Like we all know, specifically in France, this summer is a sporting one with the launching of Paris 2024 Olympic Games. The most important and sports event of the World, gathering on July 26th thousands of sportsmen and women, coaches, and supporters. So, we have thought, that communicate this sport spirit all along the summer, to the workers and holidaymakers will be such a pleasant idea.
Let’s start officially with this blog articles series: "Abyss Ingredients at the heart of sport" dedicated to sport practice of our athletes, but also our Abyss team… Stay tuned!
Portrait of the day: Charlie Castetbon
Charlie Castetbon is our R&D assistant in marine biotechnologies at Abyss. Beyond his expertise, his will and his positive attitude at work since a few months, discover him from another side: sport and specifically surf.
Charlie practise surf since 16 years (Brice de Nice, you know?). A sport which appears like an evidence, even if he had the opportunity to discover others sports like breath-hold diving or callisthenics. |  |
Today he handles at once, his career as R&D assistant in marine biotechnologies and his passion for surf and sport generally speaking.
We are very proud to present a little part of her sport through this interview.
What values does sport pass on to you?
« I'd say perseverance, because progress in any sport generally takes a long time.
I think that goes hand in hand with a certain regularity too: progress is correlated with this regularity, training to see yourself evolve.
Respect is also a fundamental value, even if I practice individual sports.
If you don't practise with respect, you don't really enjoy yourself and you don't convey a good image of the sport.
And finally, I'd say challenge, setting yourself goals, really striving to surpass yourself. Not forgetting, of course, enjoyment: alongside professional life, you can really see it as a kind of escape. »
What role does sport play in your daily life and what do you gain from it?
« Sport is essential, I put it at number 1.
I do about 1 hour and half a day, and I try to do at least 10 hours a week. These times are subject to change, for example at weekends when I go surfing, and depending on the waves, I can sometimes do 2 or even 3 sessions in a day.
It brings me relaxation, well-being and a wide range of contacts: it's enabled me to meet people and make friends outside my professional circle.
And finally, I'd say it gives me energy and strength, but also self-confidence, because it allows me to see what I'm capable of. »
How do you manage work, personal life and physical activity?
« I admit that it's not always easy to manage everything, but at least it allowed me to work on my organisation, which was far from perfect.
I've done a bit of planning for my sports sessions in the past, but that's something I've stopped doing because of the various unforeseen events I could have, so I've given priority to spontaneity.
I try to make compromises, particularly in my personal life, to try and keep sport as number 2, after my professional commitments. It's an important part of my daily life, so I really want to try to organise myself as well as possible so that I can do it every day. »
How do you deal with "procrastination" in sport?
« I think it's important to remember why you do the sport you do. You have to relate to your values and your motivations.
To motivate yourself, watching videos of your sport or sport in general is pretty effective, it makes you want to go and do it.
I think that the more you "push" yourself to do it, the more you put the next time into perspective. You have to tell yourself that the last time you were at sport wasn't as hard as you may think and gives you a lot of good benefits. »
Which athlete inspires you across all disciplines?
« There are many of course, but right now I'd say Guillaume Bourdila, a world-renowned French freediver.
He's very good at what he does, holds world records, but what I appreciate most of all is his humility. He knows how to stay humble and give up when he's reached his limits. And I find that very impressive, to see such mastery and self-knowledge to know when you've reached your "red line" and when to "give up". »
Do you take food supplements?
« I take Melatonin for sleep.
I need almost 9 hours of sleep to be fit and productive, whether it's for physical activity or even at work.
It goes with sleep and that's important if you really want to recharge your batteries and regain your energy. »
Comment gérer les situations dangereuses comme les courants forts ou les requins ?
« As far as the current is concerned, there's one very important concept in surfing, and that's marine sense: it reflects your ability to analyse and evolve in a marine environment.
It's important to analyse the spot: the way the current is flowing, analyse the pools (holes in the water where the current is strongest). So, it's really important to have a feel for the sea, this practical and theoretical knowledge, before you set out on a spot.
Finally, I'd say that before taking the plunge, the spot should be analysed in its entirety: wave shape and power, swell direction, size, wind direction, current zones, tide... and compare all this with the level you think you have as objectively as possible.
Look for a reference point on the dune or on the beach to be able to surf a spot as safely as possible.
As far as sharks are concerned, and having lived in Australia for 6 months, they are not really common, even with the most dangerous sharks in the region (bull shark, white shark, etc.). Australia has put in place detection systems and really good safety measures to limit these risks even further. »
What advice would you give to minimise our carbon footprint as surfers?
« It's true that it's a bit of a paradox, since surfing is a sport that's close to nature and very much in favour of ecology. However, it's true that when you look at the carbon footprint of a surfer, between the wetsuit, the board and all the raw materials, everything is "petro-sourced".
I think we need to do more research into new materials that could be offered to surfers to develop more eco-responsible wetsuits or boards.
I'm thinking in particular of Patagonia, which is committed to ethical values by incorporating recycled materials into its wetsuits.
And finally, I'd say maximise awareness and education around these issues, with certain associations like Surf Rider Foundation which can advocating the introduction of ecological actions.
I think that raising awareness is vital if people, as individuals, are to adopt green actions. When I come back from surfing and I see some rubbish on the sand, it doesn't cost me anything to put it in the bin next to it, and I know that it's one less thing that will end up in the sea.”
What's your favourite surf spot? The one of your dreams?
« My favourite spot is also my dream spot, I think: it's home.
I surf in the Landes region, where there are some really beautiful, peaceful spots with really good waves. I like to be in these places, which I know, with my friends and in places without people so that I can really enjoy the spot.
In Australia, I was able to surf a legendary wave, Snapper Rocks, which was really impressive, but unfortunately it lived up to its hype: there were a lot of people. »
What do you think are the most difficult technical aspects of surfing?
“It's a complicated sport because there are different factors to take into account: wave reading analysis, seamanship, techniques in relation to the manoeuvres you can make on the wave, and not forgetting a certain combination of endurance."
Thank you Charlie for you sharing!
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