It was literally by the sea that we had the pleasure to meet with the first Wave Warrior of the island, Pedro Arruda. A man of many talents, opinionated, a critical thinker, respected by both friends and opponents. With the idyllic view of the Atlantic and with the Vila Franca islet as backgrounds, we spent the afternoon talking about how friendship, books, poets, his family, travels, waves and the ocean are such an important and vital part of Pedro's life.
Poet, surfer, pineapple grower. Who is Pedro Arruda? Tell us a little about yourself.
I was born in Lisbon, in São Domingos de Benfica, in October 74, and I’m from Azorean descent. I grew up between São Miguel and the capital until I finished my degree in History, at which time I settled permanently on the island. I wanted to be a filmmaker, but I ended up being a cultural producer, editor, commentator, columnist, clerk, sports director, municipal deputy, line judge, surf jury, farmer, public manager, promotion coordinator, innkeeper and entrepreneur, an activity that, at great cost, I still have today. I published 3 books, I have 2 daughters, I planted dozens, hundreds, plants and trees. I've been bodyboarding since 1983
How’s life on the Island?
For me, island life has always been the gift of time. To have time, to live and enjoy the good things in life. The fact that, at any given time, we are always five minutes from the countryside or the sea is a very valuable luxury that we often forget to give due value
Favorite place on the island? Why?
There’re so many that I can't choose one in particular. It depends on the days and situations. It can either be a table at Café Royal or Fajã do Araújo. The Ginkgo Bilobas Avenue in Terra-Nostra Park or having some barnacles at A Cascata restaurant. The sunrise, in winter, at Vila Franca do Campo. Dusk on the banks of Furnas Lagoon, the sunset at Mosteiros. The full moon over the greenhouses at Abelheira, a mountain trail through the cryptomeria. Aliança's steak and Sonia's horse-mackerels in Ribeira Quente. When Areais de Santa Bárbara is classic. Or, Rabo de Peixe and the pool right hander wave, that ignorance and politics have destroyed.
Favorite object? Why?
Books and Records, for the world they bring with them.
Hobbies?
Reading, listening to music, watching movies and television series.
What role do waves play in your life?
They are a kind of polar star that guides my days, even when I’m away from them.
A song or band?
I can't choose, there are too many...
One book and only one?
The answer could be the same as the previous one, but perhaps I can choose Sonetos by Antero de Quental.
A unique moment in your life.
Finding love, finishing a poem, a dry barrel ride in Puerto Escondido, a kiss on my daughters, fighting for what I believe in, the brief and undisturbed moments when I'm really happy.
What has been keeping you busy lately?
This unbearable and hideous pandemic.
If you could choose 2 people (alive or not), one for a surf session with you and another to talk to, who would they be and why?
One, I've already had the happiness of going through – meeting and surfing with Mike Stewart. The other one, I live with every day in my head in endless conversations with Antero de Quental.
What question(s) haven’t we asked and should have asked?
Where do we come from, where are we going and who pays us?
Obrigado Pedro for the hospitality at www.avillabythesea.com.
Follow more words azoreansplendor.blogspot.com.