Thibaud, our bodyboard ambassador, is a true ocean and board sports enthusiast. He grew up in the Basque Country and still lives there, moving to the rhythm of the waves and exploring all the possibilities offered by the local spots. Get ready, he is going to take us on a journey through his sessions in the South-West of France and abroad. @thibaud_berge
Where are you from?
I am originally from Biarritz, a small town located in the Southwest of France, more precisely in the Basque Country.
Since when have you been practicing bodyboarding?
I have been bodyboarding since I was 7 years old, at the Gloy spots (Anglet), mainly at the club beach or at the golden sands, depending on the sandbanks. The atmosphere is really good and I am always sure to meet someone I know in the water, which makes every session even cooler. That's why I stay loyal to these spots by practicing bodyboarding there regularly.
What was the trigger for you? How did you progress?
Everyone wanted to learn surfing when we were younger. I did the opposite, I wanted to stand out and it was a real breakthrough. Sticking to a less practiced sport and "a bit more accessible" in terms of sliding.
What helped me improve were friends (practicing bodyboarding), videos of different athletes around the world, traveling, and various competitions when I was younger.
What does the ocean and bodyboarding represent to you?
The ocean and bodyboarding represent a source of well-being and motivation. The ocean is unique because it offers completely different conditions every day, which makes boogie (bodyboarding) all the more exciting. You have to know how to adapt to all types of waves, depending on the seasons and weather conditions, which does not make the task easy.
As for bodyboarding, it is a real sport, both in terms of physical condition and its technicality. The sensations are intense regardless of the level.
What is your best advice for those who want to get started with bodyboarding?
My best advice is to go into the water with a purpose in mind: to enjoy it to the fullest while always being mindful of others. And the little extra is to try to find two or three friends or a small group with whom you can share this moment. It will be even better for your progress.
What are your top destinations?
I had the chance to spend a year in Australia. Having traveled all along the west coast, I was able to surf real rocky waves, especially suited for boogie boarding, such as the wave at Shark Island in Cronulla near Sydney. This wave will forever be etched in my memory. A big mutant right, quite shallow where you can get a big barrel ;)
Finally, Siargao Island in the Philippines is a real favorite. I was able to surf Cloud 9 there, the wave of my life. It's an amazing right/left peak where you can get a big barrel and do a maneuver at the end of the wave. It's truly the best of the best for bodyboarders and surfers.
