Interview: Surfer Tin Barbo Gruden - a reliable name for Surfgasm Lisbon Surf Club

Why Portugal?
I was looking for a European city that accepts Erasmus exchanges and is close to the ocean and thus the best conditions for surfing. Lisbon offered all this and much more.

Given that Slovenia does not have the best conditions for surfing, how did it come into your life?
I've been around board sports since I was little. I've been skateboarding for eight years, when I first stepped on a surfboard, I knew this sport would mark my life. The happiness you feel when you catch the first wave is indescribable. The wave is the result of complex natural processes that have been constantly repeating throughout the Earth's evolution for thousands of years. As a phenomenon, waves existed long before humans and will continue to break tirelessly even after we are gone. When I enter the water, I experience surfing not only as a sport, but as an active meditation, where I leave life's problems from the past and future on the shore and surrender to feelings of inner peace in the present. Here and now.

Is surfing a way of life and if so, what is the surfer lifestyle?
My life revolves around surfing, which is why over time a suitable lifestyle is formed. In part, I try to follow the stereotype of relaxation and carefreeness, which are very characteristic of Portugal. But I also have flashbacks of the rearrangement of the system, because in Lisbon you "expect" yourself. In the store, if you edit documents in the "Freguesia" so-called offices... During the first two years of the Erasmus exchange, life was largely connected with the social events and parties of the Lisbon students, as I was one of the representatives of the Erasmus Student Network Lisbon, so diversity and variety of everyday life are very close to my heart.

Are you born a surfer or can you become one?
One or the other. In my case, my love for surfing evolved from skateboarding, where over time I was increasingly looking for an urban escape. As a child from a village connected to nature, I am more suited to a natural habitat. At the same time, water damage tends to be milder than the harsh ones I've experienced on concrete. Twisted ankles, deep cuts... When I fall, I now appreciate the soft landing of the water surface more.

Water, as an element, fascinates me because under certain conditions it creates ripples and thus a playground that can be used by all generations. In the surfing school we also had two ladies about sixty-five years old. It seems to me that the experience of surfing contributes to a greater awareness that we are the ones who need to take more care of nature, as its beauty fades more and more with all the interventions of large corporations. I organized the cleaning of the beach in Costa Caparica, where we collected more than thirty garbage bags, each containing fifty liters of waste.

When I enter the water, I experience surfing not only as a sport, but as an active meditation, where I leave life's problems from the past and future on the shore and surrender to feelings of inner peace in the present. Here and now.

What is the mandatory equipment of every surfer?
A board, neoprene (a suit that maintains body temperature), a leash (a rope that is tied around the ankle and attached to the board) and a positive approach.

Have you found your "big wave" yet?
I experienced the power of the ocean in extreme conditions. I experienced a fall on a four and a half meter wave. At the time, I was honestly confused. I was underwater for about twenty seconds. When I finally surfaced for air, I was greeted by two more waves of a similar size that I got on my head. This experience made me realize that I have to approach the ocean responsibly and respectfully.

I caught my first tuba at the hidden "spot" Guincho near Lisbon. This is an aggressive wave that transforms into a tunnel. It covers you completely while you glide through the inner section with one goal in mind - to get out before it just - closes. The intensity of the feeling is similar to skydiving. I will remember him vividly even when I am old and gray.

Surfgasm Surf School and Club. What do you offer aspiring and experienced surfers?
Surfgasm is a surfing experience that offers travelers and tourists an escape from the urban environment. Adventure combines with plenty of fun, sports and unspoiled nature in an unforgettable experience.

In Lisbon, we welcome and accommodate beginners or "old cats" of surfing in the "Rooftop Surfhouse", where we organize barbecues, yoga or simply relaxing with a panoramic view on the roof. We surf almost every day and are always looking for the best possible conditions for people wanting to “Surfgasm”. Without the help of the members of the Surfgasm team, which consists of Andrej Gudac, Sara Franjul and Nejc Stupan, it would of course not have been possible. We have all the equipment, vans and excellent instructors. All you need is a good mood and a desire for new adventures!

Do you have to have any special qualities to surf?
Beginners and surfers are sent basic exercises to strengthen them beforehand. We do this so that people are able to stay in the water longer and not get tired too quickly, especially in the first days of surfing. But not to scare you, it's not as hard as it sounds. We have large foam surfboards that are safe and have high buoyancy. We dedicate ourselves to everyone to the point that they manage to catch their first wave. Be it children from the age of ten or grandparents. Our guiding principle is: The Surfgasm Mission - Once you experience Surfgasm, you want to come back again and again.
(Mission Surfgasm – Once you have a Surfgasm, you want to “come” again.)

You also work as part of Erasmus Housing Lisbon. What do you offer visitors to Lisbon?
As a newly minted Erasmus student, I had great difficulty finding an apartment in Lisbon. I saw more than a hundred of them in just over two months. I set myself the goal of finding an apartment with a terrace that has a panoramic view. So I met several Portuguese owners who were trustworthy and the cooperation began. Students coming to Lisbon sent me messages on the social network “Facebook” that they were looking for apartments or rooms in the city. I decided to create an organization that helps students with accommodations. Students, travelers and families who are looking for a "roof over their head" write to us for a period of one week, all the way up to one year.

Artcasa cultural society. What is your guideline?
With my friend from Italy, Simone Faresini, I was looking for a place where a cultural association could work. We found a renovated space owned by Nelson Aireesh, a singer and dance instructor from the Cape Verde Islands. We presented him with the project of the cultural association Artcasa, where we would unite cultures and people from Africa, Italy, Slovenia and Portugal. After a year of operation, it is known as one of the better alternative options, where we organize events, concerts, surf nights, parties, massage and yoga workshops...

What should we see or experience in Lisbon if we go there?
Belem, a city district that has a great cultural heritage and traditional vanilla cakes “Pasteis de Belem”. 7 Hills – 7 great vantage points. Only - these are scattered around the city center, each of them is magical and unforgettable. The "Feira de Ladra" flea market of Thieves. Fair of antiques and second-hand objects, where long-lost treasures are found. Alfama & Fado Music - The oldest quarter where Fado music started and the only one that did not collapse during the earthquake and Tsunami in 1755. Bairro Alto - The most famous area for night mischief, where more than 250 bars reign over 5 small streets. Morangoška, Mohito and Capirinha are must-try drinks. Chapito – A prison for women built in the 17th century, which is now a circus school and an excellent restaurant. Panoramic view from Surfgasm Rooftop Surfhouse. Artcasa – cultural association in Bairro Alto, Brazilian music concerts, best pizzas in town. Bifana sandwich at Beira Gare Cafe.