Pillar of the windsurfing world, Pierre Mortefon has established himself over the seasons as one of the best riders of his generation. PWA World Champion in 2019, a multiple winner of international stages and regularly on the podium, he embodies technical mastery and commitment at every moment at the highest level.

Renown for his consistency and his ability to perform in all conditions, Pierre is also a passionate technician, involved in the development of the equipment he uses. His high standards are a driving force in the evolution of Spark products, which he tests, refines and validates directly on international circuits.

Today, he shares his feedback on the new Spark range during the first stage of the PWA 2025 in Guadeloupe.

The Spark range is complete : board, sail, foil… and it is now validated on the international scene. At the last stage of the PWA World Cup, Pierre Mortefon chose to race with 100% Spark equipment, using a sharp setup to meet the demands of the competition, where he took a remarkable 2nd place.

He sailed with the Spark R86 in slalom, paired with the Spark R sail in different sizes from 4.5 to 8.2 depending on the conditions. On the foil side, he mainly used the 560 front wing, known for its versatility, but also the 475 and 410 depending on the configuration. He alternated between the 100 and 100-20 fuselages, mounted on the R95 mast. To stabilize the whole setup, he opted for 145 and 160 cm² stabs, according to the day’s needs.

Conditions in Marignane put the equipment to the test: gusts reaching 30 knots, rough water and demanding courses. In this context, the foil’s stability, the ease of sailing in strong wind, and the board’s glide allowed Pierre to remain consistent and competitive. He also highlights how the equipment precisely met the specifications defined in advance, providing both pure performance and control, even in critical moments.

The Spark R86 board: heading, glide and control

Pierre particularly highlighted the stability and comfort of the Spark R86 board, even at full speed. The board offers excellent trim, which allows you to stay high on the water effortlessly, while maintaining effective glide and strong upwind performance. In strong or gusty winds, it lets you stay focused on race strategy without fighting the equipment — a real plus on long heats!

Spark R sails: lightness and responsiveness, even in 8.2

On the sail side, Pierre mainly used the 8.2 and 7.3 sizes. He noted a remarquable improvement in acceleration, especially in light winds. The profile has been reworked to generate power earlier, with a more direct response to gusts. The 8.2, more compact than the old 8.5, is distinguished by great lightness in hand and amazing handling for its size. It requires less effort, causes less fatigue, and remains easy to control even in sprints or over long distances. The 7.3, on the other hand, has a refined leading edge that improves glide in the wind, with a smoother, more stable feel at high speed.

The Spark 560 mk2 foil: easy takeoff, control, and top speed

The new Spark 560 mk2 front wing also marked a turning point. It takes off earlier, with glide initiated easily even in light wind. Pierre appreciated the foil’s tolerance and stability in flight, which provides real comfort during navigation, especially in jibes or choppy water. What surprised him the most? Its wide range of use: strong performance in light wind, but also very fast in strong wind, up to 35 knots recorded during a race, an impressive speed for a wing of this size. This makes it a versatile choice, capable of covering a wide range of conditions without compromising control.

“Discover the Spark range: serious performance, surprisingly easy.”

The developments made to the Spark range are designed to meet the needs of professionals and competitors, while remaining accessible to amateurs. This way, everyone can benefit from high-performance equipment, regardless of their level.

What stands out from Pierre’s feedback is the balance between pure performance and ease of use. The sail accelerates quickly, without requiring much effort. The board remains stable even in rough conditions. The foil takes off early but remains easy to control, even at high speed. For any rider, this means more efficient starts, less fatigue on the water, and more fun in all conditions.

Reassuring equipment, even in tough conditions

During his feedback, Pierre insists on the stability and predictability of the equipment, two key elements for competitors, but also for all those who wish to progress with confidence. The key to progressing in windfoiling is confidence in your equipment : knowing that it is responsive, forgiving, and stable, even when the wind picks up.

The Competitor’s Eye, at Everyone’s Service

By choosing to develop the Spark range in close collaboration with Pierre Mortefon, Phantom Foiling set a clear goal: to create equipment that is both high-performance for competition and balanced enough to remain accessible to all riders. The sensations experienced by Pierre : control, responsiveness, and forgiveness are exactly what many riders seek in their everyday sessions.

Verdict

Thanks to Pierre Mortefon’s precise feedback and experience on the world tour, the full potential of the Spark range has been revealed. Stability, responsiveness, comfort, and power : every element of the Spark line has been carefully designed to meet the demands of competition while staying within reach of passionate riders.

This collaboration embodies Phantom Foiling’s vision: to design gear that pushes boundaries while remaining accessible, reliable, and high-performing.

Whether you’re a competitor, a dedicated enthusiast, or simply searching for new sensations, the new Spark range provides the tools you need to go further on the water.

Here are all the links to explore every detail of the new SPARK products :
Discover the perfect balance of power and ease : Spark foils.
Explore the Spark sail collection.
Experience the new generation of Spark boards.