When you think of Mainz, you first think of carnival or the Rhine - you don't really find waves and wind there. But this is exactly where Sebastian Bail's windsurfing story began. Today, the 22-year-old lives in Kiel, studies business administration, is writing his bachelor's thesis and is now one of Germany's best wave windsurfers. He celebrated his World Cup premiere on Sylt at the end of September. We spoke to him about his journey, his motivation and the fascination of waves.
Sebastian, why don't you briefly introduce yourself? Who are you, where are you from and where do you live today?
I'm originally from Mainz and moved to Kiel three years ago. Officially for my studies, but of course also because there's simply more wind, waves and a cool surfing community here.
Mainz is not exactly a windsurfing stronghold. How did you get into windsurfing in the first place?
(Laughs) Yes, that's right, there really isn't much wind there and even fewer waves. I got into windsurfing on holiday through my father. We used to go on holiday to the Costa Brava a lot. I also started windsurfing in the classic way: Pulling up the sail, falling down and back up again. I was then able to continue practising regularly at home on a small quarry pond. Through Vincent Langer's kids' camps, I later got to know other young people who had already taken part in regattas. They motivated me to take part in my first competitions in the region in the BIC Techno 293 youth class.
So you initially travelled to regattas and not in the waves straight away?
Exactly. I've raced in quite a few national regattas on various lakes, but also on the North Sea and Baltic Sea. I always loved the competitive feeling. This battle against each other really appealed to me, and I was also able to celebrate a few successes there, such as the German U17 championship title. But I've always had more fun on the shortboard away from the buoy course and rarely use my free time on the water for regatta training.
When did you reach the point where you switched to the wave?
That was around 2021, when I decided to stop taking part in racing regattas and concentrate completely on the wave discipline. After my first forward and back loops, I was overwhelmed by the feeling and started practising my moves. In the same year, I also took part in the first Youth World Cup, which was a mega experience and emphasised my decision once again.
And the move to Kiel, was it only because of the studies or also because of the wind?
More because of the wind. (Laughs) Even as a teenager, I always said that I would move to Kiel when I grew up. I knew the scene a bit, and you hear all the time that Kiel is a kind of windsurfing Mecca in Germany. When it came to studying, it was clear that there was nothing to stop me. Even after graduating from high school, I was able to make more and more friends through national competitions such as the DWC or the Danish Open series. These connections naturally strengthened my decision to move to Kiel.
How do you manage to juggle studying, working and surfing??
I work as a student trainee, which gives me a lot of flexibility. Fortunately, my degree programme is also quite flexible in terms of time management. When there's wind, I go out on the water, either in the afternoon, at the weekend or during "uninteresting" lectures. We have a cool crew here in Kiel, many of whom are also students, and we carpool to the spots. That makes it easy: getting out together, sharing surf sessions, going flat out together and having lots of fun.
You had your World Cup premiere on Sylt in September. How was that for you?
Unbelievable! I spontaneously received the German wildcard a few days before the event thanks to my third place at the German Windsurfing Cup on Sylt in June. That was mega, of course! Just being on the big stage for the first time and sharing the spot with the pros is simply indescribable!
And you were in the heat with Philip Köster. How was that?
That was crazy. On the one hand, it was of course a dream because Philip has always been a role model for me. On the other hand, it was foreseeable that I would hardly stand a chance against him, except perhaps by breaking the mast. But that wasn't my goal at all. I just wanted to soak up the whole event and take away as many tips and experiences as possible for the future.
How did you experience the atmosphere on Sylt?
Totally special. Even in the wind and rain, hundreds of people stood on the beach, watched, took photos and asked questions. It was totally approachable and inspiring. It's amazing to see how much people celebrate this sport. Even though the first few days were quiet due to the lack of wind, we had a great event towards the end.
How important are the scene and togetherness in windsurfing to you?
Very important. For me, windsurfing is not an individual sport. When you share a session with friends, push each other and give tips, that's the best thing ever. Everyone is helpful and nice. Whether you're a beginner or a pro. This community really motivates me.
And what about the contests? That's also part of it.
(Laughs) Yes, definitely! The parties at the contests are legendary. It's simply part of it. Full throttle on the water during the day, partying with the crew in the evening, laughing and telling stories. These are the moments that stay in your memory. It's simply a great mix of sport, lifestyle and friendship.
I actually got into boards through my father - on a quarry pond near Mainz."
What motivates you to keep going and get better?
I really like the idea of competition. Competing, learning, trying out new things and having to step out of your comfort zone simply pushes you. But I don't just see the results in windsurfing. For me, it's about the experience: travelling, meeting new people, new conditions and enjoying what I do. I always want to learn something new, and if it ends up being a good heat, all the better.
What's next for you?
That's a good question. I will definitely be spending the winter on the North Sea and Baltic Sea. There's really no such thing as "too cold" for me. But my dream would still be to spend time in warmer waters after I finish my Bachelor's thesis in January. I'm currently toying with the idea of travelling "down under" or to Western Australia or Cape Town again. But for now, university and a few good sessions in Germany or Denmark take centre stage.
That sounds like you want to be well prepared for the next windsurfing season. Right?
Absolutely! As well as windsurfing, I also spend a lot of time on my racing bike or going jogging to stay fit. I hope to be able to take part in one or two World Cups again next year. I remember the Canary Islands events from the youth World Cups, where I used to look up to the pros. To get a starting place there would be mega! But I wouldn't want to miss the national events either.
And your best windsurfing moment so far?
My first landed front loop. It was such a long process and when it finally worked out, it was just pure joy. I shared the session with my father and I will definitely never forget that day. I think every water sports enthusiast knows moments like that. You have to bring an incredible amount of discipline and perseverance, but in the end you are rewarded twice as much.
In conclusion: What advice would you give to young windsurfers?
Just do it. Take part in small contests, get to know people, be inspired and share your sessions. The scene is super open, everyone helps everyone. Surfing alone is cool, but it's even better together. So: Just go for it!
Thanks for the nice chat, Sebastian! Good luck at university and on your upcoming competitions and trips!
Facts Sebastian Bail
- Age: 22 years
- Born: Mainz
- Place of residence: Keel
- Profession: Student
- Surfing since 2012
- Successes: 3rd place California Windsurf Cup Sylt 2025; 5th place California Windsurf Cup St. Peter Ording 2024; 2nd place U20 Freestyle Danish Open 2022; 7th place U20 PWA World Ranking 2022; German Champion BIC Techno 293 U17 2018
- Favourite spots: Hanstholm, Weissenhaus, Cape Town
- Favourite moves: Backloop
- Motto of life: Go for it.
- Sponsors Patrik, Soöruz, Surf Line Kiel
- Instagram: @seb.bail_g150
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