Coach Raphael Biography
Early Life and Passion for Water Sports
From a young age, I found joy in the water, turning it into my playground. My childhood was filled with aquatic adventures, mastering various water sports from swimming beneath the waves to soaring above them.
Professional Journey
At 17, I trained as a lifeguard, igniting a career intertwined with water. By 23, I advanced to become a swimming instructor, sharing my expertise at prestigious venues like Cheval Blanc (LVMH), Fouquet’s Barrière in Paris, and with high-end clients in St Tropez since 2009. Recognizing the importance of fitness, I earned certifications in Pilates (2008), Personal Training (2009), Kiteboarding Instruction (IKO, 2011), and PADI Divemaster (2012).
Seasonal Adventures
My career splits between winter and summer seasons. Winters from 2007-2012 were spent at Cheval Blanc Courchevel in the French Alps. Summers involved lifeguarding on the French West Coast before settling in Saint-Tropez. I also contributed to the pre-opening of Cheval Blanc Maldives and spent two winters in the Caribbean, training VIPs in innovative water toys like Jetsurf.
Since 2014, I’ve spent winters in Asia, starting in Vietnam and now based in the Philippines, focusing on wind-driven water sports like kiteboarding, windsurfing, and sailing.
Commitment to Excellence
With twelve years serving high-end clientele, I’ve honed a keen attention to detail, crafting personalized activity programs tailored to each client’s needs, ensuring memorable and enjoyable experiences.
