Amaury is one of those riders with mass appeal. He invites people in with his riding, he wants us to participate in what we see him doing in our minds and then then reflect that with our riding just so we're on the same 'vibe'. like PLC, a good friend and countryman of Amaury's - he has a bit of the 'crazy Frenchman' in his limit-pushing riding style (anyone who has been to France for a while or lived there knows they are notorious for pushing outside 'the box' of standard limitations).
A really humble rider with great talent, please welcome Amaury Lavernhe from his pride of place, Reunion Island:
Doc: Hey Amaury, where you from in France and what are your local waters these days?
AL: Im borned in France but im in Reunion since 18 years so i feel like a reunion island people..
My local water is the west shore of the island..its really nice, sharky and good for bodyboarding.
Doc: what mix of Prone and DK are you riding?
AL: In reunion, like in Hawaii all guys do prone and DK and i love it..
I do a lot of dk in Reunion but when i travel im focus on my prone riding.
30% dk..
Doc: What boards are you running in your current quiver and what are your current faves?
AL: I ride for SNIPER bodyboard, a french brand famous in europe.
I ride the same shape as my stock board but shaped by DSC and my current quiver is 41 dow mesh crescent
41 PP cresecent
40,5 dow mesh crescent.
Doc: What dimensions and core compositions are you finding hot for your riding at the moment?
AL: I love the PE core with mesh, perfect for good waves...In reunion, where the water is really hot i like to surf PP, more projection and speed.
Doc: And how about accessories – leash, fins and wetsuits?
AL: I have a Sniper biceps leash, with churchill fins and KanaBeach wetsuits.
Doc: D.O.B height and weight?
AL: 10/08/85
1,75m
74kg
Doc: What can you tell us about the waves in France?
AL: France have some really good beach break, sometimes pumping but with many people..in winter the water is almost 10 degrees..
In the north there are some good reef but not really consistent.
Doc: You’re always giving the local slabs a smacking in Reunion Island – what’s the rundown with the waves there? (for readers, Reunion Island is one of the overseas regions of France)
AL: Yes reunion is a french territory but with a different way of life..its tropical and relax.
Its between Madagascar and Mauritius Island.its warm all year with good waves and good vibes.
Doc: Fave breaks – local and elsewhere?
AL: Secret spot in the south of reunion and few waves in the south of sydney..
Doc: What would be the biggest wave you’ve taken on?
AL: In Australia for sure, maybe Luna or Depot.
Doc: And what’s the toughest wave to ride you’ve hit up?
AL: In brazil last year..so hard!!!
Doc: Do you have a crew you hang with in the water?
AL: For sure the WCK, west coast krew..all my mates are really nice and some of them are ripping the wave..
Doc: What’s the maddest roadtrip you’ve been on and what made it crazy?
AL: Last year i have been in the desert and after driving 12 hours waves were pretty bad so we just surfed few hours and took the road back..pretty hectic!!
Doc: Best boat trip?
AL: In indonesia, Guili island..
Doc: Who are some of your fave photogs?
AL: My friend Jonathan Besson in Reunion, Raf Fredfond (dodosland.com) in Reunion too.
In Australia is Gallagher and Lee Kelly.
Doc: Board history – any chance you can remember and name the boards you have had under you over time? Fave ride ever of all of them?
AL: My first board was a surf and sun..totaly crapt, i broke it when skiming..
My first good board was a mach 7-40, then a Manta Vicky Gleeson..
After that i had my first sponsor, Ocean and Earth.
Then i have been sponsoring by BSD, Science and since 2005, Sniper bodyboard.
Doc: Scariest moment on the boog?
AL: When i was young in Reunion, just before dark..its was big,!!
Lately maybe hawaii or australia.
Doc: What do you love most about the BB culture?
AL: We ride for glory, not for money...
Doc: there is a lot of talk going on about the International comp scene at the moment. What are your thoughts on the tour as it stands at the moment and what do you feel it needs the most?
AL: Terry do an amazing job for the tour and we are lucky to have him.
I reckon that the tour need more exposure, then more money with some big brand who could be interesting..
The communication is the key..
Doc: What do you reckon BB needs most at the moment?
AL: We need more exposure....
Doc: Where do you see Booger riding style heading in the future?
AL: New waves, new riders, new core, new moves…. but same spirit..
Doc: Any tips for the up and comer groms (our BB future) reading?
AL: The motivation is the secret of champions and the humility is the key for winning.
Doc: In one of your profiles (Sniper) you state as your inspiration:
“Everyone who goes hard”
What is your definition of someone going hard on waves?
AL: Someone who going hard on waves is someone who going to ride the wave passionately in the mood for ride better and better and with respect and humility.
Doc: Who would you like to give a shout-out to?
AL: To all my family, my mates in Reunion and all my friends around the world..
Doc: And finally who are your sponsors?
AL: my sponsors Sniper bodyboard, Kanabeach clothes and wetsuits, Cool shoe, AirFrance, Licious Surf shop and churchill.
Thanks so much for your time Amaury
Thanks to you Doc and thank to Riptide.
And now for the pics:
1. Rider: Amaury Lavernhe Photographer: Jo Besson (Reunion Island local)
2. Rider: Amaury Lavernhe Photographer: Jean Michel (Reunion Island local)
3. Rider: Amaury Lavernhe Photographer: Mauricio Drunn (Brazil) See Mauricio's interview here at:
http://www.riptidemag.com.au/forum/viewtopic.php?f=18&t=2416
4. Rider: Amaury Lavernhe Photographer: Rafa Fredfond (Reuinion island local)
