From surf on the Swedish west coast to the World Cup in El Salvador: interview with Sara Bjurbäck

Who are you and what are you doing today?

Sara, just 30 years old and Swedish cold water surfer (mainly longboard) is part of the national team. I surf every opportunity given (which requires a little extra effort when living in Sweden) and when I don't I try to save money and vacation days to browse other places, hehe.

How did you get into the surf, and what was it that got you stuck?

I first tried it when I did a working holiday in Australia and on a backpacking trip in Indonesia.

But the irony was that I did not get completely hooked beforeI by chance - studies -ended up in Varberg and started surfing here.

After all, there is little difference in wave quality and temperatures and, to say the least, a more uncomfortable sport on home turf. What attracted me to surfing is really the whole lifestyle and surf culture; everything with people's relaxed and welcoming attitude and expression, along with a mix of inspiring culture around.

What does surfing mean to you, beyond the sport?

Everything, haha! Calling it a sport even feels undervaluing, because I (and my partner) live our entire lives around surfing.

(Which you almost have to if you live in Sweden and have unpredictable forecasts to deal with).

I have chosen a job that allows me to work remote/more flexibly for more freedom for surfing. For me, the sea is as much a place to play, challenge oneself as to recover and recharge your batteries.

What does a “good week” look like for you: exercise, surf, job, recovery?

A really good week at home includes at least two surfing sessions. In addition to that, I like to supplement with yoga, functional strength training or pilates and some cardio workout. My training can be summed up in one word: variety. It keeps everything playful -and thus motivating.

Recovery occurs for me by spending time with friends, and preferably with a sauna session and cold bath during the week. Otherwise, I like to walk in nature, especially as interruptions when my job is sedentary.

What is your biggest challenge right now and how is it noticeable?

My biggest challenge is balance between recovery and an active life. And stress. I have had a tendency to catch colds a little more often than you would like, which is probably due to the fact that I did not always prioritize recovery enough.

Periods of intense work - sometimes more than full-time to fund competitions - can be demanding. At the same time, I know that when there is a stable and balanced foundation on which to build, development will come. So that's something I'm working on.

What 2 habits make the most difference in making you feel good and perform?

I work at a computer, usually from home. So for me, having a good morning routine makes a difference.

1) Drinking Relivo the first thing I do in the morning.

2) If I don't exercise right away then I go for a short walk or do a 15 min morning yoga session to wake up body & bud before I start the day.

Why did you want to partner with Relivo?

I saw the product for the first time on an Instagram ad. Since I have been driving AG1 for a long time, I was curious that there was a similar general dietary supplement made in Sweden -and wanted to try it. I am happy with facit in hand!

How do you use Relivo in everyday life, and what have you noticed so far?

I take it right away in the morning, whether I'm at home or on the move. I experience more even energy levels - I don't need that extra cup of coffee - and feel less susceptible to colds. Nice with a dietary supplement that covers broad needs.

What are you training/building towards right now?

Right now I want to improve my general surfing and general physique. In surfing, you need to “be good at a lot”. In addition to surfing itself, you need a varied mix from a physical perspective; mobility, strength, balance and endurance.

In a month's time I'm going to the first event of the year in New Zealand, and unfortunately the sea on home soil has been flat for over a month now. It's not unusual. So now I'm just focusing on “exploiting the situation” and building physique in the gym.

I also have SurfFest Scandinavia in Norway and the World Cup in El Salvador that I planned to attend in 2026.

Which I hope to improve on results from last year. Competitions provide motivation to develop, but the best thing about them is the experience as a whole and the people you meet along the way. There are many fun and unique characters within the longboarding community.