FROM BEGINNER TO PRO WINDSURFER | My Full Progression Story w/ original footage

Storytime of how I progressed from a 13 year old, soccer playing kid to become a professional Windsurfer. 15min of straight talking, so consider well before you watch 😂.
Congratulations! Winners have been announced on Sunday October 25th of August:
JP Australia Board: @luukbor_ (Instagram)
RS:Racing Evo 12: @lars wiesecke
Combat 5.3: @sharewaves.tv
_____
What you need to do to enter the GIVEAWAY:
Comment video
Subscribe to the Channel
Increase chances by taking part on Instagram: / cgnjg9tjept
All the details and fulll terms and conditions:
nicoprien.com/g...
best feeling before and after: surla.eu/
follow: / surlasession
Camp: feelviana.com/...
FOLLOW ME ON IG:
/ nico_ger7
🎥 Filmed on Lumix S1H
Let’s make windsurfing great again.
#MakeWindsurfingGreatAgain
My Partners:
www.fritz-kola.de
www.Druckerei-Multicolor.de
NeilPryde
JP Australia
BRAINEFFECT
Nordmann

[@andreasherzinger8358]

If this comment wins, I will give my father the choice and give the board to him because he brought me into this beautiful sport. A dream would come true...

[@Luis-ps6ek]

I try to get my father into windsurfing 😂

[@Iakovos_chr_17]

@@Luis-ps6ek HAHAHAHAHAH

[@ye360_the_dark]

Wins

[@michaeldonascimento5972]

I just started windsurfing about 10 months ago and I already in love with it. First time planning was just amazing

[@flyingoverthewater6665]

Hey Nico ! I began windsurfing when I was 8 when we were in holidays with my brother and my parents. It was in 1992, my parents bought a Bic Calypso (2nd hand) and a gear for beginners. After initiation, first plannings and wow... Since These times, I'm completely in love with windsurfing. For me, it's THE Sport I like to do. When you tag #MakeWindsurfGreatAgain, It's exactly what I think, because I began to practice early, I saw popularity of windsurfing go high and low. This year I began to foil and I'm very happy to have a new challenge and something to learn again. All your videos are so helpful to improve our skills, to learn more about your life of professional windsurfer, so : a big thank to you Nico, for your videos and for let us dream about professionals stuff, about a life to do windsurf the most time of our days ! I hope to have one day the chance to sail with professionals like you. Cheers from Belgium ;-)

[@Nico_GER7]

That was a lot of talking!! 😅 You can find the winners in the video description! !! Also, slowly running out of stock with the towel hoodies. So if you didn't get one yet, now is a good time :-) www.surla.eu

[@gerberguido1839]

and reply to this comment? :)

[@sail9474]

Here for the great content and ohh yes the free giveaway would be a dream come true.

[@Nico_GER7]

@@gerberguido1839 that's not a must 😄

[@helveticar2634]

I'm sixteen and just started windsurfing. I have no gear of my own. I really hope that I win this contest. I really enjoy your videos.

[@Muffia_GTap]

Habe vor ein paar monaten angefangen deine Videos zu schauen. Die Tipps sind einfach super hilfreich für Anfänger wie mein Freund oder auch Fortgeschrittene. Mich hat auch durch deine Videos die Sucht des Windusrfens wieder gepackt. Danke und weiter so!

[@MicBergsma]

That’s so cool! Thanks for sharing with us! I kite, surf, sup surfing here in Hawaii and I watched people doing windsurfing, looks interesting I want to try it out!

[@stratoslampousis222]

You will definitely love it!

[@gatesurfer]

Mic, I live in Hawaii too. If you want to learn windsurfing, your best move would be to check the weather reports for a windy period and try to get to Maui for three or four days of lessons. No one is formally giving lessons on Oahu or elsewhere on the islands that I know of. Summer would be the best time. Windsurfing, unfortunately, is fairly difficult to learn (in kiting, you can learn how to fly the kite first, then go to the water, whereas in windsurfing, you have to be on the water to truly feel how the sail interacts with the wind and how the board interacts with the water.) You need time on the water, reinforced over a few days time, to get some of the basics down. It's also pretty exhausting to learn if you don't have someone telling you the proper manuevers and what you're doing wrong. I say this because if you are already proficient at these other watersports, you might get frustrated early on with the slow learning curve of windsurfing. Going from basic uphauling to waterstarting, staying upwind, harness, footstraps, and eventually jibing, each one of these steps can take considerable time to learn. On the other hand, I have seen some people go from basics to full planing and landing most of their jibes in about a year (learning in California, it took me a year to make my first jibe, and it was several weeks before I landed another one.) Good luck!

[@pierreturner1540]

Hi Niko, I started windsurfing when I was 13 et restarted this year at 52! You were very helpful in getting me to understand how to use my impulse purchase... a JP Hydrofoil 135 ! Now that I got re-hooked I need to rejuvenate my ‘vintage ‘ gear which includes a F2 Comet and a Mistral Diamond Head! I’m not even mentioning the collection of old gear given to me over the years by my friends who switched to kitting! A slalom sail and a new board would be a great start, but I would also appreciate your support on choosing a foil specific sail. You’re doing a great job with this channel, please continue!

[@angusjackson6232]

Massive congratulations. What you failed to mention is that you have a load of natural talent.

[@markcornell8578]

Nico, amazing. I'm 38 years windsurfing. That first planning moment gets you like nothing else.

[@jvestal2949]

I quit windsurfing about 15 years ago to raise a family. At the time, I gave away my gear. Winning this contest would be a dream. I would love to start foiling.

[@tomjens2046]

so you could not spare few hours for windsurfing over the weekend? Or you mean you gave up pro, but still sail amateur?

[@nancydeceuninck1092]

I just turned 30 but I have only been windsurfing for a few years now and I am still learning. My partner and parents-in-law have been teaching me and I simply love it. I still have a lot to learn and it would me amazing to have my own materials. So far, I have always been using their gear. This means I cannot always surf if everybody else wants to surf as well. I actually don't mind at all because they are so generous to let me use everything but I just don't want them sacrificing their surfing time for me. Liked your story a lot :) Probably not going to end up at that level AT ALL but I'm enjoying myself :)

[@thedkar]

Hopefully this giveaway will help someone else fulfill his dream!

[@davidbishop4136]

or maybe her dreams :)

[@lizborberg6339]

@@davidbishop4136 was just going to suggest that too...😉

[@lassevandertempel5579]

I’m now 12 and I loved windsurfing since I started (7 years ago) it would be fantastic to win this giveaway🤙

[@jelle1515]

Nice

[@davidrepath5194]

Love your channel Nico, you are inspiring me to push the boundary of my windsurfing and go faster! I got back in to Windsurfing 2 years ago after a break of 10 years....why did I leave it so long! what a fantastic sport windsurfing is!

[@florianpardubitzki4063]

First time planing ist unforgetable. Especially that moment i overtake my dad who also teached me windsurfing. Great videos! Hang loose!

[@martenrobbert6472]

your ambition has paid off 🙏🏽👀

[@drockg453]

I hope you'll apprecite honesty. Your story maks it look like it's easy to become a pro. We all share wow moment: water start, planing, foot straps, jibe. There is so many things to achie and improve and this makes me coming back over and over. I really appreciate your pro videos, I know they take lots of time and work.

[@loicturner3150]

Leaving a comment to win the windsurfing gear for my father who’s birthday is coming up!!

[@ernstdunnewind5175]

I windsurf from when I was 12 years. My son is 14 now, and his top speed is 65 kmh😄🤙🏻

[@gilliebilly]

When I was a year of 13 (32 years ago) I won a bike, sold it and bought my first windsurf gear from that money. Afer all those years I'm still loving the sport. Sometimes I wish we had KZbin those day's becose I have learnt much more in the last view years then in all those years before. Thanks for all your videos.

[@Peeter77]

Thank you man! You have a proffesional attitude and a soul of a teacher.

[@peerappel1766]

This windsurf give away would be lit because i just started 1 year ago and my surfing gear nearly broke this year , So i need surfing gear 😅😅🤣

[@tvsamsung3360]

Why did you start windsurfing and when ?

[@tropicalbanana4795]

Tv samsung i started because my father told cool stries about windsurfing and i really wanted to do it

[@jelle1515]

What kinda surfing rig you have ?

[@jelledijkema8547]

@Sturmocrash i use a mistral 69l board and a f2 racing sail of 5.4

[@matsstb180]

lucky, it nearly broke. I katapulted into my sail yesterday ripping it...

[@andreapasquini9486]

I was 14 when I started windsurfing and now I am 51 and the emotions are the same since then. I remember reading magazines, books about windsurf till late and on water early even though no wind was blowing! Thanks for sharing your huge passion. Cheers from Italy.

[@windfoilers]

Started at 11, now 51 and still loving it!! Especially when surfing together with my 19 year old son.

[@ferencbitskey4200]

Hi Nico, slalom kit preferred if I'll be the lucky one. Thx for the videos. Rgrds, Ferenc

[@thijmenvanreede7317]

I begin windsurfing when i was 11 years old, now in 15 years. My dad rented some Gear at Strand Horst in Holland, i was on the board and yelling to my dad "how do i turn", so my dad was running towards me to give me instructions about how to turn around. When he was nere me i had already turned. Now i am 15 years old and competing my PR(Persanol Record) with my brother and dad. PS. My PR is 53,4 km/h, my brother is a bit fasther but that's changing with or without NeilPryde, JP

[@Luis-ps6ek]

How much cost these things which show you how fast you are? I wanna know

[@thijmenvanreede7317]

My brother used a Locosys GW-60, they cost €209,00 euro's You can see your top speed, 100meter, 200meter, 500 meter and how fast your gybes are.

[@thijmenvanreede7317]

I am Just using a smart watch from samsung

[@isaack2274]

Similar story here. Started age 10 and am now 14. Lockdown hit me hard but I have recently got in to the area of 45km/h.

[@tom2893]

Zijn er meer mensen die strandhorst als homespot hebben?

[@Marmecus]

I have been doing windsurfing for many years and at some point, I felt like I had stopped evolving. Early last summer I started watching your videos and applying what you teach us. I think that now my technique has taken off to other levels. Maybe it's time to change equipment. Nikos, thank you very much for what I learned from you.

[@gerdprien3211]

... and your Dad is very proud of your way! Go on...

[@sharewavestv]

Moin Gerd, sonst können wir ja mal zusammen surfen. Nix Wildes, sondern entspannt. Schlimmer als mit Kümpel Senior kann es auch nicht werden 😉

[@edwinvanruttenable]

Inspiring to learn about the story behind succes and see confirmed that success never comes without efforts or investment . With 48 yrs old still not mastering the jibe like in your videos but still love it everytime practicing it on the water.

[@sflasurf]

Windsurfing is such a great family sport. You need to get your dad back out on the water with you. You will never regret spending that quality time with him. Boards today and foiling is making it much more family friendly. I got back into windsurfing after my kid was old enough to appreciate the sport. But just like you, he wanted to quit. I gave him the motivation to stick with it. Glad that your persistence paid off. I have been watching your videos for some time and they are getting really good. Keep up the good work.

[@grantman953]

Wonderful channel Nico. I am super grateful for your videos. Whereas I cannot speak for others, you have inspired and motivated me to get out on the water and improve my windsurfing. I’m older now and there are very few folks whom participate in this greatness where I live. Has been a challenge to learn, get gear, and have any sense of a windsurfing community but watching your Chanel has helped me go beyond these things and enjoy. Thank you for blessing us with positivity and sharing your joy for the sport.

[@oliverbeckly4586]

That’s so sick dude 🤘

[@christophhinze2545]

Hi NIco, you do a fantastic job on the water and in front of the camera. Your videos and tutorials have motivated me to keep working on myself and to become better. Thanks for the support !

[@rommandenissov9371]

This video is One of the smartest youtube promotions by Nico. I support you.

[@marc14019170]

Really liked this video., Nico. You show that becoming who you became requires talent and hard work. What you have reached so far is a tribute to who you are in your inner-self. Keep on pushing forward. We love you!

[@Suitsdistrict]

That’s fantastic. I’m just starting to windsurf again after almost 20 years break from competition. This is the best sport and lifestyle.

[@garybroad70]

Hey Niko, loving your channel. I started windsurfing at 13 and I’m now 50 and still loving the stoke. Teaching my nephew now and hope he can take it to the next level 🤙

[@madziarII]

I've been windsurfing for 6 years, so a few more and I'll be a champion 😉😆. I love windsurfing 💙. Great motivation Nico.

[@silaxiong3104]

Thank you Nico, I try to help my daughter learn windsurfing. Thank you for the encouragement.

[@emilandreassen9167]

Hi im surfing up in Danmark and love your videos. Im 15 years Old and just cant stop surfing. Like you i started because my father surf. My only need now is a new sail. I love your videos. I Think your travle videos are good but the toturial videos re just Gold for me. Keep it up bro:)

[@AndySlope]

Nico thanks for sharing your story. Great to see how you have grown from a young boy into a professional windsurfer. It’s clear that it takes a lot of drive and motivation! I am inspired by your story. It shows how parents have huge influence over their children. I am proud to say that I have been able to teach both of my daughters to Windsurf. They are still learning basics on a longboard but enjoy it a lot. Cannot wait to get them to experience that rush of the first time planing 😎🤙

[@lr1074]

I started windsurfing in Sydney Australia at age 16 - stopped at 25 then picked up again at 50- using JP magic ride 154 and NP ryde 7.2 - now praying for wind .. every day

[@rorybarnable1414]

Nice stuff. Just started this summer ! Can’t believe I’ve missed this awesome sport this long into my life!! Looking forward to new skills.

[@avb2647]

great video (again) nico, very nice to see how you have grown into this fabulous sport and the efforts you make to promote it to others!

[@RobGoris123]

Such a nice video and overall I really enjoy your channel. I can relate to you story, apart from not making it to pro level :-P but after a few decades, I am still enjoying every windsurf session because of the hard work I put in when much younger. Keep up the excellent work promoting this wonderful sport! Greetings from a Dutchmen in Barcelona

[@jeanbalkey5680]

Hi Nico, I started to learn windsurfing on a Dufour Wing 40 years ago at the age of 10 and ended in 2006 on a Bic Vivace 270. I bouhgt my first home which needed some renovation ☹. About 5 weeks ago I noticed a lot of “homeworkers”, because of covid-19, on their windsurfboards. I still have my windsurfgear so I started windsurfing again after 14 years. The first day was just a big disappointment. Wind blowing with 25+ knots and fighting the chop my first jibe didn’t went very well. Laying in the water I rotated my sail and tried to rotate the cambers (NS Warp) … After a few minutes in the water I was thinking of swimming back to the shore. But sudddenly the rescue-team arrived. They asked me if I needed a ride. That was a very embarrassing moment for me. I said yes. But I am still motivated and found you on KZbin, How to : Fly over chop 😊

[@spyrosmichas4349]

Thanks Nico for your inspiring videos. My son Niko aged 12 is beginning to enjoy and ask for it. Myselft started at 45, now 50. I hope I can keep it up for as long as possible.

[@mbcn700]

Cool your video, always wondered how someone gets to this level, obviously a lot of training but most of it passion. Luckily I know that feeling for the sport. Love your focus on it, regarding the respect you always show for the "oldskool" and people who are not that pro but just enjoy the fun of the sport. Keep on going

[@TheSportrossi]

Nice to hear and see how you got into windsurfing. Impressive development. Stay healthy. Cheers

[@michaelbrady2978]

Good stuff Nico, great to hear your origin story. The Gold Coast Windsurfing club in Queensland Australia all watch your stuff.

[@CroLarus]

Congratulation on so much in such a short time. We have community from 2006, HiFly 4.0 is still around waiting repair... In our bay we are seen like disturb for big tourist boats so it is really hard life to teach children to sail and that it is prohibited in same time. So, the law says, if boat run over some kid, we have to pay repair for the boat. We teach 400+ people without incident, but we are still sailing "under the radar"... Only 10 people came to planing speeds and 5 to 25-30 knots... So really congratulation, you put lot of work in it...

[@OlivierOlmer]

I liked this video you looking back of your career. It brought back some good memories of me. When i was sixteen i bought my first windurfboard eith a triangle sail. I had worked for in summer. With friends we went windsurfing. We made fire at the beach. Once we had sausage in a can. We eanted to boil them. So we had them put in a aluminum waterbottle and hang it on pole with a wire waiting to boil after some minutes one of our friends asked how are we going to get them out. The anwer came right aeay. Due to the pressure of boiling the sausage flew out of the botle. Life is like a beach. I have moved to the usa and there was no lake. When i got back to the Netherlands i forgot about windsurfing due to the fact of falling in love. Now 15 years ago I was camping and suffering from burn out. After 11 days we visited a friend camping at a lake. It was beautifull weather with 5 beaufort if wind. My friend offered to use his gear and after a day of windsurfing I felt so great. I list the fealing of having a burn out. Since then i windsurf as much as I can in my free time. In 2010 I went on a clinic of Guy Cribb which was great. He tought me so much. Now I teach other windsurfers to improve their skills and I really enjoy your youtube movies which make me a better windsurfing teacher and windsurfer. Thanks for sharing all this. It is great to windsurf and enjoy doing with my daughter or friends.

[@hollydowney5198]

Ah man. I'm just now beginning my obsession and can't believe I've just discovered even the feeling you get just watching these videos. Never windsurfed yet... watching all these videos on beginning. Windsurfing isn't really a thing here though it's right on the ocean. Looking for lessons but have to book a vacay to get to one lol, which may or may not be a bad thing 🤔

[@harmenvanmunster995]

Very motivating to see how much you’ve progressed in 12 years. Love your vids, so keep uploading them!

[@cobranr1]

Its been great watching your videos, all the trips, tutorials, info and also just fantastic windsurf action🏄‍♂️

[@matthewfarrell174]

Your videos are great, I've watched most if not all of them. I am sorry I missed sailing with you in Hatteras last year. Your videos have helped my windsurfing a lot, I welcome all tips I can get. Sail on

[@matteoselvatici5460]

Hi Nico, wonderful story! Loving your KZbin channel because it's full of content to learn Windsurf. Keep going 🙏🚀

[@ccook905]

I started windsurfing at age 15 and after a 20 year break I'm back at it at the ripe young age of 48. Enjoying it now more than ever!

[@olliejennings5348]

I am 14 and planed for my First time a few days ago. I have now caught the windsurfing bug and this giveaway will help me improve further! Thanks for the video nico as it has given me inspiration to get as good as you are!

[@jwhiteker2003]

Love your videos, so humble, so down to earth, so relatable!! So simply!!! Awesome Awesome Awesome!! Keep up the great work!!! Can't wait to get back on the water.

[@puiggracios]

Thank you Nico for share your windsurfing story with us, has been very inspiring !!

[@keanmorin6994]

Love your video's they've helped me a lot understanding windsurfing better, my dad also introduced me to this incredible sport he's so awesome he even bought me a sail when he still has 30years old sails and board, so like a lot of people i feel like i need to show my gratitude towards him. Winning the sail or board would be a great surprise for him. Keep up with the work doing really well

[@timroth5394]

Love the sea, moved to the north of Germany to stay their, came from surfing and just started windsurfing and loving it.... So much freedom :) make yourself happy and then you will also make the people Round you happy!

[@DidBer]

^_^ now imagine stopping windsurf completely for 13yrs in your lifetime for any reason that might come and imagine what would happen. This is what I experienced;) Congrats!

[@J3hudi]

I started windsurfing last year with 38. Now i am planing in both footstraps. So i got this going for me which is nice.

[@alasdair1571]

I started windsurfing again 2 years ago and have recently learned the planing carve tack and am getting close to the full planing carve gybe on my 2010 Starboard Futura 133 - I'd love an upgrade to proper slalom kit!

[@tomlebrun336]

Hi Nico, thanks for your help and your motivation. I've learned windsurf with your video xD. Continu in the same way and good luck for next races.

[@larsschroder3375]

🔨 ! Viel Erfolg und Gesundheit weiterhin. Darauf das der Sport dank Leuten wie dir weiter wächst. 🏄‍♂️

[@edwinvanruttenable]

Inspiring to learn about the story behind succes and see confirmed that success never comes without efforts or investment . With 48 yrs old still not mastering the jibe like in your videos but still love it everytime practicing it on the water.

[@nellambrecht5732]

i started windsurfing when i was 9 (now i am 12), and i really hope one day i get as good as you!

[@bellaantcliff9473]

Just done my first summer season am now my favourite sport... Fingers crossed

[@paulelliott1595]

We love all your videos. Great to see how you got started.

[@mrjmkg3970]

This year has inspired me to return to real passions, thanks for the videos, definitely motivation to get back on the board

[@balintszel4625]

It is nice to know your bacground Nico. I also was taught by my father on a Russian military windsurf set. The board was insisted of 3 parts and little screws hold together the different parts. After windsurfing you had to pour out the water:) In case of winning, I will give my old board or sail for free for a surfer in need.

[@jade5303]

Toute vidéos helped me so much for my firsts compétitions ! Thank you so much

[@andresabinonunesdacosta3703]

Hard work, passion and humbleness. The secrets to success on sports and in live. Thanks for the videos and for the tips. Keep up with this amasing work.

[@giannibrill168]

Totally loved it. Wish I had videos of my first days of windsurfing (1981)

[@markbrady5594]

Nico, keep up your entertaining vlogs. Great that you provide a lot of variety, from your intuitive technique tips to adventure and inspiration :)

[@orhanozmen2772]

Great video, im starting windsurfing and i love watching your videos, keep up the good work :)

[@hansrymenants]

Hi Nico, thanks for promoting our great sport!

[@lorenzfriedmann2829]

Man. Ngl windsurfing is so underrated. Sadly it has become a sport for the rich in the last few days! I started when I was 7 and am now 18. I’m happy I found this KZbinr! I’m hoping to win that giveaway! :D

[@peteweisz9879]

Fantastic story, wonderful that you and the sponsors are giving back! I discovered the sport in mid 2000s after sailing small boats - the most blissful way to be on the water =D

[@michelebrunello7341]

"den mast nach forne" ist wohl die meistbekannte Anweisung im Windsurfen :) ciao viel spass

[@mjvdweg]

Thanks for these great videos to promote windsurfing. Really like it.

[@MrTheWILDlife]

so... you're telling me that 13 wasn't too late to become a professional? damn. should have put more effort into the sport we love. But still, also with less skills, it's the most amazing sport in the world. Every day on the water is a good day. I have the highest respect for you, being able to compete with the best of the best, although not starting at an age of 5 or 6, like most of the other pwa-guys. Keep up the motivation and the hard work! I'm sure the results will follow.

[@jbmodelisme4142]

Thanks for your really great videos. Keep going that way I you will continue to make us dream during those difficult days.

[@jakobblach5440]

great video and an inspiring story! makes me motivated to go out on the water again and train.

[@georgikumanov8799]

Hi Nico, you do a great job with your videos. I really like them and the way you make them. Your windsurf advices are too advanced for me but I hope some day I could use them 😀. Keep it up and don't stop 👍

[@beinliner]

Excelentes tus videos.Este especialmente , viendo tu evolucion . Me ha hecho recordar como empezamos en este deporte y la gran pasion que sigue suponiendo. Enhorabuena por tu trayectoria

[@vicenterodacamara8084]

Thanks Nico! You are pure windsurf

[@peterfuzz3887]

the main différence between "this jibe" of beginner and "this jibe" is the heroic music used "i came to fiiiiire"

[@Simpel6und5]

I broke two Batten of my Sails last week in Denmark. I Love to have this amazing Gear

[@trentshaw6542]

Hey mate, I love your video and it gets me excited to get my son into windsurfing!

[@bobbinabout1317]

Another great video Nico. Having only started windsurfing in my late 40s, I'm now at the stage I think I could handle a faster board and race sail. Here's hoping!

[@JT-ew9tl]

Would love see what new kit feels like, been sailing old school kit for too long🤙

[@lucacipani789]

Ciao man, finally you're back, miss your videos. I'm afraid of another lockdown in italy and not being able to windsurf for other months. What's the situation in germany? Ps. not sure winning a NP gear would be the best for me, I'm addicted to P7 sails ;) See you in Torbole

[@paulmertz6666]

Another Great video. Thanks for posting. I’m looking forward to winning an awesome new JP board!

[@brettlorentsen8030]

Great to hear your story thanks for all the vidios always very clear & easy to follow

[@petetoth5010]

Love your passion for the sport of windsurfing.

[@joshuafoster8976]

Picked up a book (long standing ambition)... Later that day KZbin lead me to your channel . Just to learn more about the basics. Stayed ever since. Always good content 👍

[@nelewynants1220]

Hi Nico, I'm really enjoying your video's, my brother and I are really improving because of you