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FINDING THE FLOW: FLORIAN JUNG.

For Florian Jung, windsurfing has always been more than just a sport; it’s a way of life, a mindset and a vehicle for meaningful change. We caught up with Florian to talk about his roots, the evolution of his career, and what it means to find true flow…on the water and beyond.

Photos: Courtesy Florian Jung, Fish Bowl Diaries / WWT and Sam Tomé.

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Tell us a bit about your background, where you are from, and how you got into windsurfing.

FJ: “I was born in southwest Germany, in a city called Saarbrücken. My first windsurfing experiences happened on a small local lake, but it didn’t take long for me to realize that this was exactly what I wanted to do with my life. I was 14 at the time and started looking for ways to pursue the sport more seriously. Living far from the ocean meant I had to get creative. I built my own land-based windsurf setup, mounting foot straps and a sail onto a skateboard and launching off a ramp into a river. It might sound wild, but that’s how I started learning my first moves.

At 17, I got accepted into the Maui Ocean Academy, a windsurf boarding school in Maui. That experience laid the foundation for everything that followed. It gave me the belief that even if you’re born far from the ocean, with the right mindset and determination, you can make anything happen. That’s been a theme throughout my journey.”

When did you first start competing?

FJ: “My first competition was around 2003, when I was 18. Compared to others, I got into competing relatively late. And while I enjoyed it, I always felt more drawn to free sailing and the creative side of the sport rather than the rigid structure of contests.”

What were your goals and motivation while competing on tour?

FJ: “I competed to deliver results for my sponsors and to push myself, of course. But I was never focused solely on winning. The truth is, I wasn’t obsessed with learning every contest move like the double forward loop or the pushloop-forward. I wanted to preserve my physical health after two ripped ACL in my knee and stay true to my love for the sport. My energy went into films like Don’t Let Go, doing adventure trip in Alaska, Namibia or crossing the Atlantic on a awareness expedition, or simply working on my social impact project Mon Coeur. It was always about creating stories that matter to me, not just ticking podium boxes.”

Where do you live – Cape Town or Europe?

FJ: “My life is pretty evenly split between Cape Town and Europe. I spend about six months a year in South Africa and the rest traveling around Europe for events, photo shoots, and my coaching camps. That mix works perfectly for me.”

What do you love about Cape Town?

FJ: “Cape Town is one of the most complete places I’ve ever been. The conditions for training are world-class, the city itself is vibrant and creative, and it attracts people from all walks of life who are doing interesting things. I love the lifestyle, the climate, and the endless opportunities to be in the ocean, whether it’s surfing, windsurfing, wingfoiling or swimming.

It’s also where I run a social impact initiative. We’ve started a school in a township that teaches life skills to local kids. I want to give back and help shape the next generation of changemakers.”

Tell us about your house in Cape Town and some of the projects you’re involved in.

FJ: “Around ten years ago, I discovered a special spot in Scarborough, a small village just south of Cape Town. Together with a friend, I built a sustainable  house using hemp-based construction. It’s small but has everything I need, and it reflects my values, simplicity, sustainability and living close to nature.

Beyond windsurfing, I’m deeply involved in a non-profit project called Moncoeur that I founded after my first trip to South Africa about 18 years ago. Four years ago, we added our own learning center called “Inspire Hub”. It’s a platform where we empower young people from underprivileged communities by offering them access to workshops, TED-style talks, and sports programs. Athletes, creators and thought leaders come together there to share knowledge and spark change. It’s grown into something meaningful, and I’m proud to see the ripple effects it’s creating.”

When did you join GUNSAILS?

FJ: “I’ve been connected to GUNSAILS since 2001. I actually started working in their warehouse at 14 to fund my first trip to Maui. Since then, the bond has only grown stronger. The company is based in Saarbrücken, just like me, and over the years I’ve built close relationships with almost everyone in the team.”

Have you been involved in the sail design process?

FJ: “Yes, especially with the development of our wave sail, the “Seal.” I’ve contributed a lot of input based on my on-the-water experience. Of course, the real technical work is handled by Renato Molotti, our designer in Tarifa. But we collaborate closely to ensure the sails reflect what riders truly need.”

How important is it for you that the brands you represent are eco-friendly?

FJ: “It’s absolutely essential. As water sports athletes, we depend on nature every single day. I believe it’s our responsibility to protect what gives us so much. I want the brands I work with to reflect those values, not just in their marketing, but in their operations, their materials, and their mindset.

Starboard and Gunsails are a good example, they’re truly leading the way in sustainability within the windsurfing industry. For me, it’s not just about riding for the best-performing gear. It’s about partnering with companies that understand their role in creating a better future.”

Do you still push yourself as hard as possible while free sailing?

FJ: “I still push myself, but in a much smarter way these days. My sessions are more focused, often no longer than 90 minutes, but every minute is intentional. That way, I reduce injury risk and stay fully engaged. Over time, my priorities have shifted. Now, it’s more about refining my wave timing, adding more style to my moves, learning new techniques, or simply enjoying the process of progressing consistently. Windsurfing never gets old because the ocean is never the same twice; you’re constantly adapting. Your gear matters, sure, but so does your mindset and how you show up on the water. There’s always more to learn.”

What are your goals when you’re free sailing?

FJ: “My main goal is to be fully present. I set small objectives that keep me focused and evolving. For example, if the waves are good, I might aim to land a clean aerial into a solid bottom turn, or link three powerful turns on one wave with total control. These little challenges make me feel like I’m progressing and more importantly, they help me stay in the moment and truly enjoy the ride.”

Where do you see yourself in ten years?

FJ: “Even if I’m not competing as a pro anymore, I see life as a journey of continuous growth. I’ve discovered a passion for building meaningful projects that go beyond windsurfing, especially in the realm of social entrepreneurship. Creating value, offering inspiration, and sharing what I’ve learned through camps or community-based initiatives gives me a strong sense of purpose.

I’m fascinated by what it takes to find flow in life; not just on the water. The mindset, the tools, and the environment it requires. In the next decade, I want to continue building a platform that helps others access that same feeling. Whether it’s through coaching, retreats, or just living a meaningful life.”

Do you miss not doing the full PWA tour anymore, and why did you stop?

FJ: “Over the years, my priorities have evolved. I’ve found meaning in different parts of life, especially being a dad. With two young kids, I want to be present and spend as much time with them as possible. Naturally, that leaves less room for a full competition calendar. Still, certain events continue to spark my curiosity, places like Chile, Peru or Fiji are always tempting. So I’m not ruling out the occasional comeback.

That said, the drive to follow the entire tour just isn’t there anymore. My focus has shifted toward purpose-driven projects and meaningful experiences. Of course, I do miss the windsurfing bubble, those moments with the crew, the shared sessions and road trips. Many of my closest friends today, Camille, Boujmaa, Leon Jamaer, John Skye, Graham Ezzy, Julian Salmonn and many others are people I met on tour. That bond is something truly special.”

What is the move you’re most proud of? The Rodeo; do you have a sequence?

FJ: “One move I came up with is a unique variation of the Rodeo Flip, which I called the “Ocean Jump.” It’s a twist on the cheese roll, done switch stance with your back facing the sail, a pretty wild setup and definitely not the easiest thing to land. To this day, I don’t know anyone else who’s pulled it off.

But honestly, the moves that excite me most aren’t necessarily the most technical, they’re the ones that feel the best. A clean, well-timed aerial or a stylish goiter still give me that buzz. The beauty of windsurfing is that it keeps evolving, and so do we. Every session is a chance to grow. That’s why I’ll keep coming back to the water. Windsurfing isn’t just a sport, it’s a way of life.”

For more info on Florian’s projects, coaching camps, and upcoming experiences: www.florianjung.com