Who is Florian Jung?

What have been the biggest successes in your windsurfing life so far?

When I came second at the Prince of Maui (2001). But every new manoeuvre or a good session with friends is also a success.

How long have you been on the board?

I started in 1998 at a small lake in France where my grandma owns a property. Back then, I used to nag my parents or neighbours every weekend to take me to the lake.

Who financed your sport at the beginning?

My parents helped me a lot at the beginning, but I always tried to stand on my own two feet. It's also slowly becoming too much for them. Fortunately, I'm getting more and more support from Gun Sails.

Is it more difficult for a German to reach the level of the freestyle top?

Yes, I think so. We don't have a lot of coastline and can't train all year round. At spots like Bonaire, you can let off steam on the water from morning to night.

You were at the MOA for a while. What did you gain from your time there?

The stay took me to a completely different level of windsurfing. It was a great time. Unfortunately, it wasn't cheap and I drained my bank account to the last cent. When there was nothing left, I had to call my parents again, otherwise it wouldn't have been possible.

How do you finance your holidays on Maui or the Canary Islands since you are no longer a student?

I organise cheap accommodation locally. If I run out of money, I work as a construction worker or palm cutter, for example.

How would you describe yourself in a few words?

Relatively spontaneous and open-minded as a person. Very ambitious as a windsurfer.

Is the World Cup your goal for the near future?

That would be my dream. That way, I could finance my life doing what I love best.

What are your favourite disciplines?

I'm best at freestyle, but if there are nice waves, I don't say no either.

Which manoeuvres are you currently practising and which difficult tricks have you already mastered?

I'm currently practising the Air Chacoo and the Gutter Flip. If the conditions allow it, I prefer to do goiters and flakas.

What other sports do you enjoy?

When there's no wind, I go surfing and windskating at home with friends. We even throw ourselves over a ramp into a river, do loops and other crazy things. In winter, I also go snowboarding from time to time.

Where do you go windsurfing in Germany or Europe?

I surf a lot at home on a small puddle. There, a day is considered good if you've spent five minutes out of two hours pumping. Otherwise I go to Wissant in France with friends at the weekend.

Are you living your dreams?

Yes, you could say that, and at 20 I hope that there will be many more. I try to go through the world with my eyes open and seize my opportunities.

PROFILE

Name: Florian JungDate of birth: 13.12.1983Place of residence: SaarbrückenNationality: GermanSize: 184 cmSchool: Abitur and high school diplomaFavourite subject: Geography, SportSail number: G-213Favourite bands: Beastie Boys, Inner Circle, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Moby, Café del MarFavourite food: Muesli, pizzaFavourite spot: Maui in Sprecks, Hookipa, Fuerteventura is perfect for freestyleFavourite conditions: 4.2 powered up with a two metre wave or flat water with a 5.7Favourite sail: Gun Sails Impact 4.7Favourite board: G-Sailboards Fire 75Sponsors: Gun Sails/G-Sailboards

Interview: Chris Pressler, Photos: Kerstin Reiger

Florian Jung conjures up a goiter