Chasing the Wind
Marco Lufen (JP / NeilPryde / Maui Ultra Fins) made his debut on the PWA Freestyle World Tour in 2013 at the Fuerteventura PWA Freestyle World Cup - where he finished joint 32nd. After gaining a taste for competition on the world scene Lufen attended the entire 2014 tour, eventually finishing the year in 22nd place overall. The German has travelled to some of the best spots around the globe for windsurfing and is now preparing to hear to Leucate for the opening event of the year - Mondial du Vent - which takes place between the 20th-25th April. Beforehand we caught up with Marco for an interview. Also watch out for a feature later in the week as Marco will be our man on the ground ahead of first event.
PWA: Name: Marco Lufen
PWA: Age: 21
PWA:Where are you based?
ML: “Currently in Holland as I study there, but originally from Germany.”
How many languages can you speak?
ML: “I speak English and German fluently, a little bit of french, and a tiny bit of Dutch.”
PWA: Number of years windsurfing?
ML: “12 I think... :D”
PWA: What first made you want to windsurf?
ML: “Seeing my dad cruising along and some other people doing air jibes is what inspired me.”
PWA: Why is windsurfing your passion?
ML: “Being surrounded by the nature, meeting great people along the way and learning about life is a big part of windsurfing and for me thats why it is special.”
PWA: Favourite quote or motto that you try to live by?
ML: “To be honest there does not really exist one.... I think the most suitable one for me would be... Just do it!”
PWA: Favourite food and drink?
ML: “I love a good pasta, and some mango and orange juice!”
PWA: If you were a super hero what special power would you choose?
ML: “Haha… puh I think flying could be interesting!”
PWA: Favourite location?
ML: “Bonaire and South France.”
PWA: Location(s) you want to visit and why?
ML: “Hawaii… you gotta be there once in your life...and well Mauritius...would be cool ;).”
PWA: Do you do any additional training outside of windsurfing to keep you fit both physically and mentally?
ML: “Well I am going to the gym quite a bit if there is no wind. Most of the time I do the TRX training, which for me works best as a preparation for the upcoming sessions. Furthermore I go running afterwards.”
PWA: If you could choose to have a meal with anyone - dead or alive - who would it be and why?
ML: “I think I would choose you, Chris. And as an appetiser I would bake a chocolate cake…”
PWA: You don't only windsurf, you are also currently studying... what are you studying?
And what do you hope to do afterwards?
ML: “Yep that is right! The study is called International Business Administration. It is a very broad subject which allows you to choose later on in which branch you see yourself. Well, I think working in the surfing branch later on could be an option, but I am not sure about that yet. I think it can be helpful and to be honest, I sometimes feel like I wanna do something for my brain. Being surrounded by wind and water and talking about moves the whole time and just focusing on windsurfing can be boring at some point and I feel like I loose brain cells… :D”
PWA: You’ve been to some of the best destinations in the world for windsurfing... if you had to try and pick a favourite... where and why?
ML: “Bonaire for me was one of the best spots I have been too. The windsurfing is just amazing and the water colours seem to be unreal, but they are not! Lifestyle wise I think the best trip was to Jericoacoara, Brazil. The vibe in Jeri is unique and just phenomenal. You gotta experience it!”
PWA: Finally, what do you want to achieve in windsurfing?
ML: “Well last year was my first year on the tour I participated at all events. I think I can still progress a lot and just love the challenge of getting better and competing with the best guys out there!”
PWA: Thanks Marco and good luck in the first event of the year.
If you’d like to stay up to date with all of Marco Lufen’s latest news then be sure to ‘like’ his Facebook Fan page, which can be found here.