What does it take to become a two-time bodyboarding world champion and what keeps you chasing waves after reaching the very top?
This week on The Temple of Surf Podcast, we welcome Amaury Lavernhe, one of the most accomplished European bodyboarders of his generation, for a fascinating conversation about competition, powerful waves, dedication, and a lifetime connected to the ocean.
Raised on Réunion Island, surrounded by incredible waves and a passionate surfing community, Amaury discovered bodyboarding at an early age. What began as a childhood obsession eventually became an extraordinary international career.
His talent, determination, and commitment took him around the world, competing against the best riders and challenging himself in some of the most demanding waves on the planet.
In 2010, Amaury became Bodyboarding World Tour Champion.
In 2014, he conquered the world title again.
Two world championships that established him among the leading figures in modern competitive bodyboarding.
But Amaury's story goes far beyond trophies.
From the powerful waves of Réunion Island to the legendary breaks of the Canary Islands, including El Frontón, his journey reflects the extraordinary relationship between a rider and the ocean.
In this episode, we explore what it really means to dedicate your life to bodyboarding.
We talk about the early days, the influences that shaped his riding, and the experiences that transformed a young surfer from Réunion into an international champion.
We discuss the evolution of professional bodyboarding, the mentality required to compete at the highest level, and the sacrifices that come with pursuing a world title.
What separates a good rider from a world champion?
How do you maintain motivation after achieving your biggest dreams?
And how does your relationship with competition change as you gain experience?
We also explore the challenges Amaury faced when the shark crisis in Réunion dramatically changed the surfing environment of his home island, eventually leading him to establish a new chapter of his life in the Canary Islands.
There, surrounded by some of Europe's most powerful waves, he continued developing his riding and sharing his experience with the next generation.
Through his coaching and mentoring activities, Amaury has embraced another important dimension of his career: passing on the knowledge, experience, and passion accumulated over decades in the ocean.
But perhaps one of the most interesting aspects of this conversation is understanding what makes bodyboarding so unique.
The speed.
The barrels.
The connection with the wave.
The freedom of expression.
And the extraordinary possibilities that riding close to the surface of the water can offer.
This is not simply a conversation about winning world championships.
It's about bodyboarding culture, heavy waves, resilience, progression, surf history, and the endless passion that keeps us returning to the ocean.
Whether you're a bodyboarder, surfer, ocean enthusiast, or simply fascinated by people who dedicate their lives to riding waves, Amaury's journey offers a compelling perspective on what it means to follow your passion.
🎙️ Listen to the full conversation with Amaury Lavernhe on The Temple of Surf Podcast.
