Founder of Surf Sea Breeze Andrey Panchilov: “Creative approach is a reflection of a person’s inner world.”

Surf Sea Breeze is more than just a sports complex; it’s a space where a new culture of life is born. Its founder, Andrey Panchilov, combines sport, art, and the philosophy of gratitude in a single project. For Andrey, surfing is not only an Olympic sport but also a symbol of inner freedom, a love of life, and harmony with oneself. In an exclusive interview with Global Art Magazine, he discusses his idea, his inspiration from Azerbaijan, and why creativity is the heart of any large-scale project.

— Mr Andrey, welcome to Global Art Magazine! Please tell us about your project.

— Hello! Thank you for the invitation!

We came to Azerbaijan with the idea of ​​building a multi-sport and recreation complex with artificial waves in the resort town of Sea Breeze. This project became possible thanks to the support of Emin Agalarov, who provided us with the land and all the necessary utilities.

Our main goal is to bring modern technology here and professionally develop surfing. I’d like to point out that surfing has been officially included in the Olympic Games program since 2020, and today it is rapidly gaining popularity around the world, including Azerbaijan, which in the future can also send its surfers to the world stage. The Caspian Sea is beautiful, and with the right training, the conditions for surfing are excellent. That’s why we’re creating an artificial wave, safe and accessible to all levels. It will allow both beginners and experienced athletes to safely practice all the elements necessary to compete internationally.

But surfing isn’t the only focus. The complex will feature world-class skate parks for park and street skateboarding. These sports have also become Olympic sports, and according to the 2024 Olympics, skateboarding is among the top three in terms of spectator reach.

Our Surf Sea Breeze space is designed not only for training but also for relaxation and recuperation for the whole family. While children exercise, parents can spend time by the pool, sample national cuisine at the grill bar, or choose from a healthy food cafe.

The administrative building will house a multi-brand store selling clothing and sports equipment. The complex will also feature massage rooms, physical therapy, and rehabilitation programs supervised by professional medical professionals, allowing doctors to assess physical capabilities and determine optimal exercise regimens. This ensures everything is carried out safely and under medical supervision, which is especially important for athletic development and health.

— At your sports complex, sport becomes not just a physical activity but a way of life. What inner philosophy does it follow?

— It’s a unified system of values. It’s formed the moment a person realizes the joy of waking up early in the morning and surfing with the first rays of the sun. In such moments, gliding along the wave, you thank God, the Creator, for being alive and having the opportunity to experience this world. The philosophy of surfing is simple and profound at the same time: peace, love, light, gratitude. It’s love for life, for yourself, for the people around you. That’s the philosophy.

— Please share us the idea of ​​your networking events. Today is your first networking meeting among Sea Breeze residents and guests of the complex. Please tell us about the idea of ​​networking events.

— We decided to organize a Morning Party & Networking format—a meeting where people could connect more, find like-minded people, and discover new common ground. Some may have projects they want to develop and present. The idea is simple: get to know each other, share ideas, live more vibrantly, and smile. We’re smiling right now, and that’s great! I want these meetings to help people find inspiration and new opportunities. After all, that’s where true energy and growth lie.

— Mr Andrey, how important is a creative approach to creating projects like these, and to what extent do you adhere to it?

— For me, a creative approach is a reflection of the inner world of a person who strives to create a worthy, beautiful, and atmospheric space around themselves. It’s a certain “vibe.”

For example, when you arrive in Bali, you immediately feel the so-called “Balinese vibe”: open, friendly, smiling, and peace-loving people. And this is what creates a wonderful atmosphere, a place you want to be, where you enjoy the simplest things. Dubai, for example, has a completely different image—it’s like Disneyland for adults: glitter, luxury, chic, where everything is expensive, impressive, and beautiful.

For me, beauty is when a space is flawless, and everything feels harmonious and pleasant. I feel like Azerbaijan is exactly that kind of place. It has an amazing vibe: the people are open, kind, wise, and willing to support you wholeheartedly. It’s an Eastern philosophy with a special depth. And this kindness and sincerity are incredibly inspiring and help us develop what we do here.

— Share your impressions of your first visit to Azerbaijan, please.

— I first came here just a year ago, in May. I was amazed by the way I was greeted: at 5:30 a.m., music was playing at the airport, and I was greeted with smiles and joy. It was unexpected and very touching. I was immediately taken to the Eternal Flame, shown the soldiers’ graves, and told about the tragic pages of history. Then we visited the cemetery where Heydar Aliyev is buried, where I paid my respects. From the very first days, I realized that the beauty of Azerbaijan lies, first and foremost, in its people. Warm, warm-hearted, and sincere. The nature is undoubtedly mesmerizing—the forests, rivers, and mountains. We especially enjoy mountain trips, for example, to Shahdag. We’ve been living here for a year now and feel truly at home. I feel comfortable, calm, and truly love it here.

— About art. You mentioned that you plan to hold art exhibitions in your space. To what extent, in your opinion, are art and sports intertwined? One provides the energy of movement, the other a space for reflection?

— Absolutely right. Art is one of the most vibrant forms of human expression: through paintings, sculptures, and music. And I’m sure it pairs beautifully with sports, as together they create a shared energy and a creative atmosphere in which people can fully live and create. We always embrace creativity—whether it’s expressed through music, painting, sculpting, or other forms of creativity. It’s priceless for us, because creators create something timeless. It imbues the space with special meaning.

— And finally: what would you wish for Global Art magazine?

— I want to wish you even more inspiration and creative results! Be inspired and create! May your magazine attract people who will be inspired by your existing projects and, in turn, create even more beauty in this world.

— Thank you for such kind words! We wish you and your project prosperity and great success!

The interview was conducted by Jamala Nakhchivani, the Editor-in-Chief of Global Art Magazine.