Lena and Nadine run the blog freiheitsgefuehl.com together with the corresponding social media channels(Instagram, YouTube). Their videos and photos convey the wingfoiling lifestyle very well. So it was time to ask them a few questions.
Hello Nadine and Lena, could you briefly introduce yourselves?
Nadine: Hi, my name is Nadine and I’m currently still a student and work part-time in marketing. I’m 24 years old and we’ll soon be living “on the road”.
Lena: Hey, my name is Lena, I’ll be a qualified general practitioner from the end of October. I’m 29 years old and I’m still living with Nadintschgi in Tyrol, in the Stubai Valley, until the end of October.
How did you get into wingfoiling and when did you start?
We were in Sardinia for the first time 2 years ago, before that we had rather laughed at wingfoiling, but when the wingfoilers were riding while we were just standing around with our windsurfing equipment, we did some research over the winter months and bought our first equipment.
Did you already have any previous water sports experience?
Nadine: Yes, we already had. When I met Lena 5 years ago, I didn’t realise what it meant to have a water sports enthusiast as a partner. At some point, you have to decide whether you want to just stand on the shore in windy places or get out on the water yourself. That’s how I got into windsurfing.
Lena: As my dad is an old windsurfer and we still had all the old windsurfing equipment in the garage when I was a teenager, I once had the idea of taking it with me on holiday. Then I did a short course at Lake Neusiedl and the spark was lit. During my time at university, I really got into it more intensively and planned pure surfing holidays.
What makes wingfoiling so fascinating for you? Why has this sport become your passion?
Nadine: I love the feeling of lightness when I “float” over the water. At the same time, the sport brings out my playful side and I enjoy learning new manoeuvres and jumps.
Lena: The feeling of gliding over the water almost effortlessly, even in just 8-10 knots, is magical for me. The sport is also really fun in strong winds. It’s a great way to test your fear limits in terms of jumping height. And even for me as an old windsurfing slalom/speed lover, fast foiling is extremely fun!
What tips would you give to other girls who want to get off to a flying start in wingfoiling?
Nadine: I had the most respect for the foil and was constantly hitting my legs – so make sure you wear a long wetsuit and don’t forget your helmet. That’s why it certainly doesn’t hurt to try dry training or to go out with the SUP at the beginning. The great thing is that you can set your own pace when flying and therefore also determine the effort yourself, so you can also save a lot of energy.
Lena: Definitely give it a go, for me wings are absolutely the future and can definitely be learnt by almost anyone. And depending on whether you just want to cruise, speed or freestyle, everyone can set their own pace and the progression comes naturally.
How did you come up with the idea of your blog and the other social media channels? What is your motivation behind it?
We’ve actually been following windsurfing channels like surferzyzzz and co. for a long time, but when we made the switch, we realised that there was still a lack of wingfoil channels and so we came up with the idea of simply making videos ourselves and becoming more active on social media.
Looking at your website, Insta and YouTube, the photos and videos look very professional. What kind of equipment do you use? Have you completed the relevant training?
Firstly, thank you very much for the compliment, we try really hard (laughs). It all started with a 360 Gad Actioncam and now we run around with our Sony A7IV and gimbal. We’ve both discovered another passion in photography and videography. That’s why Nadine has already registered a film production and maybe we’ll start something together soon. However, we haven’t had any training, but have learnt everything through videos and by trial and error. If we continue to work on our skills, maybe a professional career will follow. We’ll see what the future holds.
What is your favourite spot?
Nadine: I think my favourite spot so far has been Porto Pollo (Sardinia). But Lake Garda feels like a second home!
Lena: For me, there is no better feeling than flying over the water in my second home on Lake Atter in the Salzkammergut. Lake Garda also feels like home to me.
What does the perfect wingfoil day look like for you?
Nadine: Sun, a sandy beach, beautiful water colours and a reasonably constant wind of 15 knots, plus calm water would be nice. My favourite equipment is the Vayu Fly R 55L, 4.5 Vayu Aura V2 and a small Axis BSC foil with a surface area of around 1000 square centimetres.
Lena: Oh yes, there’s almost nothing better! Or 30 knots and real action, it’s the variety that makes it! In terms of setup, I currently love my Vayu Fly R 70L in combination with the Vayu Aura X 5.0 and a BSC Axis Foil.
As I read on your blog, you are planning a trip to the Canary Islands for several months from December. Why the Canary Islands in particular? How are you financing it? Do you have mobile jobs?
Yes exactly, we are planning to set off at the end of the year. The Canary Islands are actually the destination because they have warm temperatures even in winter. They are also accessible by van thanks to a ferry. Due to the very high ferry prices at the moment, we will spontaneously see if we can get a good ticket for us, our van and our dog. Otherwise we will stay on the Spanish and Portuguese mainland and explore all the surf spots there.
Do you have any tips for people who would also like to go on a long trip but haven’t “dared” to do so yet?
Sure, just go for it! In terms of training and work, it just has to be possible at the moment, but a lot can always be made possible with the will. We live by the motto: “If not now, then when?”. As is generally the case in Austria, waiting until retirement to realise any dreams is not something we can really get behind. As a doctor, I unfortunately experience all too often that retirement turns out differently than planned in terms of health. For this reason, you can and should enjoy every day and make the best of it!
Thank you very much for the interview! We wish you a wonderful journey. Keep us up to date.
