2017: Who is Lennart Neubauer actually?
In his very first interview in surf, in 2017 at the age of just 12, Lennart Neubauer replied to the question of what his goals were: "I want to travel a lot and definitely become world champion one day." He was already pursuing his goal with great determination back then and made a name for himself in the scene at his very first appearance: "At the European Freestyle Championships in Croatia in August 2016, former world champion Steven van Broeckhoven [...] had a special kind of encounter," wrote surf author Kutte Priessner at the time. "A young 'pimp' was jumping and spinning around carefree on the water - almost like a pro. He wanted to remember this guy, van Broeckhoven told 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 pros."
2019: The new windsurfing superstar?
Two years later, it was already "Lennart Neubauer - the new windsurfing superstar?" Lennart travelled to many events and almost always won in the youth categories - not only in freestyle, but also in wave riding and even in slalom. But even then, his focus was clear: "I definitely want to become freestyle world champion. And then we'll see." In the interview, he also talks about his beginnings: "I can see the lagoon from my room and have always liked the windsurfers there. When I wanted to start at the age of nine, I wasn't allowed because the surf school only accepted children who weighed at least 35 kilos. I only weighed about 28. It wasn't until I was about ten that I was heavy enough and was allowed to start at the Flisvos Sports Club with Jan Andres."
2021: The ramp project
During the coronavirus period, Lennart then dedicated himself to a very special project at home on Naxos: together with friends and the support of his new sponsor Red Bull, he built a kind of skate park for windsurfers, with a few ramps that he anchored in the water. In the meantime, he has also swapped his German sailing number for a Greek one in order to compete for his home country.
2022: Serious injury and the way back
Lennart Neubauer suffered a serious knee injury while skateboarding, was barely able to surf for months, was in pain and was initially misdiagnosed. When the extent of the injury - bone oedema - was recognised, he had to have an operation. Lennart was undergoing rehab at the Red Bull Athletes' Centre when surf editor Julian Wiemar arranged to meet him for an in-depth interview in autumn 2022. Neubauer is clear: "I'll come back twice as strong!" And he reiterates his big goal: "I want to become freestyle world champion! I like to set myself high goals, so I say, why not next year?"
2023: Champions Dinner with Yentel Caers
In 2023, he didn't win the world title, but he did win his first professional event. On Sylt, he first knocks out his mate Yentel Caers and then wins the double elimination. However, Caers was still able to clinch the world title after catching up - a double happy ending. Reason enough to meet both of them together, so Julian Wiemar meets them for a "Champions Dinner". Right at the beginning, a glass falls victim to Lennart Neubauer's strength: "The 19-year-old already has paws like Dunki or Albeau - no wonder, since he finished school he's been hanging from either the boom or the barbell. Such thin glass is comparatively fragile: "I thought it was made of plastic, so I gripped it tighter." It is clear that Yentel and Lennart will always have a say in the World Championship title in the coming years. Neubauer is genuinely happy for his friend and roommate Caers that he was able to make such a comeback.
2024: The World Cup title!
Lennart Neubauer's dream has now come true: he received his long-awaited and hard-won World Champion trophy at the World Cup on Sylt. "It feels incredible, it was a long week with a lot of waiting. The wind played a lot with our patience. To win my first title here on Sylt is incredible. I don't even know what to say, I'm just super happy," said the newly crowned world champion, who was celebrated and cheered by his fellow competitors on Brandenburg beach seconds after the announcement.
