At home on the water

Interview with Kimo Kersting

His heart beats for Stand Up Paddling: Kimo Kersting became German Champion in the SUP Sprint in 2019. What fascinates him over and over on the water and what are his plans for 2022? We talked to Kimo.

Our last conversation was about a year ago, Kimo. Back then you had a lot planned for 2021: Travel to Indonesia, make a short film, start a degree. How was that year for you?

Kimo Kersting: "Oh, that really was a while back. Unfortunately, I couldn't make the trip to Indonesia due to the ongoing pandemic and also had to postpone my video project. Nevertheless, Indonesia is at the top of my list of travel destinations and is firmly planned for after my studies. But I was able to achieve the other item on my list: I’m now enrolled in Sport Management and Sport Communication at the German Sport University Cologne. This marks the beginning of an important new phase in my life, with a move to a new city and a new environment."

You can be seen surfing more and more on Instagram – you’re currently competing in the ADH Open, Germany's biggest surfing competition for students. Is surfing your new passion?

Kimo Kersting: "It’s been my passion ever since I first stood on a board. But stand-up paddle boarding was and is an even greater passion. That's mainly because I also can do it in Germany, where there are generally no waves to be found. But I take every opportunity to head south and go surfing.

Being part of the ADH Open for the first time this year and being able to represent the German Sport University Cologne together with my friends was really nice. It was my first surfing competition and I’d say I didn't do badly at all. Out of a total of 80 starters in the ADH Open Men’s category, I made it to the quarter-finals, but then missed out on getting into the semi-finals and ended up in the top 16."

What are your plans for 2022? And what are your plans for the future?

Kimo Kersting: "At the moment, the main focus is on my studies, although I have good opportunities to train, thanks to the infrastructure of the sport university. I also found a new spot for raceboarding, which makes training on the water much easier. Apart from that, I want to take part in some competitions again this year. Another project I have planned is converting a minivan into a surf touring van."

You’re not only an active enthusiast of SUP, but also surfing and foiling - what fascinates you about these watersports and how do you combine your passions?

Kimo Kersting: "In principle, I just love being in or near the water, whether alone or with friends. And being able to do action-packed sports at the same time really gets my heart pumping - like many other watersports fans. It's a special feeling that's hard to describe in words.

For me the added value of the variety of watersports is that you can freely choose one, depending on the conditions. If there are waves on the ocean, I have the choice of either going into the waves with the SUP, shortboard or even with the foil. If it's windy, you can go wingfoiling or windsurfing. If the sea is as smooth as glass, it's best to go out on a raceboard."

Will we see you at other competitions in 2022?

Kimo Kersting: "There are definitely some planned - let's see what the training condition says then. ;)"

Was sind Deine absoluten Lieblingsspots für das Stand Up Paddeln?

Kimo Kersting: "My favourite spot is at the WestUfer surf school in Bochum on Lake Kemnader. Otherwise, anywhere in the south where there's a beautiful blue sea."

Which spots would you recommend to SUP beginners – and which ones to more advanced paddlers?

Kimo Kersting: "In NRW and the surrounding area, I can recommend the surf school at Lake Kemnader in Bochum, which is a very beginner-friendly spot with a great team of instructors. Maybe we'll see each other on the water ;)

For advanced paddlers, white waters are more interesting. For example, you could look for faster segments of the Ruhr that are still safe. Of course, you should be able to assess your own abilities."

Let's move on to boot Düsseldorf - will we see you at boot 2023?

Kimo Kersting: "But of course! And it's about time - after such a long enforced break."

What do you associate with boot Düsseldorf? What are you looking forward to most at boot '23?

Kimo Kersting: "What I'm looking forward to most is seeing all the watersports enthusiasts I've met over the years, as the boot is an event that brings everyone together. Besides that, of course, I'm also looking forward to lots of action, especially in the pool."

Dear Kimo, thank you for the interview!