Manon Costard Joins Connelly Skis

[Horton]

 

Connelly Skis is proud to announce, Manon Costard of France, European record holder and one of the handful of women to round buoys at 41’ off has joined Connelly Skis. Her prowess on the water combined with her warmth on shore makes her a perfect partner for the #connellycollective. Manon’s skiing is a direct reflection of her personality — tenacious, determined and quietly badass. Connelly couldn’t be happier to welcome her to our family. Our Connelly Spokesperson, Ellie Horton caught up with her this morning to give you a little taste of what is to come.

 

Where did you grow up and how did you get into skiing?

I grew up in the South of France, in a city called Aix en Provence. I got into skiing thanks to my parents. We would spend our summers on a big mountain lake in the French Alps learning how to ski.

 

How long have you been competing as a professional?

I won my first European Open title in 2011 and registered for my first pro events in the following year. 2018 will be my 7th season competing as a pro.

 

You’ve tested a lot of the skis on the market. Why did you finally settle with the Connelly GT?

The main thing that made me want to settle with the GT is its efficiency. That is a key factory that I always look for while skiing, so I am very excited to have found it.

Walk me through your daily training regime. What time you get up, what food you eat, etc.

I am more of a morning person. I usually like to wake up around 6:30 or 7am and get my first set in quite early in the day. (the glass water motivates me!) I am also constantly listening to my body so I always take the time to warm up properly and eat healthy (most of the time... I am writing this only a few minutes after having had a burger for lunch... )

 

Proudest water ski moment.

In 2016, at the San Gervasio Pro Am, my gear had been lost by an airline so I had to borrow a ski, bindings, vest, gloves, handle etc. from a few other skiers. I ended up winning the event and breaking the European record by running 39 in the finals. It was the most stressful and rewarding event I have been to so far !

 

What is something people don’t know about you?

I was a Jr World Champion in Jump.

 

One goal you want to accomplish this ski season.

My goal has always been to push my limits a little further each year and give myself the best chances to be the best at what I do. So, in other words, surpass the Manon of last year.

 

Welcome, Manon. We are Stoked.

 

www.connellyskis.com/manon

 

[Keith_Menard]

Didn't she just sign with Radar last year?

[keithh2oskier]

@"Keith Menard"

 

Manon Joins Radar Nation almost a year to the day

[bigskieridaho]

Who would have thought? Cool for Connelly to get her on the team.

[ozski]

Wow that's interesting but not surprising.

[ntx]

If I remember correctly, she was on the Monte Carlo just a short time prior to the radar deal. 1 year deal and done??? Next year HO, D3, Goode, is it a search for the best ski or the best deal???? Follow the money??? Is brand loyalty dead. I respect the skier who remains with a company long term. I guess the same can be said for the company that supports the skier long term also. It has to go both ways.

[WaterSkier12]

Good luck on the Connelly Manon!

We’ll see you later this month!

[The_Krista]

@ntx Speaking of showing respect -- it's easy to make assumptions when you only have half of the information ... Give the girl a break. This sport, particularly for women, isn't lucrative by any means. Performance of the ski, and support from the brand you have a relationship with, is everything.

[MuskokaKy]

@ntx Money is waterskiing!?! LMFAO

 

Manon is awesome plain and simple. She can rock any ski and any brand that is privileged to have her run on their gear is good in my books. She just podium'd AGAIN. The brands need a Manon; Manon doesnt need the brand. Whit is intimately involved with Radar and Manon jumps on a new Connelly and goes buoy for buoy...badass!!

 

P.S. glad you didn't mention Ellie Rae :) watch out for Connelly; coming from a radar guy.

[RazorRoss3]

I won't argue that the optics are a little odd but only because I can't afford a new ski every year and no one is knocking on my door offering me one. At the level sponsored skiers compete at, and considering the idea of income independence much less wealth accumulation from skiing alone is comical, I wouldn't blame any of them from switching ski partners if they thought they could maximize their performance. If there was enough money in this sport that a "pro" skier could make a real living that would change the math a little.

[DaveD]

A few years ago the only person I saw on a Connelly was Seth. I'm seeing a lot more Of them on the webcasts this spring. I'm starting to think this isn't about sponsorship money and more of an indication of the ski's performance.

[DW]

And since your current competition happens to be arguably one of if not the best ever, you do whatever is needed to gain an advantage (legally).

 

As in many sports, most likely you don't get to the top rung without having significant financial resources to train, prepare and compete along with lots of talent. Actually, if you find you have some talent, the deep down desire, you are doomed to spend your last penny searching for that elusive extra buoy...how to make a small fortune in car racing, start with a large one.

[ALPJr]

Good for the athlete and the sponsor. Doesn't seem unusual to me. Think... movement of athletes in the NFL, NBA and MLB?

[Drago]

So, @ntx , not much respect for any Open skiers,I guess? I can think of 3: Regina,Nate,and Thomas. Maybe Will?? Not the goat, of Jeff R...?

[Rpc29]

If a better opportunity either financially or performance wise is given to someone. They’d be foolish not to take it. Sounds like that is what happened here.

 

How many of you would turn down a raise or promotion?

[Than_Bogan]

Yeah quit paying me so much dammit!

[DaveD]

@Than_Bogan You did quit your job after getting that sponsorship from that pole vault pole manufacturer, right?

[ozski]

I would bet she is looking for a ski that helps her win events. The GT has a lot going it and from what I saw she looks way more at home on it than the Radar.

[vtmecheng]

If she got more money or gets more buoys (equating to more money) then good for her, it was a fantastic choice. In sports, you take what you can when you can.

[cragginshred]

 

I'm pretty sure no one from France who travels the world for leisure and comps makes a living from sponsors or podiums wins.........jus saying

 

And I'm a huge Manon fan!

[MuskokaKy]

MANON IS A TOTAL BABE! ;)

[rockdog]

@DaveD Joel has been with Connelly for years, instrumental in bringing them back from pretty much nowhere after JB. Heavily involved in the design of the skis that loads of people are now benefitting from.

[DaveD]

Great to see Connelly rebounding like this.

[slow]

Masters win. Awesome move to Connelly skis Manon Costard!!!!