Stefan Gilg

Name:
Stefan Gilg

Year of birth:
1987

Profession:
Urban Planner

Hometown:
Seuzach, Winterthur

Homespot:
 Southwest France · Lake Constance

Stance:
Regular (Surf/Skate) · Goofy (Snowboard)

Boardsports:
Ocean Surfing · Wavepool · Wakesurf · Skateboard · Surfskate

Hobbies:
Surfing · Mountain biking · Skateboarding · VW bus trips

Favourite Destinations:
Northern Spain · Portugal · France · Maldives

Surfboards:
Semente WEK 6'0 · Pyzel Phantom 5'10

Love:
Being on the road · Freecamping · Water sports · Mountains · beautiful weather

Hate:
Plastic in the ocean · Aggressive locals · too many people at the skatepark

Contests & Events:

• Various Swiss Champs Ocean since 2016

• Swiss Wavepool Champs since 2017

• Edelweiss Surf Tour

• Alaia Bay Winter Cup

 

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Interview with Stefan Gilg – Surfari Team Rider

Tell us a little bit about yourself.
Hi, I'm Stefan Gilg, born and raised in Winterthur, where I still live. Professionally, I work 80% as an urban planner in an engineering firm, and for the past two years, I've reserved Mondays for my sporting passions. Work-life balance – you know!

How did you get into surfing?
In 2006, I traveled with a few friends by train to Southwest France to the Element Called Water Surf Camp. That was my first contact with surfing – large NSP boards, lots of paddling, and even more chilling. From the very first week, I was infected with the surf virus. Since then, I've gone to the Atlantic coast of France or Spain at least once a year, either to work at a surf camp or to drive along the coast in a VW bus. No more vacations without a surfboard!

How long have you been surfing?
Since 2006. To be absolutely sure, I'd have to search through my photo gallery.

What fascinates you about surfing?
The energy of the waves fascinates me the most. Standing and riding on a surface that doesn't support your weight is simply exciting. Plus, even after many years, you can make progress in every session. Every wave, every spot, and every board is different – that makes the sport exciting over and over again.

If you could only choose one place to surf, which one would it be?
The Maldives, including a surf boat. Warm water, good waves, a small crowd, and hardly any mosquitoes on the boat – perfect. Although, I'd still end up flying back to Switzerland in between.

Who or what inspires you when surfing?
Most of all, the wave itself inspires me. It presents new challenges every time – every decision has to be made within seconds. What could be more exciting?

Which boards do you prefer?
My current board, the Semente Vintage 5'8'', is my absolute all-rounder. It has a shortboard shape, is very agile, has a bit more volume in the middle section, and channels in the tail for better hold in bigger waves.

How does it feel to be a Surfari team rider?
The Surfari team consists of very different personalities who together represent the diverse surfing opportunities in Switzerland. I'm proud to be a part of it.

Can you speak of a surfing scene in Switzerland?
Hard to say. By now, it feels like every second person in Switzerland "surfs," and the opportunities are very diverse. A true scene is therefore difficult to define. However, the SSA – Swiss Surfing Association – is doing a good job coordinating the scene.

What has been your biggest challenge in surfing so far?
Surfing at a consistent level so that I don't need a complete adjustment phase on every surf trip.

Your best surf adventure?
My first boat trip in the Maldives. Two weeks without solid ground under my feet – unforgettable!

Are there stereotypes in surf culture?
Today, in my opinion, there is no longer one pure surf culture. The influences are so individual that it's almost impossible to define a surf stereotype.