Stefan Gilg

Interview with Stefan Gilg

Tell us something about yourself/introduce yourself.

Hi, my name is Stefan Gilg. I was born and raised in Winterthur and still live in this region. I work 80% of the time as an interior planner in an engineering office and have reserved Mondays for my sporting passions for two years. Work-life balance - you know! ????

How did you become passionate about surfing?

I think it was in 2006 when I and some friends traveled by train to the Element Called Water Surfcamp (www.ecwsurf.com) in southwest France. That's where my first contact with surfing came from. Big NSP boards, lots of paddling and even more chilling was the motto! But I was infected with the surfing virus from the first week. After that, I regularly went to the Atlantic coast in France or Spain once a year, worked in a surf camp or drove along the coast in my VW bus. Since then, no more holidays without a surfboard!

How long have you been surfing?

I think since 2006. To be sure I would have to search my photo gallery. ????

What fascinates you about surfing?

What fascinates me most about surfing is the energy of the waves. That it is possible to stand or drive on an unsustainable surface. I also find it very exciting that even after many years of surfing, you can still make progress in every session and the consequences of mistakes are not as painful as with skating. Every wave, every spot, every board is different and that's why the sport remains exciting.

You can only choose one place to surf for the rest of your life. Which place would that be and why?

Difficult question...I would choose the Maldives including a surf boat. But in between, fly back to Switzerland. ???? The reason for this is the warm water, the good waves, the smallest possible crowd and there are hardly any mosquitoes on the boat.

What or who is your biggest inspiration when it comes to surfing?

My biggest inspiration when surfing is the wave itself. Every time you go into the water, the “playing field” looks different. Every single wave presents you with different challenges and you can (almost) not plan a movement sequence. Every decision must be made and executed within seconds. What could be more exciting?

Which boards do you prefer for surfing?

My newest board Semente Vintage 5'8'' is the absolute all-rounder for me. It has a shortboard shape and is very maneuverable with a little more volume in the middle (wavecatcher) than my standard shortboard. It is also equipped with channels in the tail area to provide good support even in larger waves.

How does it feel to be a Surfari team rider?

The Surfari surfing team consists of a wide variety of people, all of whom contribute to ensuring that the diverse surfing opportunities in Switzerland are represented in the best possible way. I am proud to represent Surfari.

Can we talk about a surfing scene in Switzerland? If so, are you active or passive in a club? 

I think it's difficult to talk about a real surfing scene in Switzerland. Nowadays, every second person in Switzerland “surfs” and since the surfing opportunities in and from Switzerland are very diverse, it is difficult to define a real scene. In my opinion, the SSA Swiss Surfing Association is trying to coordinate the “scene” in Switzerland with good success.

What has been your biggest surfing challenge so far?

Surfing at such a consistent level that I don't need a week's adjustment period on every surf trip.

What is your favorite surfing adventure? 

My first Maldives boat trip. If you don't have solid ground under your feet for two weeks...that says it all! ????

Are there any stereotypes in surf culture about surfing and surfers for you?

In this day and age, in my opinion, there is no longer a pure surf culture. The influences are so individual and therefore I find it almost impossible to define a surfing stereotype.