Gunnar Asmussen, an established name in racing and speed surfing, recently became a father and started his own business. In an interview on the California Windsurf Cup website, he gives an insight into his new life between nappies, workshop and competitions. Despite the big changes, his passion for windsurfing remains unbroken.
"My everyday life has completely changed!" reports Asmussen. Where he used to do one or two hours of sport in the morning, everything now revolves around his daughter Emmi. He now usually only comes to training in the late afternoon. The new situation requires a lot of planning, but Asmussen is happy to take on the challenge: "The priorities are simply shifting, and that feels right."
Comeback plans for the 2025 season
Despite his family commitments, Asmussen is planning his comeback: "I will definitely be back in the wave sector in 2025!" he announces. With new, somewhat unusual equipment - a 122-litre Starboard Carve in combination with a 6.2 Severne Gator - he wants to attack the onshore conditions on Sylt in particular. The speed challenge in Lüderitz is also on his programme again, where he set a new German record in 2024.
Last season was not ideal for Asmussen. Shortly before the IFCA World Championship in St. Peter-Ording, he received a new foil, which he first had to familiarise himself with. "In SPO and Sylt, I then tended to rush around," he admits. He only got to grips with the new material at the end of August. At the IFCA Finn World Championship, he was then able to show that he can still keep up with the top riders in the PWA by finishing fourth.
New professional challenge with own sail workshop
In addition to his sporting career, Asmussen has now also ventured into self-employment. He opened the "Sailmakers Dedication" sailmaking workshop in Handewitt near Flensburg. There he offers repairs and customised modifications for sails, wings and kites. However, the focus is on classic sailing with the production of sprayhoods, sun sails, cushions and tarpaulins.
Asmussen is aware that building up his business will take time: "Everything is still manageable, but that's quite normal. Realistically, it will take 1-2 years before the rouble really starts to roll and the sailors get to know me and my shop." However, he is optimistic about the future and is looking forward to the new challenge as an entrepreneur.
You can read the full interview at windsurfcup.com read more!
