Damien CASTERA

What does being part of the Picture Family represent to you?

Joining the Picture Family is a logical evolution in my surfer-adventurer path. A few years ago, I ended my competitor career to carry out projects closer to the wilderness. Alaska, Patagonia, Papua, the idea is to reconcile sliding sports with the adventure spirit, walking, fishing, poetry and human encounters.

I know those values fit perfectly with Picture Organic Clothing’s DNA. Today, I am happy to be able to wear eco-designed products, to develop exploration projects integrating an environmental and human approach, and to join a young and dynamic French team. It is very stimulating!!!

Tell us, how did you start surfing?

I spent my childhood playing in waves. My father, who is an oceanographer, taught me when I was very young his passion for the ocean, marine life, fishing and nature in general. After years exploring the seabed, I decided to learn to slide on water. I was 11 years old.

What are your future plans and ambitions?

I have a lot of projects, it remains to know which ones will be realized. In May, we shot the third part of ODISEA, with the snowboarder Mathieu Crepel. A sportive, human and environmental odyssey that traces the course of a drop of water, from the mountains to the ocean, from snowflake to wave. After an expedition in Alaska and Patagonia, we will undertake it in the Pyrenees, closer to home, with this desire to show that the value of an adventure is not proportional to the mileage.

No need to go to the other side of the world, adventure is a treasure that enthusiastic people discover each morning in front of their home. I am also working on a documentary/film project about Liberia, certainly for next June. I can’t say no more for now but the adventure will be partly about child soldiers who would have swapped their rifle assault against surfboards.

What are your best surfing memories?

Undoubtedly my surf sessions in Alaska, shared with sea lions, orcas, bears on the beach and snow-capped mountains horizon. A surf adventure in the kingdom of Jack London.