A huge freestyle talent is maturing on the Greek Cyclades island of Naxos. The young German dominates the juniors in freestyle competitions and also cuts a fine figure among the pros.
At the European Freestyle Championships in Croatia in August 2016, former world champion Steven van Broeckhoven, now 30 years old, had a very special encounter. A young "chappy" was jumping and spinning around carefree on the water - almost like a pro. He wanted to remember this guy, van Broeckhoven said to friends when the young German Lennart Neubauer was introduced at the skippers' meeting before the race as one of two rookies who were also taking part in the main field of professionals.
The extremely talented Lennart has only been surfing for three years, but has probably already spent more time on a surfboard than many a long-time surf tourist. Lennart lives on the Greek Cyclades island of Naxos, which is spoilt by the wind. Under the wing of his single mum, the extremely friendly and cheerful boy is perhaps developing into the next star of the surfing scene. He certainly has what it takes. Not only does Lennart already shine on the water, but also in his overall demeanour and his goals. At the last boot in Düsseldorf, he gave a relaxed interview on stage with Björn Dunkerbeck and Bernd Flessner.
Lennart is managed with a firm hand by his mum. However, she complains about the high cost of travelling to events and winter training. Initially, the sponsors can only be persuaded to support the equipment. But if Lennart stays on the road to success, that could soon change.
Incidentally, at the championship in Croatia, van Broeckhoven was faced with Lennart, the "pimp", in round two. The result was clear, and Lennart thanked him for the lesson.
How did you get into surfing?
From my bedroom window, I have a good view down to the lagoon and the surfing centre there. I had always been interested in what was going on there with all the colourful sails. But they always turned me down, saying I was too light and too young. Then, three years ago, my mum gave me a surfing course as a present.
Where did you grow up?
I was born in Germany but have always lived on Naxos.
What connections do you have with Germany?
Well, I go there once a year to visit my cousins and my relatives.
Why do you live on Naxos?
My mum has lived here for more than 20 years.
What do you like about Naxos?
It's so nice and warm here, and you don't always have to put on a wetsuit when surfing.
What are your favourite manoeuvres?
These are Switch Kono, Shaka, Funnel and Puneta.
How do you learn a new move?
I watch them on video. Then I try to imagine that it's me doing the trick. When I'm alone at home, I practise a bit. I sometimes jump off so that I can visualise it properly in my head. Before you go out on the water, you have to have the new move down mentally.
Have you ever injured yourself during training?
Nothing serious yet. But during front loop training, I've already hit my back hard a few times. That was no fun.
Which manoeuvre are you currently training?
Air Funnel. I'm not quite able to stand it yet. But I'm making progress.
Do you have a training partner?
Sometimes there are a few good freestylers here on Naxos. I like to go out with them for an evening session when there are hardly any people on the water.
How much time do you spend on the surfboard?
Sometimes it's six to eight hours a day. I do as long as I want. And a portion of mum's spaghetti in between.
What is your greatest joy when surfing?
The great freedom on the water. And it's nice to be on your own. You're not dependent and nobody tells you what to do.
What do you do in your free time when there's no wind?
Sometimes I go jogging. Or I do athletics. And I also go surfing when there's little wind.
What are your goals in windsurfing?
I want to travel a lot and definitely become world champion one day.
Which surf spots in the world have you already surfed?
I was on Bonaire last winter, and from there also briefly on Curacao. I've also been to freestyle competitions in Croatia and the Peloponnese.
Which surf spots do you dream of?
I would like to go to Lanzarote, Gran Canaria and Fuerteventura.
What are your goals in life?
I don't want to be dependent on surfing, I want to do something else. I want to study and then do something in sports management. Maybe with a surf brand.
Do you like going to school and what are your favourite subjects?
In any case. That's where you make the most friends. I like physics and maths.
What is your least favourite subject at school?
I don't like religion that much, and...er, yes, religion actually.
What would you do with a lottery million?
(Laughs) I would have a look and think about it a lot. Maybe buy a boat, that would be great. And I would definitely travel a lot, to all my dream spots.
What other question would you like to ask yourself?
I wonder if I can win the title. In other words, to become freestyle world champion. That's what I do my best for, that's what I train for.
Info Lennart Neubauer
- Age: 12 years
- Born: 17.3.2004
- Place of residenceNaxos Cyclades, Greece
- Size/weight: 154 cm/42 kg
- Surfing since: Autumn 2013
- Greatest success: 2015 and 2016 rank 1 European Freestyle Championship Pro Kids
- Favourite spot: Naxos
- Favourite disciplineFreestyle : Freestyle
- HobbiesAthletics, cycling, skateboarding
- SponsorsStarboard Germany, Flisvos Sportclub Naxos, NeilPryde, Quiksilver Greece
