Meet Olivier Jallais

Instructor at Worldwinds Windsurfing, Inc. 

As a child, Olivier Jallais discovered a passion for windsurfing, and with the tropical climate and consistent winds in the French Caribbean, he found the perfect playground to develop his skills on the water and fall in love with windsurfing. 

As he grew older, his love for the sport inspired him to travel to various windsurfing hotspots, always seeking the best conditions and new challenges. His travels eventually brought him to Corpus Christi, a place known for its excellent windsurfing conditions. The warm waters, steady winds, and variety of water bodies in Corpus Christi immediately captivated him. He found himself returning to the area time and time again, each visit deepening his connection to the place. 

By the early 2000s, Olivier decided to make Corpus Christi his home. He began working part-time at Worldwinds Windsurfing, a local shop that catered to the community of windsurfing enthusiasts. The more he worked there, the more he fell in love with the spot and its potential and became a popular windsurfing instructor. 

His experience and passion for the sport helped him create a welcoming environment for both beginners and seasoned windsurfers. The shop expanded its offerings to include Winging, a new and exciting watersport that was gaining popularity. Olivier, always eager to learn and improve, partakes in the sport on his downtime to ensure he can provide the best instruction possible. 

The appeal of windsurfing and winging lies in the freedom of being on the water, feeling the wind and the waves, and that it presents a unique challenge and an opportunity for continuous improvement.  

“Here in Corpus, we have the perfect conditions for it. It’s not too cold, we have lots of different bodies of water, and very easy access.” Olivier says. “Bird Island Basin, where the water is really shallow, is one of our best spots. People can go and walk back if they need to. It’s very safe, the water is warm most of the year, and the wind blows in the right direction, making the water very flat." 

When he's not at the shop or on the water, Olivier enjoys a variety of outdoor activities. Windsurfing and surfing are his main passions, but he also finds time for archery and other outdoor pursuits. Despite his busy schedule, he always makes time to travel, seeking new adventures and opportunities to learn. 

His dedication to windsurfing and the Corpus Christi community extends beyond his personal enjoyment. He represented Corpus Christi and Worldwinds Windsurfing at the 2019 Maui Slalom Nationals, showcasing his expertise and passion on a national stage. He also organizes events that highlight Corpus Christi as a premier destination for watersport enthusiasts, emphasizing the underutilized potential of the area's incredible spots. 

Olivier’s story is one of passion, adventure, and a deep connection to the water. Through his work at Worldwinds Windsurfing, he continues to inspire others to take up windsurfing and winging, ensuring that Corpus Christi remains a vibrant hub for watersport enthusiasts.