That early determination eventually became the discipline and competitive drive behind his career as a professional freestyle windsurfer.

In this athlete spotlight, Sebastian shares the session that first got him hooked, the reality of balancing a career with professional windsurfing, and the Ride Engine equipment he relies on in the cold conditions of northern Germany.

He also tells us about spending 13 hours on the water as a teenager, why crashing is an essential part of progression, and what continues to draw him back to the wind and water nearly two decades after it all began.

Where Did Your Relationship With Windsurfing Begin?

I started on a really small lake called Kinzigsee in the middle of Germany. When my sister took a windsurfing lesson there, I really wanted to try it too because water had always been my element.

I think that came from spending so much time in Portugal by the coast when I was a little kid. It was also the only surfing sport I could actually do back home, so I figured it was time to give it a try.

Do You Remember the Session When Everything Clicked?

After my first few sessions on my home lake, we went on our summer holiday to the Netherlands. We spent our vacation in Hindeloopen on the IJsselmeer, and that is where I truly fell in love with windsurfing.

From that trip on, I was completely hooked. That was back in 2006.

How Did Growing Up in Germany Shape You?

Condition-wise, I definitely had a big disadvantage growing up in the middle of Germany. But I think that is exactly what shaped my discipline, determination, and motivation for the sport.

I had to make the most of every windy day, and I learned early on to appreciate every session.

Even today, every day on the water is a good day for me because that is where I learned to love the sport.

What Does the Professional Windsurfing Quest Mean to You?

I am extremely competitive, even though I am not the type of person to show it. At the end of the day, I am mostly trying to prove to myself what I am capable of.

Competition pushes me out of my comfort zone and forces me to keep improving. That is what motivates me the most, not just the results, but becoming a better athlete and person.

To be honest, I do not enjoy competitions that much in the moment. It is usually afterwards, when the stress is over, that I can reflect on what I have learned.

It was always my dream to make a living from windsurfing, just like athletes in many other sports. Now my biggest challenge is balancing my career with windsurfing while staying as professional as possible in both.

Professional windsurfing is probably one of the worst-paid sports you can imagine, but my passion for it has never been about the money.

Why Freestyle?

Short answer: going straight is just boring.

Windsurfing or Wing Foiling?

Windsurfing.

When Do You Choose Windsurfing, and When Do You Choose Wing Foiling?

If it is over 20 knots, windsurfing will always be my first choice. But what I love about wing foiling is that it makes even the worst conditions feel great every time.

If it is really gusty or the wind is light, I will always go wing foiling because, at the end of the day, I just want to enjoy my time on the water.

What Does Each Discipline Give You?

I love the direct feeling of windsurfing, the immediate connection to the water, and how everything feels powerful and dynamic.

With wing foiling, I love the sense of freedom, gliding above the water, almost flying, and how effortless it feels.

For me, they are two completely different experiences, yet both give me that incredible feeling of freedom out in nature.

Has Wing Foiling Changed How You Read the Water?

Not really. I just think wing foiling is more efficient than windsurfing because you can glide effortlessly above the water without using much strength.

On a Perfect Day, Which Setup Are You Grabbing First?

Probably windsurfing. On a perfect day, there is nothing that beats it for me.

Equipment and Connection

What Do You Look for in a Harness?

I have always looked for a harness with maximum back support. After I tried my first hard-shell harness, the Elite Carbon V.6, I never wanted to ride anything else.

It gives me the support I need, even during long sessions, helps reduce strain on my back, and lets me stay focused on sailing.

Locked-In Support or More Freedom and Flex?

I prefer a harness that keeps me locked in and offers plenty of support through the back.

At the same time, I still want enough freedom around the front and sides to rotate my upper body and move naturally through maneuvers.

Which Ride Engine Harness Are You Using?

In the past, I used the Elite Carbon V8, and I have now made the transition to the latest Elite Carbon Type 1 Hyperlock.

As the name suggests, it gives you an even more locked-in feeling while providing maximum support for your back.

Sebastian’s Ride Engine Kit of Choice

Besides the harness, I would say the Onsen 5/4/3 wetsuit. In northern Germany, it is the wetsuit I need most of the time, so it has become an essential part of my everyday setup.

For wing foiling, I would definitely add the Defender HF Impact Vest V2. It gives me the confidence to push my limits while staying protected.

On cold days, the Performance Neo Hoodie makes the off-water time easier. It keeps me warm before, during, and after sessions, making every session much more comfortable.

What Does Your Ideal Session Look Like?

Pancake-flat water, an empty spot, and only my friends on the water. It does not get any better than that.

What Is Your Personality Like on the Water?

I am focused most of the time while still having fun.

It is always a mix of trying something new and doing the tricks I enjoy the most and know I can do well.

Your Most Memorable Windsurfing Session

My most memorable session was probably when I was 13 or 14 years old. My parents and I went to the Netherlands for a long weekend, but there was no wind for the first three days.

On the last day, the wind finally showed up, and I decided to make the most of it.

I started windsurfing around sunrise and stayed on the water until sunset, only taking short breaks for breakfast and lunch. In total, I spent about 13 hours on the water that day.

I do not think I will ever break that personal record, and I probably would not even try. That was just me as a teenager, pushing myself to the absolute limit and enjoying every second on the water.

What Still Pushes You Outside Your Comfort Zone?

Trying new moves or high-jumping tricks always pushes me outside my comfort zone.

I have a lot of respect for both because there is always some risk involved, but that is also what makes landing them so rewarding.

Looking Forward

What Keeps You Motivated on Difficult Days?

I always try to focus on the positive. Crashing is just part of the game.

In the end, you usually learn more by landing tricks in difficult conditions. If you can do them there, you can do them anywhere.

What Windsurfing Destination Is Still at the Top of Your List?

Maui.

What Advice Would You Give Someone Starting Windsurfing or Wing Foiling?

Be patient. It will all come together one day.

Nobody said it is easy, but it is incredibly addictive once it clicks.

What Do You Hope People Understand About You?

I hope people see how much having a true passion can add to your life. For me, it is what drives me every day.

More than anything, I just love being outside in nature and playing with the elements.

Making Every Session Count

Sebastian’s story is rooted in making the most of limited opportunities. From watching the trees move beside a small German lake to competing as a professional freestyle windsurfer, he has carried the same discipline and appreciation into every stage of his progression.

Nearly two decades after discovering windsurfing, the motivation remains simple: keep learning, embrace the crashes, and spend as much time as possible outside, playing with the elements.