Leave at dawn with your surfboard under your arm… And jump on the first metro, towards <a href="https://time.news/paris-thousands-of-demonstrators-marched-against-racism-and-islamophobia/" title="Paris: thousands of demonstrators marched against racism and Islamophobia”>Barbès (18th century Paris).Guillaume rouan has made this journey hundreds of times from his apartment along the Saint-Martin (Xe) canal. “It was our meeting point,” slips the thirty-year-old, taking a look through the large window of the Barbès brasserie.
This November morning, a shy winter sun already floods the avenue. The bustling subway station pours out a steady stream of travelers amidst undercover cigarette sellers. But you have to get up a little early to hope to see some silhouettes in tracksuits. To spot them, don’t look for the waves in the heart of the 18th arrondissement, but rather a car with a trunk full of boards on the roof, about to travel hundreds of kilometers to the ocean.
What are the challenges of being a surfer living in a city like Paris?
Interview with Guillaume Rouan: A Surfer’s Journey from paris to the Waves
Time.news Editor: Good morning, Guillaume! It’s a pleasure to have you with us today.Your journey sounds fascinating. Could you share with our readers what it’s like leaving your apartment in Paris to chase the surf?
Guillaume Rouan: Good morning! It’s always a unique experience. I often leave my apartment at dawn, surfboard in hand, and take the metro to Barbès. The atmosphere in the early morning is quite special — it feels like the city is waking up.I’ve made this trip hundreds of times, and every time feels like an adventure.
Time.news Editor: That sounds invigorating! What makes Barbès such a notable departure point for surfers in Paris?
Guillaume Rouan: Barbès is a bustling hub in the 18th arrondissement, and it’s culturally rich. It’s a meeting point that connects me and many other surfers to the ocean.From there, we’ll usually see cars with surfboards atop, loaded up for a road trip away from the city and towards the waves.
Time.news Editor: Engaging! You mentioned traveling hundreds of kilometers just to surf. What challenges do surfers face in making this journey from Paris?
Guillaume Rouan: One of the biggest challenges is the distance. It can take hours to reach quality surf spots, especially during the winter months. But it’s a price we pay for living in a city that lacks ocean waves. The city life and the thrill of surfing make it worthwhile, though. You just have to plan well for transportation and the weather.
Time.news Editor: With the accessibility issues faced by surfers in urban areas like Paris, what practical advice would you offer someone looking to begin their surfing journey?
Guillaume Rouan: I’d recommend starting with a good understanding of your local surf community. Connecting with fellow surfers can provide support and tips for transportation. Also, invest in a high-quality wetsuit, as temperatures can be cold during most of the year. Lastly, be flexible with your schedule, as conditions can change rapidly, and you’ll want to be ready to hit the road when the waves are right.
Time.news Editor: That’s invaluable advice! Surfing in colder climates certainly has its unique set of challenges. What are the key takeaways from your experiences that would resonate with surfers looking to embrace this lifestyle in a city like Paris?
Guillaume Rouan: For surfers in cities,it’s all about balance. Embrace both the urban and the ocean. Plan your sessions around the best conditions, and create a community that shares your passion for surfing. Also, make the journey part of the experience. Whether it’s a drive with friends or catching public transport, those moments are just as memorable as the time spent in the water.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Guillaume, for sharing your insights. Your journey illustrates the dedication of surfers even when faced with the challenges of urban living. Any final thoughts you’d like to share with aspiring surfers?
Guillaume Rouan: Always remember to enjoy every moment — from the crowded metro to the peaceful waves. Surfing is about the experience, the friends you make, and the thrill of chasing the waves. Each journey begins with a single step—or in my case, a ride on the metro!
Time.news Editor: Thank you once again, Guillaume! This has been an enlightening conversation about the intersection of urban life and the surf culture. We look forward to seeing more aspiring surfers take to the waves.
