Sam wilson

Co-founder, Bayatakan Farm Experience, 31 Surfing

Sam Wilson is a sports junkie and a businessman rolled into one. Doing gymnastics in his primary school days set a strong foundation for him to play multiple sports growing up. It took him some time, however, to pick a sport where he truly excelled at. He was in high school when he joined the football team, jumpstarting his active lifestyle.

Consistently active and outdoorsy, Sam relates, “When I was living in Sydney, I was playing football four times a week and cycling to work. It was during a match that I realised if I wanted to take my game up another level as well as avoid injuries, I would need to start working out.”

Passionate about football and living on the island of Siargao for business, his chances of playing football was limited. So he added surfing to his sports list. Today, he balances surfing and managing his farm. “I would like to get out to surf about three times a week. Other than that, regular runs and workouts at home make up my routine,” says the businessman.

Running an organic farm-to-table business in Siargao enables him to lead a sustainable, healthy lifestyle. “All the meals that we produce at Bayatakan Farm are plant-based and are packed with everything you will need to sustain a fitness programme,” he says.

A day without any sport makes him restless and uneasy. “Playing sports clears my mind, helps me focus, and allows me to accomplish other goals. And you get a good night’s sleep after that, too.”

“It’s easy when you live by the beach; I can set my own schedule. By working on a farm, I am living an active lifestyle. Sometimes I even meet customers when I am out surfing, so I can even tie work and fitness together,” he shares.

He is looking to eat healthier and improve his surfing skills. He also hopes to create a football community in Siargao, and if this sees the light of day, he’d be seen on the pitch every day. Contentment, however, is not a goal as he says, “I’m more than happy with where I’m at right now.”