Interview with Stefan Gilg

Tell us a little bit 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% as an urban planner in an engineering firm and have reserved Mondays for my sporting passions for the last two years. Work-life balance – you know! ????

How did your passion for surfing come about?

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

How long have you been surfing?

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

What fascinates you about surfing?

What fascinates me most about surfing is the energy of the waves. The fact that it is possible to stand or ride on a surface that is essentially not buoyant. Furthermore, I 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 in skating. Every wave, every spot, every board is different, and that's why the sport remains exciting.

You are only allowed to choose one place for the rest of your life for surfing. Which place would that be—and why?

Difficult question... I would choose the Maldives including a surf boat. But fly back to Switzerland in between. ???? 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 greatest inspiration when it comes to surfing?

My greatest inspiration when surfing is the wave itself. Every time you go into the water, the "playing field" looks different. Each individual wave presents you with different challenges, and you can (almost) not plan any 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, the Semente Vintage 5'8'', is the absolute all-rounder for me. It has a shortboard shape and is very agile with a little more volume in the middle area (wave catcher) than my standard shortboard. It is also equipped with channels in the tail area to provide good grip even in larger waves.

How does it feel to be a team rider for Surfari?

The Surfari surf team consists of the most diverse people, all of whom contribute to representing the diverse surfing opportunities in Switzerland in the best possible way. I am proud to represent Surfari.

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

I think it's difficult to speak of a real surf scene in Switzerland. By now, every second person in Switzerland "surfs," and since the surfing opportunities in and out of Switzerland are very diverse, a real scene is difficult to define. In my opinion, the SSA (Swiss Surfing Association) is trying with good success to coordinate the "scene" in Switzerland.

What has been your greatest challenge in surfing so far?

To surf at such a consistent level that I don't need a one-week acclimation phase on every surf trip.

What is your most beautiful surfing adventure?

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

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

In today's time, in my opinion, there is no longer a pure surf culture. The influences are so individual, and accordingly, I find it almost impossible to define a surf stereotype.

{{block class="Infortis\UltraSlideshow\Block\Slideshow" template="slideshow.phtml" slides="teamrider_gilg" timeout="15000"}}