On Thursday afternoon (25 September 2014), Hamburg's Senator of the Interior Michael Neumann had a very special appointment. Instead of wearing a suit and tie, the politician wore board shorts and a T-shirt for around an hour to be taught stand-up paddling on the Alsterfleet near the "Noas" restaurant. His trainer was none other than surfing legend Robby Naish. The 24-time windsurfing world champion is currently visiting the Hanseatic city for two days for the WindEnergy trade fair before travelling on to the DAVIDOFF COOL WATER Windsurf World Cup Sylt, which starts on Friday with the first races in the wave discipline.
Together with Senator Neumann and Matthias Neumann, the organiser of the highlight event on Sylt, the 51-year-old paddled a few laps on SUP boards on the Alsterfleet and exchanged views on Hamburg as a water city. "I always enjoy being here, as Hamburg is very attractive for athletes thanks to its many waterways and its proximity to the sea. That's why I think this city would be perfect for the Olympics," explained the record-breaking surfer. Senator Neumann was delighted to receive such a compliment, as he also seemed to take great pleasure in being out and about on a surfboard in Hamburg. "Robby Naish is an idol of my youth and I find it inspiring to learn this sport first-hand from one of the best surfers in the world," said the politician, who was able to keep his balance on the SUP board so well that he completed the training session in exemplary fashion without getting wet.
After the meeting with Senator Neumann, Naish was invited to a gala dinner at the "Kai 10" location, where he was presented as the new advertising face of the company GP JOULE. The renewable energy company had already sponsored the Windsurf World Cup Sylt in 2013 and became aware of the windsurfing legend last year. As the Hawaiian by choice was looking for a renewable electricity alternative for his property on Maui, GP JOULE suggested that the 51-year-old install his own photovoltaic system for his home. In future, Naish will only use green electricity and utilise the intense sunlight on his home island in a doubly positive way for himself and his family.
