Wingfoiling, this hybrid discipline combining windsurfing, kitesurfing, and surfing, continues to grow in popularity. And if the name of Pierre Schmitz If this name doesn’t ring a bell yet, it’s likely to become a household name. At just 20 years old, this Frenchman has just made history in action sports by beating two world speed records at the legendary spot of La Palme, in the Aude region. A performance that confirms his status as a wingfoil prodigy and reignites the debate on the future of this rapidly expanding discipline.
To remember
- Pierre Schmitz, 20 years old, becomes the youngest holder of a world speed record in wingfoil : 32.99 knots (59.26 km/h) over the nautical mile And 35.65 knots (66.02 km/h) over 500 meters.
- Place : Spot du Rouet at La Palme (Aude), the only place in Europe where a world speed record can be attempted, thanks to its unique weather conditions.
- Material : Plank Black Cobra, custom-designed by the French shaper Bertrand Litou, specialist in speed boards.
- Context These records are relevant a few weeks after his World Speed Championship title during the Prince of Speed 2026 (Aude).
- Next step Schmitz is already aiming improving its times before July 7, 2026taking advantage of favorable weather windows in the south of France.
World speed records in wingfoil (2026)
| Category | Speed | Distance | Holder | Date | Place |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nautical mile | 32.99 knots (59.26 km/h) | 1,852 m | Pierre Schmitz | June 2026 | La Palme (France) |
| 500 meters | 35.65 knots (66.02 km/h) | 500 m | Pierre Schmitz | June 2026 | La Palme (France) |
A feat prepared in just two years
The meteoric rise of Pierre Schmitz
Originally from the island of RéPierre Schmitz reveals himself as a rising star of the world wingfoilHis rise was rapid:
In two thousand twenty-fourHe won the French Junior Wingfoil Championship title, as well as the Wing Challenge U19, and finished 3rd in the ISWA U19 European Cup.
In two thousand twenty-fivehe joins the Zephir Project, an innovation and high-performance program led by Antoine Albeau And Marc Amerigo.
In two thousand twenty-sixHe continues to achieve success:
- April Victory at World Speed Championship (Prince of Speed) at La Palme.
- June : Double world record in a single day, with only two runs and a weather window of 1 hour 30 minutes.
“I knew the day before that the conditions would be perfect. In five minutes, I had already broken the mile record. Then, I changed sails for the 500 meters. Bertrand’s board was ultra-stable, which allowed me to perform well immediately.” — Pierre Schmitz
La Palme, the temple of speed on the water
Why is this spot unique?
The beach of Spinning wheel in La Palme East the only place in Europe where world speed records can be attempted. This site owes its reputation to:
A constant wind (tramontane or marin) and not very turbulent, ideal for top speeds, a still water over hundreds of meters, limiting the disturbances, and a well-established organization : the spot hosts every year the Prince of Speed, world sailing speed championship, where records regularly fall.
Comparison of speed spots in France
| Spot | Location | Prevailing wind | Special features |
|---|---|---|---|
| La Palme (Rouet) | Aude (Occitanie) | Tramontana | Flat water, steady wind, WSSRC approved |
| Leucate | Aude (Occitanie) | Tramontana | A legendary spot for windsurfing and kitesurfing |
| Gruissan | Aude (Occitanie) | Tramontana | Versatile (kite, wing, wind) |
A custom-made board for performance
The collaboration with Bertrand Litou
Pierre Schmitz achieved his records on a board Black Cobra, designed by Bertrand Litou, a French shaper renowned for his work with top riders, including Antoine Albeau.
The board was personalized for Schmitz, with a optimized shape for high-speed stability, lightweight and durable materials (carbon, wood) to maximize responsiveness, and a adapted foil under the conditions of La Palme.
“We’ve been working together for two years. The goal was to create a board that would allow him to be in the best possible conditions to break records.” — Bertrand Litou
And tomorrow? Towards new challenges
Pierre Schmitz’s ambitions
- Improve your records The young Frenchman counts return to La Palme before July 7, 2026 to try to exceed your own times.
- To professionalize the discipline He wants the wingfoil either integrated into the Olympic Games, an ambition shared by the action sports community.
- Inspiring the next generation At only 20 years old, Schmitz embodies the new generation of wingfoil, with a journey that could motivate other young people to take up the sport.
Wingfoiling in figures (2026)
Evolution of wingfoil speed records
| Year | Holder | Speed (500 m) | Speed (nautical miles) |
|---|---|---|---|
| two thousand twenty-three | Antoine Albeau | 35.26 knots | – |
| two thousand twenty-five | Pierre Schmitz | 35.26 knots | 32.15 knots |
| two thousand twenty-six | Pierre Schmitz | 35.65 knots | 32.99 knots |
To go further
- Follow Pierre Schmitz The young champion is active on social media and participates in Antoine Albeau Series, a national wingfoil and windsurf circuit.
- Discover the Zephir Project : Innovation project for sailing speed.
- Getting started with wingfoiling : The spots of La Palme, Leucate and Gruissan (Aude) are among the best in France for beginners or those looking to improve their skills.
Photo credits: Fred Lancelot / Black Cobra