Who is he?

Nickname / Age

Gauthier Philaire aka Got' / 33 years old

Favourite sports / Spots

Lifesaving, Swimming, Swimrun, Surfing / La Nord in Hossegor

Year of start of practice / Number of years of practice

Started lifesaving at the age of 11, so 22 years of practice (with a short break of 5 years during studies).

Awards / Trophies

French Junior Champion in 2008 and selected for the 2009 French Junior Team (top 5 in Europe)

What do the ocean and your water activities bring you?

"Living in Hossegor, my choice of place to live is guided by my proximity to the ocean in all its manifestations, whether calm, windy or raging. I venture out with a variety of equipment, including a simple swim, wetsuit, flippers, bodysurf, surf, longboard, stand-up, prone paddleboard and surf ski. Although I no longer practice at a high competitive level, my daily routine is now one of recreation, in tune with the moods of the weather and the gifts that the ocean offers us.

Who inspires you?

"My inspirations are the so-called 'watermen' such as Laird Hamilton, Kai Lenny and Thierry Krawiec, people who are passionate about the ocean and who are basically good swimmers, but who touch on everything. 

What do you do when you're not in the water?

"Practising as an osteopath in the heart of Hossegor town centre, since 2017 I have also been involved as a federal osteopath on the medical staff of the French Sports Rescue Federation, accompanying the national sports rescue team."

Why Mellow Sea?

"I joined Mellow Sea because I think I share the brand's values. I made contact with Damien straight away, and I just like doing things simply with people who work well. And Mellow Sea does things simply, humbly, with respect for the environment while seeking innovation, which is what I like.

Favourite Mellow Sea product?

"I haven't had a chance to try all the products yet, but if I had to choose one, it would probably be the 3/2 combination."

Motivational advice?

"My motivational phrase: the goal of life is not the hope of becoming perfect, but the will to always be better. 

That's why I'm always trying to get out of my comfort zone in the sports I do... 

Well, with children, it's changing my way of assessing risk a bit now, but hey! 

Next challenge: the swimrun on the Ile de Ré in mid-September with Manue in a mixed pair over 30km.