On a summertime afternoon, with the sun hanging high in a cloudless sky, a flashing spray of river water illuminates the smooth tip of a fiberglass surfboard. A gaggle of Bendites are scattered throughout the rocks that jetty out across the river, hollering encouragement to the wetsuit-clad boy that is carving his way along the surface of the Deschutes River Wave. They are watching Teo Bergstrom, a freshman at Summit High School, as he spins his surfboard in dizzying 360 degree circles, his arms open wide for balance, his face locked in concentration.
Bergstrom first began surfing on the ocean as a young boy, catching waves with his dad when they travelled to the Oregon Coast or San Diego. About four years ago he started surfing on the river wave in Bend, and within the last year he has competed in three river surfing competitions. Recently, he took third place at a Bend’s local SURFEST competition, a thrilling accomplishment as he was competing with peers as old as 18.
The sport of surfing has been an integral part of his life for as long as he can remember, and in the last couple of years this passion was expanded when his dad taught him how to make his own surfboards.
“It’s really fun because it’s like creating art, but then you get to ride it and use it,” Bergstrom explains.
Starting with only a block of foam and a template made out of wood, he custom shapes his surfboards exactly to his liking. He intricately details them with an airbrush, and finishes off each surfboard with the logo he designed.
While Bergstrom rides some of the surfboards he makes, and gives others away as gifts, he also has a small business (drive_surfboards on Instagram) where he sells some of them. He charges $400 for each custom surfboard, a price that is about half of that of other brands in town.
“It takes a while to make a board, and he actually has like, five boards he’s making for people right now, which is pretty crazy,” admires Henry Linn, a close friend of Bergstrom’s and a fellow river surfer.
When the warm summer months of surfing dissipate into Bend’s cold winter, Bergstrom swaps out his surfboard for his skis. He rides with MBSEF’s Freeride Sports Program, practicing twice a week on Wednesday and Saturday. Just last year, in a major event that speaks volumes to his athleticism and skill, he became the overall champion in the U14 division of the USASA National Championships in Copper Mountain, Colorado.
When he is not with his team, he shreds down the slopes with his family and friends, flying through the cold air with 720 degree blunt grabs or speeding rail slides. Back in town, he competes with the Summit Storm Cross Country, contributing support and speed to the team.
It is not only his many athletic accomplishments that make him stand out, but his kind, compassionate personality that make him a favorite amongst his peers.
“He is a really good friend. He will always help you out, and he is friendly with everyone,” says Linn.
As a testament to these laudable attributes, Bergstrom was awarded MBSEF’s Good Attitude award, an honor given to a competitor with a determined, yet humble, outlook, someone who is a strong supporter of seeing everyone on his team succeed. This attitude is unmistakable throughout all of his activities, as he surfs with a smile on his face and skis with selflessness.
With three and a half years to go, Bergstrom’s participation in the Summit community has just begun, but it is clear he has already left a positive mark. His presence in Bend’s outdoor world is one to admire, and with his passion and commitment it is all too likely that he will continue to make a resounding impression at Summit, one that is even bigger than the waves he surfs and the slopes he skis.
