Köster, Stillrich, Mauch, Bruch - they all have German roots, live on the Canary Islands and have been stirring up the PWA Wave World Cup for some time now. Since a 14-year-old surfing maniac from Giessen fulfilled his dream two years ago and moved to Tenerife to attend the German school and surf, the squad of German-Canarios has gained some powerful reinforcements. Two years of training in good conditions, with training partners like Dany Bruch, are already having a clear effect - Julian Salmonn made the leap into the World Cup this summer. surf also introduces the 16-year-old newcomer.
Julian, from Giessen to El Medano? How did that come about? Even as a young boy, I urged my parents to move to the sea. Unfortunately, quite unsuccessfully. Two years ago, I was given the opportunity to attend the German school in Santa Cruz and live with a host family. Although I was only 14 years old, I didn't hesitate for a moment, as I was able to make the most of every free moment on the water in Cabezo.
Your parents seem to be supporting you well. Are they also with you on the Canary Islands? Or are you travelling alone? My parents only visited me on holiday, the rest of the time I was alone. However, I now have some very good friends with whom I spend a lot of time, not just on the water, which makes things a lot easier.
How did you get into windsurfing in the first place? Giessen is not exactly a surfing stronghold and is probably the German city that is furthest away from all the seas. We have always spent our family holidays by the sea. I had my first surfing experience at the age of seven in the standing area at Ringkøbing Fjord in Denmark. My first attempts in real waves then totally fascinated me and I constantly tried to get my parents to arrange holidays or weekends at spots with waves.
How long have you been on Tenerife and what are your plans for the future? Back to Germany or permanently on the Canary Islands? I've been on the island for two years now. The conditions here are simply ideal and I will stay at least until I finish school. I don't yet know what will happen after that.
You're only 16 and you've already had a taste of World Cup action in Pozo. What was it like to be on the water with all your idols? It was a great experience to be on the water amongst so many pros, the standard is incredibly high and it really pushes you when you see the guys riding. The atmosphere was also very relaxed off the water. I hope to take part in events like this more often in the future.
Who impressed you the most on the water and why? I was particularly impressed by Dany Bruch, as he "learnt" delayed double loops before the event in Pozo! Grande cochones! Many people didn't expect him to finish in fourth place at this cup.
You've been seriously injured while surfing before. What happened back then and to what extent does it still bother you today? Do you have more respect for trying out certain things now? That was an extreme experience. I slipped out of the loop with my second foot during a one-legged backloop and then unfortunately fell onto the material from a height. My foot was badly broken and I then had an operation in Germany. After a few months' break, however, I now have no restrictions and the backloops are working again without me having to worry too much.
What are you currently working on on the water? What are you practising and still want to learn? The Goiter in the wave is my next goal. Doing the double front loop in competition is a real dream of mine. However, I still have to practise it a lot.
Are you currently thinking about a professional career or are you taking the traditional route of school, training and a job? For now, I want to spend as much time as possible on the water. I'll let everything else come to me.
INFO JULIAN SALMONN
Age: 16 yearsBorn: 6 August 1998 Place of residence: Giessen/El Medano Occupation: StudentSize/weight: 190 cm/ 75 kilosSurfing since: 2005Regatta debut: 2013Successes: 3rd place PWA Junior Competition Tenerife/SpainBest SpotsCabezo, Wijk aan ZeeBest Moves: Backloop, TakaInspiration/Heroes: Every available windsurfing video, Philip Köster and Dany BruchBefore surfing? Rock 'n' RollHobbies: Surfing, SkateboardingSponsorsGoya, Surfshop Gozilla El MedanoWebpage: It's a work in progress, but you can find me on Facebook
