INTERVIEW : CAMILLE LAVOCAT !!!

Camille has just joined the Team Riders GONG Team. Immersed in the world of surfing since a tender age, she shares with us her vision of surfing.

 

Hello Camille. Can you please introduce yourself?

My name is Camille-Elena Lavocat. I’m 21 years old, I was born in Saint-Martin in the West Indies and I’ve always lived on this island! I started surfing when I was 3 years old and I started competing when I was 12, before that I was into skateboarding! My parents have had a surf and windsurf club for 25 years! So I swim in it since I was very young!

What fascinates you about surfing ?

What fascinates me about surfing is really the freedom, the connection with nature. I’m lucky to be able to surf on a beautiful spot still untouched by ecological problems. It’s a nature reserve so it’s stunning, turquoise and full of fish! When you surf, you forget everything, you just think about enjoying the moment and it’s great!

Who are your surfing idols?

I don’t necessarily have an idol. I don’t really like competitive surfing, I prefer free surfers at heart! And especially multi-sport riders like Kai Lenny who are awesome watermen, and Laird Hamilton!

The best wave you’ve ever surfed?

The best wave I’ve surfed is by far the Mentawai, in terms of speed, length and tube. And in Nicaragua, level cool very radical wave that breaks perfectly! Otherwise in the West Indies, we are served enough in versatile waves!

You told us to go to the water 5 times a week, is it only on shortboard or on different supports?

I surf only on shortboard. I also do foil when the conditions lend themselves to it. On windy days, I go windsurfing. But 99% of the time I surf shortboard!

“I preferred to stay in free surfing and keep on surfing just for fun!”

Today, you are more into free surfing than competition, can you tell us why ?

I didn’t like the competition experience at all. It disgusted me a little bit of this universe of stress, competition, chasing sponsors… And then I didn’t enjoy competing and being stressed all the time. I felt like I was missing out on my youth, not taking advantage of my college/ high school years, so I preferred to stay in free surfing and keep on surfing just for fun!

What made you decide to join the GONG team as a Team Rider?

I liked Team GONG already for its free surfing spirit ! And then when I got my new board, the Chemical, I was hooked. It’s radical and versatile. I can’t wait to try other boards to have a complete quiver !! And especially the fact that GONG offers foils, it’s great because I’ll be able to try this stuff! All the people I’ve exchanged with have been super cool with me, always good advice and in a good spirit, so great communication !

“when I got my new board, the Chemical, I was hooked.”

What are your plans for 2020?

For 2020, first of all I want to continue surfing every day, and go on surfing trips to discover new spots and surf new waves. I’m currently studying for a second degree in psychology, so the goal this year is to continue to work towards a third degree.

Gear of the sesh

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