Where are the watersports pros headed to this year?

2023 - Where are you headed to this watersports season?

That’s a difficult question to answer. As a whitewater kayaker, I’m always chasing high water, no matter where it is in the world. I’ve planned two weeks in Norway followed by six weeks in California. When the snow there melts, an enormous amount of water awaits me. After that, I’m going on an expedition in West Africa, to Zimbabwe and Zambia.

Which destinations are on the rise and why?

For whitewater kayakers, it’s definitely the region of Southern Turkey, all around Antalya. I happened to be there last year. Contrary to my expectations, I found very cool rivers there. After I published my videos about it, some of which went viral, I immediately noticed there was a lot more going on there!

What is your ultimate dream destination, where do you absolutely want to go?

Ten years ago, when I was dreaming of becoming a professional kayaker, I of course had a hit list. I was able to tick off my dream destinations one by one, but with each checkmark a new place got added as well. I’m particularly interested in destinations that are largely undiscovered by kayakers. Africa is incredibly diverse, which I only realised after several expeditions. There are volcanoes, snow, mountains and waterfalls – and surely much more to explore!

2023 - Where are you headed to this watersports season?

In my opinion, the best spot within reach is still Klitmøller in Denmark, but unfortunately, I don’t go there nearly often enough. My favourite place is and remains Cape Town from November to March – but not the entire time, of course. I try to fly there at least once a year in winter. Cape Town offers the best setup for my mix of sports: windsurfing in real waves (Cape Point, Haakgat), wingfoiling in the gentle swell (Big Bay) or downwind and manoeuvre practice in flat water (Langebaan) as well as surfing for beginners and longboarders in Muizenberg, preferably when the aforementioned sports cannot be practised. And if all else fails, you can always go cycling.

Which destinations are on the rise and why?

Here in Europe, Ireland is certainly the place to go for surfing: fantastic waves for different wind directions, incredible landscapes and laid-back people. But for years now, more and more north Germans have also been going to Brittany for a combination of windsurfing, surfing and now wingfoiling. Internationally speaking, Barbados is experiencing a revival, which is due to the fact that you can have lots of fun there with less wind when wingfoiling or with a big wave board. For the longest time, this spot was mainly reserved for kiters from Italy, which is not always a pleasure.

What is your ultimate dream destination, where do you absolutely want to go?

Pacasmayo, Peru. I’ve wanted to go there for a long time. That incredibly long wave, wind from the left, not much wind – that’s why it’s often smooth as a baby’s bottom. Or at least that’s how it looks in pictures and videos. My dream is to one day ride that wave with a windsurfing board. If only the journey to get there wasn’t so long...

2023 - Where are you headed to this watersports season?

My goal in 2023 is to tour cities in Europe. You can experience history and culture while relaxing on the water. In Germany, my goal this year is Hamburg, to explore the city from the water with my friends and colleagues.

For that little escape from everyday life, I enjoy the waters on my doorstep.

Which destinations are on the rise and why?

I think that many spots on one’s “own doorstep” will come more and more into focus. Many people don’t have the time for long trips and so a nearby body of water is ideal for a short break from everyday life. Either in the evenings, after work or on weekends, so you can do something with the family afterwards as well.

Thanks to mobile leisure in the camping sector, many people have been able to discover Germany as a holiday and watersports destination in recent years. Many watersports enthusiasts will probably plan accordingly and head for holiday destinations in Germany in order to discover the variety of local options there.

What is your ultimate dream destination, where do you absolutely want to go?

I don’t have one ultimate dream destination, because there are so many spots to discover and I have a veeery long list... But at the top of my wish list is a tour through Alaska, where you can still paddle through the pack ice (for now).

2023 - Where are you headed to this watersports season?

After many years in the south of Europe, I’m happy that we are finally sailing to the north again this summer. Our destination are the Aland Islands between Finland and Sweden. An archipelago of a thousand and one islands. Here there are countless possibilities of how to spend the Scandinavian summer with its bright nights.

Which destinations are on the rise and why?

Greece is still number one when it comes to an increase in charter yacht bookings. Here, sailors can still find a lot of unspoilt nature at moderate prices – even though the Mediterranean has been overcrowded in some areas in recent years. An insider tip in Greece is the Chalkidiki archipelago in the north.

What is your ultimate dream destination, where do you absolutely want to go?

I’ve always wanted to sail in the Bahamas – specifically in the Exuma cays. I was there a fortnight ago and it was fantastic. A mixture of dream beaches, dream bays and dream weather paired with solitude and exoticism. Another dream of mine is Antarctica.

2023 - Where are you headed to this watersports season?

I have quite a few projects this year. The Maldives, French Polynesia, Costa Rica, Egypt, Niue and Indonesia.

Which destinations are on the rise and why?

Indonesia, with its many different diving regions, is again very much in demand after Covid and thanks to the now unrestricted entry. For one, the islands are uniquely beautiful. Also, I don’t know of any other place in the world with such a great diversity of species and such unique corals.

What is your ultimate dream destination, where do you absolutely want to go?

My dream destination is the Arctic! Unfortunately, I have never had the opportunity to explore the white world under or above water.