“Foiling Turns ‘Bad’ Surf Conditions into Perfect Waves – Alexandre Bicrel”

The journey began on a boogie board at the tender age of two, when a young boy was pushed into the waves by his father’s passion for the ocean. Growing up in the Médoc region near Bordeaux, France, Alexandre Bicrel developed an early connection to the water that laid the foundation for a versatile and dedicated waterman.

Over the years, his dedication and versatility have made him a prominent figure in the global water sports community – not only as a skilled athlete but also as a key collaborator with NSP on product development.

Now based in Stockholm, he balances a professional career in communications and content creation with his athletic pursuits, often traveling back to France to train and stay connected to the ocean that continues to shape his life. His adaptability allows him to effortlessly switch between surfing, foiling, winging, and SUP, always following the conditions of the day.

Picture: Rose Maridat

Tell us a little about yourself – where are you from, where do you live now, and what does a typical day in your life look like?

I’m from Bordeaux and grew up on the Atlantic Coast, specifically in a small region called Médoc, where I learned all the sports I now practice. Depending on where I am, my day can vary a lot! Currently, I live full-time in Stockholm, working in Communications and Content Creation. Since I’m able to work remotely two days a week, I’ve been able to travel and still return home every few weeks to train and practice my sports.

When I’m in Stockholm, my typical day starts early with a gym session before heading to work from 9 to 5. After work, I usually go for a run or swim, depending on my motivation and what my training partners are up to. Access to foiling around the city is limited, so I focus on other sports to stay in shape and be ready for when I’m back home.

At home, the day often begins even earlier, with the first surf session around sunrise, usually 6:30 a.m., weather permitting. I don’t follow a strict schedule; I plan my day around the conditions. Usually, the wind picks up in the afternoon, and I go wing foiling, either out in the ocean with friends or with my dad on the “Estuaire,” a calmer spot but with great downwind swells.

What does the ocean mean to you personally, and how has it shaped your path in life?

The ocean holds a special place in my heart, and I’d say nature in general means a lot to me. My connection with the ocean started before I was even two years old, when my father would put me on a boogie board and push me into the waves. Around the age of six, I moved on to windsurfing, and a few years later, I began surfing. During seventh grade, I went through a phase where I was less drawn to the water and more interested in ramps and skateboarding. Although it wasn’t on water, I was still chasing that “riding” feeling. When I was about twelve, I started stand-up paddling in waves, competed a bit, and began racing at fifteen. That’s when I started training seriously with a coach, first in Médoc and later in Brest.

I “retired” from stand-up paddle racing in 2020 due to my studies and COVID, but that was also when foiling was becoming popular. I was fortunate to have NSP by my side, supporting me and giving me more opportunities to spend time on the water.

Picture: Rose Maridat

You work closely with NSP – how did that relationship start, and what exactly is your role with the brand?

It all started in 2017 when Vincent Verhoeven, who I used to travel to races with, told me NSP was looking for a young racer.
I was so stoked to join such a strong team, especially with guys like Titouan Puyo, Travis Grant, Ty Judson, and Vincent himself – NSP was known for producing some of the best boards for both racing and surfing.

When foiling started to grow, I got early access to their new gear. As NSP moved into foiling, I had the chance to collaborate with Alain Teurquetil on board, foil, and wing designs. Today, I still work with NSP, creating content and contributing to foil product development.

Foiling is experiencing a huge rise in popularity. What fascinates you personally about foiling, and how do you see the sport evolving in the coming years?

What fascinates me most is how accessible foiling is: from 6-year-old kids to 70-year-old grandpas, everyone comes out of the water with the same huge smile. Foiling makes the most of conditions that traditional surfers might call “bad”: A bit of onshore wind and 60 cm waves? Perfect for surf foiling. 30 knots of wind? Time to go winging! It’s such a unique way to feel connected to the water, and it opens up so many new possibilities.

In terms of the future, I think we’ll see more racing events like the ones in Barcelona or Alicante, with next-level gear and competition formats. For everyday riders, I see a shift towards downwind adventures, even with a wing. Not everyone wants to jump 6 meters in the air. Most people I foil with at home just want to glide endlessly, no wings, no bulky SUP boards. That’s why I believe parawings will really take off in the next few years, they give you the speed without the bulk.

Picture: Franck Berthuot

NSP is also very active in the world of SUP surf. What boards would you recommend to surfers who are transitioning from traditional surfing to SUP surfing?

I’d definitely recommend the NSP Instigator and the NSP High Roller models. As a shortboard fan, I love the Instigator, you can really shred with it, go vertical and generate speed on the wave. But if you’re more into cruising and longboard-style surfing, the High Roller is perfect – you can even pull off a hang five on it!

You move between different disciplines: surfing, SUP, foiling. How do you manage to balance them all? Do you have a personal favorite?

Haha, that’s a tough one – I really love all three!

I just follow the conditions: Offshore wind and 1.3m waves? I grab the shortboard. Low tide and small waves with a “baïne” (rip current)? Time to surf foil. Wind in the afternoon? Let’s go winging with friends or my dad. No wind, high tide, mellow surf? Longboard sunset session!

I’m lucky to live in Soulac-sur-Mer, where all my spots are just a 10-minute drive away. That makes it easy to decide on the fly and throw the right gear in the car!

Your top 10 favorite places in the world for water sports?

Soulac-sur-Mer: home sweet home!
Hawaii: a dream for surf, SUP, downwinders, wing, and windsurf.
Tenerife: surf in the north, wind in the south.
Egypt: steady wind, crystal-clear water, and delicious food.
Iceland: I surfed there once and I’m dying to go back for more.
Hood River: an epic downwind paradise with massive bumps.
Hossegor: iconic waves, even if it’s often crowded.
Corsica: amazing wing foil conditions in the summer.
Lofoten: wild nature, great for SUP and surfing.
Brest: a key training spot in my past.

What makes NSP special to you – what sets them apart from other brands?

NSP has been in the game for a long time and was one of the first to truly balance performance and durability. Their boards are made to last and perform – I’ve had gear that’s been with me for years.

The brand focuses on innovation, quality, and smart design that works in real life, not just in theory.

For me, NSP means trust. I know the gear won’t let me down. And I love being part of the development process, especially working closely with Alain Teurquetil. That collaboration is what makes the brand really special to me.

Picture: Rose Maridat

What would you like to share with young water sports enthusiasts who dream of living a life by the ocean, just like you?

Spend as much time as possible in the water, no matter the conditions. Enjoy the connection with nature, feel the glide, and listen to the sound of your foil cutting through the water. Be grateful for every moment out there – it’s a privilege.
And don’t forget to share those sessions with friends, that’s what makes them unforgettable.

Follow Alexandre’s journey on Instagram.

For more information about NSP products, visit their website and follow them on Instagram.