Jeremy Flores (FRA), 21, will head to the next ASP World Tour stop in Brazil at the end of June, to try and equal or better his runner-up finish from last year

NOUMEA, New Caledonia (Tuesday, June 2, 2009) – Europe’s best ever surfer Jeremy Flores (FRA), 21, hasn’t had his best year so far amongst the ASP Top 45 but the talented regular-foot competitor still leads the rising European contingent on the international ratings. After opening his 2009 campaign with an equal 9th, Flores hasn’t gone past Round 2 at Bells Beach and Teahupoo, but might get back to the top when the tour moves to Brazil next month, where he surfed his first ever ASP World Tour final last year. Flores just returned from Tahiti where he spent a few weeks and sends news about his recent sessions and the year. Check out Mimi’s blog…

“I am feeling good at the moment and actually, I believe that my surfing is getting better eventhough the results are not showing it so far this year… But seriously, I think I’ve improved a lot from last year and I think it is the most important. I am still young and I am learning a lot every day about all the aspects of my sport, technique, strength, etc… Apart from that, I have had lots of fun on tour this year and we had great conditions in Australia and Tahiti when the competition was not running. I am pretty stoked right now with these first months on tour.

While not competing or travelling, I have been working hard on my fitness with coach Yannick (Beven). I hurt one of my ankles last year in August and I must admit that it remains pretty weak still, which has forced me to be patient and not push myself too much. I lost quite a bit of time because of that injury and I have to keep things going so I will see how it gets later. Apart from that, I’ve been surfing a lot with my friends Miky (Picon) and Patrick (Beven) so I should be fit and ready for the next event in Brazil, where I made the final last year.

My best memories this year are for Tahiti. I stayed almost a month there and we travelled around the islands and got exceptional waves. I think French Polynesia is as good as the Mentawaiis can be and it’s truly a paradise. There’s such a good feeling with all the local people, everyone is pretty relaxed and I still think that there isn’t anything better than surfing perfect waves with your best friends out only! It sure feels even better compared to the average surf we’ve had when competing this year…
I will finish that short blog on Aritz (Aranburu) of course… To see him make it to the Semifinals was just amazing, and I am super happy for him. He is such a hard worker and has been training so much to reach this point… He fully deserves it and his result reflects his potential for sure. Speak soon,”