Personal recommendation from Amaury is no small thing, but Charly easily steps up to the mark. Easy going and 'living the dream', we wish you all the best with FOCUSprod Charly - especially as we will be the ones to benefit with some mega Reunion Island footage to froth on..............
Charly : Hi Doc,
My name is Charly Chapelet, I was born in Bordeaux (France) in July, 20th, 1984 and arrived in Reunion Island 6 years later. I started practicing stand-up surfing during 7 years and began bodyboarding with my best friends when I was 13 years old (1997). One year later, I won Reunion island and France grommet championship (that’s the last time I beat Amaury in a contest..ahahah).
After this, I did a few motorcycling seasons and work to pass my exam in sports studies. I just occasionally go out during these 5 years.
In 2005, I decided to make a little break, follow my bodyboarder’s dream and travel as much as I can. Today...I’m still in this break =) and hope never have to go out of it!
Last year, with my best friends, we created FOCUSprod. The main goal of this association is to promote Reunion island riders by showing videos and photos on a website (work in progress). This project is just at the beginning but I think we are on a good way.
Doc: what mix of Prone and DK are you riding?
Charly : Prone riding most of the time but I like DK riding too.
Doc: What boards are you running in your current quiver and what are your current faves?
Charly : I ride PRIDE bodyboards (my own shape) in different sizes.
Doc: What dimensions and core compositions are you finding hot for your riding at the moment?
Charly : I use to ride a 40 (PP-stringer) at home and 40 (PE-mesh-stringer) in colder water. I’m waiting for some 40.75. I’m pretty sure it will be a good compromise for every wave conditions.
Doc: And how about accessories – leash, fins and wetsuits?
Charly : PRIDE leashes, STEALTH fins and any good wetsuits I can find but not at home =)
Doc : D.O.B height and weight?
Charly : 20th, july, 1984 / 1,75m / 66kg
Doc : Fave breaks – local and overseas?
Charly : A secret reef on the south coast of Reunion Island and all the west coast.
Overseas, many reefbreaks down Sydney.
Doc : What would be the biggest wave you’ve taken on?
Charly : I think It was on a 30 minutes paddle out reef break in NSW.
Doc : And what’s the toughest wave you’ve hit up?
Charly : A beachbreak in France 2 years ago.
Doc : Do you have a crew you hang with in the water?
Charly : I use to go out with riders from west coast. Focusprod riders most of the time.
Doc : What’s the maddest roadtrip you’ve been on?
Charly : I didn’t travel a lot yet but I would say my first trip in Australia, 2 winters ago. 6000kms drove in one month with 2 of my favourite mates (Amaury and Laury Grenier) in a campervan...soooooo cold !
Doc : Best boat trip?
Charly : I’ve never been boat tripping but I really would like to.
Doc : Who are some of your fave photogs?
Charly : At the moment, I just worked with Reunion island photographers (Jo BESSON, Rapha FREDEFON) but I really enjoy it. I enjoy to talk and find new angles with them to make the picture be more interesting.
I really would like to work with overseas photographers. Every photographer have his own artistic touch and that’s also what I like.
Doc : Scariest moment on the boog?
Charly : Probably when I was paddling out to rescue a screaming friend who has been attacked by a shark. It was just before dark so I couldn’t see if his leg was always in place. Fortunately, the shark missed him and just took his fin and offer him 30 stiches.
Doc : What do you love most about the BB culture?
Charly : The pleasure you can have meeting good people, finding good waves and travel with only what you need to.
Doc : What do you reckon BB needs most at the moment?
Charly : Me...for sure =) and may be more mediatisation so a little bit more money.
Doc : Who would you like to give a shout-out to?
Charly : Everyone who don’t care about Environment.
Doc : And finally who are your sponsors?
Charly : PRIDE bodyboards, FOCUSprod.
Doc : Thanks so much for your time and the insights into your life Charly
Charly : Thank you and Riptidemag for this interview.
1. Rider: Charly Chapelet Photographer: Jonathan Besson (Reunion Island)
2. Rider: Charly Chapelet Photographer: Jonathan Besson (Reunion Island)
3. Rider: Charly Chapelet Photographer: Jonathan Besson (Reunion Island)
- thats gotta be from a tow out judging from where he is compared to where he left the lip and the height he's got on such a small wave:? 
