From competition to coaching: Ex-regatta surfers start a new career as iQFOiL coaches

The Olympic windsurfing class iQFOiL offers former regatta surfers attractive career opportunities as coaches. More and more experienced athletes are using their expertise to inspire young talent for this still young discipline and bring them up to top level. A prime example of this is Vincent Langer, who has been passing on his knowledge to young talents for some time as a state coach in Schleswig-Holstein. The ex-professional also passes on valuable experience from his active days at training camps and kids' camps.

From competition to mentoring

Langer is not the only one who has ventured into the coaching business. Dennis Müller, another former top surfer, is also regularly involved in promoting young talent. He passes on his extensive knowledge to the younger generation, helping to lay the foundations for future success in the iQFOiL class. This development shows how valuable the experience of former professionals can be for the promotion of young talent.

International success through experienced coaches

The German Sailing Association (DSV) has recognised the importance of experienced coaches and has landed a coup with the appointment of Daniel Slijk. The Lake Garda expert coached former sailor Theresa "Resi" Steinlein and led her to a remarkable sixth place at the 2024 Olympic Games. This success underlines the potential that lies in the collaboration between experienced ex-professionals and up-and-coming talent.

Global trend in iQFOiL coaching

This development is not limited to Germany. Internationally, more and more associations are relying on the expertise of former regatta surfers. One example of this is Jacopo Renna, brother of iQFOiL world champion Nicolo Renna. After working as a coach for the Chinese team, he moved to the Greek federation in 2025. This international demand shows how highly the expertise of former top athletes is valued in the iQFOiL sector.

Versatile expertise in demand

The skills of former regatta surfers are also in demand outside of pure training. Roberto Hofmann, formerly successful in slalom and on speed slopes, has made a name for himself as a long-standing presenter at the World Cup on Fuerteventura. Now the Austrian Sailing Association (ÖSV) is relying on his experience. Hofmann has been hired to support young Austrian sailors in the transition to the Olympic iQFOiL material for the 2028 Games in Los Angeles.

Practical preparation for competitions

The importance of practical preparation is also evident in the organisation of training camps. A training camp took place on Lake Garda parallel to the iQFOiL Games Youth & Junior, which led directly into a regatta. This combination of intensive training and competition experience under real conditions is further proof of the professional approach that former regatta surfers bring to their new role as coaches.

Future prospects for ex-professionals

The trend of recruiting former regatta surfers as coaches for the iQFOiL class not only opens up new prospects for young talent, but also offers the ex-professionals themselves attractive career opportunities after their active careers. Their expertise is in demand to build up the next generation of Olympic athletes and increase the performance density in this still young discipline. With their experience, they can make a decisive contribution to raising the level of iQFOiL sport worldwide and developing the sport further.