Lina Erpenstein (Patrik / Severne / Maui Ultra Fins) made her debut on the PWA Women’s Wave World Tour back in 2013 – then just 16-years-old. Now the 20-year-old is starting to make an impact on the women’s fleet and last year the German finished 6th overall – a huge improvement from 12th the previous season. The 20-year-old has caught the eye with her no fear approach when it comes to hitting ramps and she brings a progressive style to her wave riding which will make her an even bigger threat in 2017 with another year of training under her belt. As one of emerging talents on the women’s world tour we recently caught up with Lina to find out more about her.

Hey Lina, firstly can you tell us a bit about yourself – how long you’ve been windsurfing? what originally made you want to windsurf?

Hey! I´m 20 years old and I´m from the centre of Germany. I’ve been windsurfing for 7 years now. My father is a windsurfer and that’s why I always spent my school holidays somewhere near the ocean. When I first got planing on the windsurfing gear, I got addicted. Two years ago, I finished school and then started to travel on my own. Since then I got to sail a lot more and also got to see many nice places.

What makes you so passionate about windsurfing and waves in particular?

I just love the feeling of planing over water. Sometimes it feels like flying. I also love jumping and surfing. Waves are always different and every wave offers new challenges. Making a good turn means to time your movement perfectly with the wave. When everything works out it feels amazing – that’s probably the best feeling in windsurfing for me.

You spent last winter in Western Australia – how much time have you spent in Australia and what keeps drawing you back their each winter?

This year I was there for almost three months. We had so much wind and waves that I lost count of the days on the water. For me WA is a perfect place for training as you can sail in so many different conditions, from side off down-the-line to side jumping. Also I really like the Australian laid back mentality. The locals are very nice and you get in touch quickly. 

Are you landing anything new since last season or is that a secret?

Haha, no I don´t really have secrets in windsurfing. I’ve been working on backwards rotations, both back and pushloops. The landing still challenges me many times, but I feel like I get closer every session.

Where is your favourite spot and what are you favourite conditions?

I love those conditions, when it’s possible to jump and wave ride at the same time. Consistent wind for 4.0m, with waves, from onshore to side offshore – those are my favourite conditions I´d say. I probably don´t have ONE favourite spot, as I like to change location and conditions. Coronation Beach, Jaeger’s [Stone] home spot in Western Australia comes pretty close though.

Furthermore I realised that I love to sail in Germany on the Baltic Sea as well. As the conditions are not so consistent, I feel like you just appreciate a good day much more than usual. Then, everyone is happy and it’s cool to be sharing this stoke with good friends and other passionate windsurfers.

Last year you finished 6th overall – how do you feel about that? And what are your aims for the 2017 season?

I am very happy about my result last year. The training I had done the winter before paid off and I also enjoyed competition more, as I felt more comfortable with my sailing. 

For this season I don’t think about numbers. I just want to come out of the water and be happy about my sailing and performance. Well, actually, sometimes during competition I forget to think about what I´m doing. So one goal this year is to take my brain with me on the water haha.

You are currently in Pozo? How’s it going over there? It must take a bit of adjustment compared to WA?

It´s really cool to be back. As it’s the fourth year in a row that I’m coming, it feels a bit like coming home. The people on the street and in the shops recognise you and ask you how your year went. It´s nice to see all the faces again and really fun to sail together. Especially as the competition is still a month away the atmosphere on the water is still kind of relaxed. People try funny things and cheer for crashes or good moves of the others. I really like it when it is like this, less competitive I´d say.

For me, sailing in Pozo is definitely different compared to sailing somewhere else. First of all I have to get used to the stronger winds again and also to the onshore angle. Anyway, I already notice that I’ve progressed this year and I’m looking forward to try these things in Pozo.

What would be your perfect day?

Wake up in my van, change into the wetsuit and go for a surfing session with friends. Then have a nice breakfast with fruits and of course a good coffee. Afterwards I´d probably relax a bit and play the guitar. 

Then some sailing starting in the afternoon and finishing with a nice sunset session in the evening. By night I’d be having a BBQ with friends and sit and sing with the guitar by a campfire. I’m matching the stereotypes I guess.

Where’s one location you’d love to go but haven’t been to yet?

I’d love to see and sail in South America. Peru and Chile, that would be my dream. Also I’d love to see more from Northern Europe and sail in Scotland or Ireland.

Who would you most like to have as a dinner guest – dead, or alive?

It would probably be Christoph Walz. I really like his intelligent humour and love him as an actor. Also to me he seems really interesting as a person as he’s into people and politics.

Most visited website?

Probably WindGuru and windsurfing.tv

A phrase/motto you live by?

I don’t really live by a motto, but I try to appreciate the things I have, what I get to see and experience. I don’t want to think too critically or about what is bad or could be better, but be happy with what I have.

Thanks Lina – good luck with the rest of the preparation before the Gran Canaria Wind & Waves Festival.

You can stay up to date with all of Lina Erpenstein’s latest news and adventures via her Social Media Channels:

Facebook: @erpensteinlina 

Instagram: @linaerpenstein