From windsurfing as a child to competing in wakeskating and later discovering wingfoiling, Jasper has always found ways to integrate his love for the ocean into the fabric of his life. "Finding the Balance" is the story of how he weaves his passions with the responsibilities of family, work, and the ever-present call of the sea - Read it now exclusively in Tonic Mag.

Growing up between the waves of Fehmarn and the countryside of the North Sea, I’ve always been drawn to the beauty of opposites that comes from bringing them together. My childhood was spent by the water, with Fehmarn, affectionately known as the 'German Hawaii,' as my playground. It was here that I was first introduced to water sports, getting my windsurfing license at just nine years old. The sea became my second home, and my love for it grew stronger as I spent countless hours windsurfing, surfing, and riding the waves. This early connection with water shaped my life in ways I couldn’t have imagined.

As I grew older, my passion for water sports only deepened. My vacations were always centred around my love for the ocean, and I spent as much time as possible in the water. However, when I moved to Hamburg for my studies, I found myself far from the sea, which led me to discover wakeskating. This new sport opened up a whole new world for me, bringing me into contact with the professional sports scene. I started competing and eventually became an ION and Fox Racing team rider. It was also during this time that I met my wife, and together, we started the parenthood adventure at a young age.

With the arrival of our first child, my priorities naturally began to shift. The demands of family life, completing my studies, and launching my career took centre stage. After earning my degree in mechanical engineering, I transitioned into a sales role in the engineering field before joining a startup as a managing partner. Juggling family, work, and my passion for water sports became a delicate balancing act—sometimes successful, sometimes less so. With my career and family requiring so much attention, my time on the water became limited to the occasional holiday in France, where I could enjoy the surf on the Atlantic coast.

In 2020, our family’s life took a dramatic turn when we moved from downtown Hamburg to the serene countryside along the North Sea coast. By chance, we stumbled upon an old thatched-roof cottage from 1850. With a lot of love and hard work, we restored the home, creating a base that marked the beginning of a new chapter in our lives. The next chapter unfolded a year later when my wife surprised me with a wing foil course for my birthday. Little did she know this gift would change my relationship with water sports.

The wingfoil course on Fehmarn, taken with a close friend, reignited my passion and redefined my connection with the water. The sport combined all the elements I cherished: speed, tricks, wave surfing, and, most importantly, the ability to spend more time on the water without waiting for the perfect swell. My first attempt at wingfoiling occurred at "Speicherkoog," a small inland lake on the other side of the North Sea dike. It wasn’t long before I found a tight-knit community of like-minded riders, drawing inspiration from top riders like Lasse Harbacek, a Slingshot pro-rider.

One of the most convenient aspects of this newfound passion is that Speicherkoog is on my daily commute to work, allowing me to fit in sessions before, during, or after work. This accessibility has made it easier to balance my responsibilities as a father, a husband, and a professional with my love for the water. Of course, it’s not always smooth sailing—there are days when work is overwhelming or my family needs me—but we’ve developed a routine that works for us. Now, I can clear my mind on the water, de-stress from work demands, and progress in my sport, all while spending quality time with my children.

One of my dreams has always been to share my love of water sports with my two boys. So far, I’ve introduced them to the ocean by taking them on my back while surfing or standing on the board together at various wakeboard cables. Whether they’ll take to wingfoiling remains to be seen, but I’m excited to see how their relationship with the water develops.

Since the early days of wingfoiling, I’ve been fortunate to be a part of the CORE team, which has provided me with the best gear. Since my home spot is primarily flatwater, my focus has naturally shifted to freestyle. To accelerate my progress, I often travel to destinations like Fuerteventura, where I get inspiration from other riders. Of course, pushing my limits sometimes results in a few bruises, especially at my age, but the thrill and happiness that come from mastering new tricks make it all worthwhile! 

Looking back, I realise how fortunate I am to have found a way to weave my passion for water sports into the fabric of my everyday life. The journey from the waves of Fehmarn to the flat waters of my new homespot has been one of balance, growth, and fulfilment. I look forward to continuing this journey on and off the water as I strive to maintain the delicate balance between family, work, and the sea.

 

By Jasper Raun

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