Surfing, Family, and Inspiration for MosFocus Readers
Photographer: Roman Gorfeyn
MosFocus magazine always strives to reveal new facets of city life and to tell the stories of people who embody the spirit of adventure and harmony. Today, we introduce you to the remarkable story of Ash Richardson—a Briton who found his home in Moscow and became part of Russia’s surf culture. The author of the photographs is his friend, Roman Gorfeyn.
Biography: The Journey of Ash Richardson
Ash Richardson is a native of London who has been living in Moscow for several years. His life changed thanks to a romantic story: he married a charming Russian woman, and recently their family welcomed their first child—a little daughter who has become true happiness for the young parents. Ash is confidently building his career at a major international corporation, and at home, he is a caring father and husband, always ready to support his wife and help with household chores. Over his years in Russia, he has not only mastered the language to perfection but also received Russian citizenship, which was an important step towards integration.
Friend’s Perspective: Roman Gorfeyn’s View
“As Ash’s friend and the author of his photo portraits, I can say: the rare harmony of family life and professional success is combined in his character with a sincere love for Moscow. Together, we spend summer days diving into urban water activities—from SUP boarding to wakeboarding. It’s not just sport, but a real reboot for the mind and body, a powerful surge of energy that helps us stay cheerful and positive throughout the day.”
Global Surfing Events—2025
Surfing reached a new stage of development in 2025: the main global events included prestigious World Surf League stages, where the best athletes competed for the world champion title. Special attention was paid to the Tahiti Pro stage, where the waves of Teahupo’o once again showcased their harsh beauty and complexity. For the first time in recent years, new faces from Brazil and Japan appeared among the world elite, signaling the sport’s globalization. Another significant trend was the increased interest in eco-friendly surf initiatives: athletes and organizers actively supported projects to clean the oceans and preserve unique surf spots.
Surfing in Russia: History, Development, Distinctions
Russian surfing is a relatively young phenomenon, but it’s rapidly gaining popularity. The first surfing enthusiasts appeared in Kamchatka and Sakhalin, where ocean waves allow for world-class competitions. In recent years, surfing has reached the central regions: artificial waves, surf camps on the Moscow Sea and the Baltic coast, and the active development of SUP boarding and wakesurfing have made the sport accessible to thousands of Russians. The main differences in Russian surfing are seasonality and adaptation to weather conditions: harsh winters require special preparation, and the equipment often differs from classic tropical models.
Russian surfers are renowned for their resilience and ability to find joy even in icy waters. Inspiring examples include competitions in Kamchatka, where surfers greet the sunrise among snow-capped volcanoes, and Moscow’s water clubs that unite extreme sports enthusiasts. The difference from foreign surfing lies in the atmosphere: while Hawaii values freedom and relaxation, Russian surfing is about overcoming challenges, team spirit, and the desire to discover new things even where it once seemed impossible.
Inspiration and Prospects
Ash Richardson’s story is an example of how sport and family become sources of joy and inspiration, and how integration into a new culture opens up unexpected horizons. Surfing in Russia continues to develop, bringing together people of different generations and characters. Who knows, maybe in the coming years, Russian athletes will take the world stage, and Moscow will become one of the centers of urban surf culture. In any case, the main thing is the energy we get from conquering the waves and the happiness of being with loved ones, sharing moments of true adventure.