Ride Engine Athlete Profile

Ranja Schlotte: Waves, Wind, Mountains, and Motion

From the wave spots of the North Sea to the iconic reef breaks of Mauritius, Ranja Schlotte has built a life around wind, water, snow, and the constant search for movement. A high-level kitesurfer, wing foiler, skier, and all-around ocean athlete, Ranja’s approach is playful, committed, and deeply connected to the environments she rides.

Where Do You Call Home?

Home is split between Germany, the Netherlands, Mauritius, and Switzerland, as those are the places where I spend most of my time.

My favorite spots are the wave spots along the North Sea, from Zeeland in the Netherlands up to Hanstholm in Denmark, and of course the incredible waves of Mauritius, where I spend a good part of every year.

How Did You First Get Into Wind Sports?

My parents were always very active and introduced me to sailing, bodyboarding, and windsurfing from a very young age. When kitesurfing came along, I watched the sport for a while and then dived into it in 2007. I have never been able to stop since.

Of course, the first goal was simply to jump as high as possible.

Kitesurfing, Wing Foiling, and the Search for Waves

I first saw wing foiling when the developers at Ozone took their early prototypes out into the waves and joined me on a few. I was kiting at the time, watching them, and I told myself I was going to start practicing until I could ride a wave. If it felt as amazing as it looked, I would stick with it.

Kitesurfing is my number one sport when the waves are clean, long, and good, with side to side-off wind. Wing foiling fills in for every other condition because it opens up so many more options to have fun.

What Makes Wave Riding So Special?

I am chasing that moment when it feels like flying. It does not happen often, but when it does, everything around me goes quiet and shifts into slow motion.

I can suddenly hear the water, take in everything around me, and feel a completely clear mind. Those are the moments I remember for years.

Kite or Wing?

When I am kiting, I feel the wave as an element much more. I am closer to the water, and I can splash and play with it. Wing foiling feels smoother.

If the conditions are perfect and I have the choice, I am grabbing a kite.

What Has Wing Foiling Taught You?

Wing foiling has given me a different perspective on the wave, and it always helps to have as many perspectives as possible, whether that comes from surfing, bodyboarding, or even just swimming.

The other way around, kitesurfing taught me the 3D movement of riding a wave and the feeling of being in the pocket.

A Session You Will Never Forget

Always the big days at One Eye in Mauritius, especially when the wave is clean, open, and runs all the way down the line.

Favorite Kiteboarding and Wing Foiling Destinations

For kiteboarding, Mauritius is my favorite destination. I love this type of wave.

For wing foiling, I would say Wijk aan Zee and Hanstholm at the North Sea. There are so many A-frames, and you can take endless lefts and rights all day long, switching between directions on a single wave.

The Perfect Day on the Water

The ingredients are checking the forecast a lot, and several forecasts at that, driving around, looking out of the window, and then just getting on the water.

If you do not go, you do not know, and you will definitely miss the best session.

Most Challenging Conditions

One Eye at around 7 to 8 meters. Days like that always demand full concentration and commitment.

Riding Style in Three Words

Short-board, playful, committed.

What Does Progression Mean Today?

It is still the same. The more you progress, the more you get to enjoy the movements and the sport itself.

The Biggest Lesson the Ocean Has Taught You

Currents. Always have a Plan B for getting back to shore, along with strong paddling skills and plenty of endurance.

Life Beyond the Water

People might be surprised to learn that I also have an office job in project management and business development, which I really love. I studied math and economics, and later software engineering as a second qualification, none of which has anything to do with sport.

How Does Skiing Fit Into Your Lifestyle?

Skiing, especially freeriding, ski touring, and ski mountaineering, is a big part of my life. I love it as much as kiting because it feels very similar to riding a wave, just much longer.

I love having two seasons. It gives my brain and my body a break from the other.

Mountains and Ocean

The dangerous currents in the water are the avalanches in winter. In both, you always have to keep an eye on several forecasts and look out of the window because the local conditions can be quite different from what the forecast models predict.

What Adventures Are Next?

Exploring new wing foiling spots, waiting for the next big wave days in kitesurfing, and ticking off a few new lines on my skiing list.

I would also love to spend an extended period in Norway in spring and bring along all my gear: skiing, surfing, and kitesurfing alike.

What Does Being Part of Ride Engine Mean?

It is a pleasure to be part of such a friendly, fun, and welcoming team. On top of that, the products are awesome. The brand has so many clever gadgets and great gear for every occasion.

Ranja’s Current Ride Engine Setup

Elite Carbon T1 Hyperlock
A high-performance hard shell harness for locked-in support and direct response.

Air Box Mini
A compact inflation tool that makes session prep easier and faster.

Onsen and Sensor Wetsuits
Critical pieces for comfort, warmth, and performance in different water conditions.

Tech Changing Robe
A key piece for staying comfortable before and after sessions.

Re_Serve Board Bags
Essential for protecting gear during travel and daily use.

Quick Fire

Final Words

For Ranja Schlotte, progression is not only about riding harder or chasing bigger waves. It is about building a life around movement, awareness, respect, and the constant search for the next meaningful session.

Whether she is kiting at One Eye, wing foiling the North Sea, or exploring mountain lines on skis, Ranja brings the same approach: stay curious, stay committed, and let the environment shape the ride.