place for windsurfing."
You travel a lot around the world. How are you doing financially?
"At first it was difficult, because the industry was new. In the past two years it has gained momentum and I have also become famous, which has helped me a lot financially. Today I manage to make a living completely thanks to the industry, but of course that's not what I'll do for the rest of my life.
"It's an industry you can get injured in, and with the lifestyle I'm living right now, I won't be able to build a family. I'm currently doing a flight course and aspire to start a career as a civilian pilot."
What do you want to say to the Israeli audience?
"I'm very happy to come here. I didn't know much about the place, but now that I've arrived – I discovered that it's in the middle of the desert, and I still can't believe how hot it is here. I can't wait to meet you in Eilat and have fun together."
What can we wish for you?
"I want to keep surfing as much as I can, I don't know how long it will be - it could be another year and there could be another 5. I want to continue training surfers, continue to produce content, develop surfing products for different brands – and of course, become a pilot."
Tituan Gala. PLAYING ON THE BEACHES OF EILAT, PHOTO: GWEN LE TUTOR
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The surfing event at Coral Beach is initiated by the Eilat Municipality, in cooperation with the Hotel Association and through the city's tourism corporation and lasts until July 10. Tituan and the other surfers are staying at the Red Sea Hotel in the Collection Isrotel hotel group.
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