JUST DO IT — Meet Nike

Meet Nike — one of Germany’s young riders to keep an eye on. From competitive dancing to representing Germany at international wakeboard events, her path into wakeboarding wasn’t exactly planned.

What started just for fun quickly turned into more. Over the past few years, she has gained more and more experience at national contests, started competing internationally, and surprised even herself along the way — including an unexpected fourth place at LAO Open last year and a 3rd-place finish at the U18 World Championships.

Now, with school almost behind her, a spot on the Liquid Force Germany team, and some pretty big goals ahead, we wanted to know more about the girl behind the riding.

How did you first discover wakeboarding, and what made you fall in love with it?

Actually, my story started at a dance camp, where water skiing was offered as a side activity. I tried it and thought it was so fun. Later, I went with my family to Dock5, the cable park in my city, and that’s where I learned to wakeboard.

I immediately fell in love with the speed, the nature around me, and the feeling that no one was telling me what to do. But beyond that, it was the place that made the biggest impression — the whole place just had an amazing atmosphere, and the people felt like family right from the start, supporting me from day one.

What has been your proudest moment in wakeboarding so far?

I don’t think I have one proudest moment, but the moments of landing a new trick after really hard work are always special.

When I look at competitions, the 2025 season definitely stands out — getting into the Superfinal at LAO and then later joining the Liquid Force Germany team was super cool. A spot on the team had always been my dream, and it was a moment where I realized that if I work hard and don’t give up, someone notices and values it.

I’m also really proud to be part of the German national team and to compete internationally at the European and World Championships for Germany. I’ve been nominated since 2024, and placing 3rd at the U18 World Championships was definitely a really special moment for me. Now, looking ahead with Nico von Lerchenfeld as our new national coach, I’m really hyped for what’s next.

How did you get into competing in contests?

I actually never really wanted to compete in wakeboarding because I wanted a sport where I didn’t have to compete and didn’t feel pressure or stress.

But at the end of 2022, I was kind of persuaded to ride my first rookie contest, Rookie of the Year in Langenfeld, just for fun — and I loved it. It was just so different from what I knew before…

• 

• 

• 

You mentioned that you’ll be finishing school next year. How do you balance school and wakeboarding right now?

At the moment, it is very stressful. It’s a real challenge to combine both.

Since I can’t do homeschooling and have to be exempt from school for everything, I miss a lot and still try to keep my grade point average up. That’s how I ended up writing five consecutive exams in one week, straight after I came back from Lithuania.

Those are really the moments where it gets hard and I start to struggle — and I just know all of this wouldn’t be possible without the support from my mom.

What was life like before wakeboarding, and what are your plans once you’re done with school?

Before I even knew wakeboarding existed, I was at dance school at least five times a week and competed internationally in lots of different dance competitions.

Dance was my whole life — it didn’t matter what kind of dance.

I don’t have exact plans for my future yet, but for the first year after finishing school, I definitely want to travel and wakeboard.

What does it feel like competing at the bigger events? Do you get nervous, and what do you enjoy most about contest riding?

I’m definitely nervous, especially at the bigger competitions, even though I try to work on it mentally.

But the feeling of riding in these competitions is incredible — having all the professionals around you is simply inspiring. The conversations you have, the people you get to know, and all the motivation I take away from that time are really special.

I think these are experiences that I will benefit from my whole life, and that’s what I enjoy the most.

Who are your favorite wakeboarders right now, both established riders and up-and-coming talents?

Oh, that’s a hard question. I don’t really have one — there are different riders who inspire me for different reasons, both athletically and as people.

But I would definitely say Pedro, Nico, Gavin, and for the women, Rivers and Claudia, of course.

When I think about up-and-coming talent, I’d definitely go with Nanou. I love her ambition — we competed a lot together this year, and I love how we can motivate and push each other forward while chasing pretty similar goals!

If you could ride only one cable park for the rest of your life, which one would you choose?

I would like to ride a lot more cable parks before I have to make this decision. I just haven’t traveled enough yet — but definitely somewhere it’s a bit warmer. :)

What’s your dream sponsor?

Oh, that’s actually quite simple — even if it’s not directly wakeboard related, Nike would be very cool. I think the name connection alone would make it so fun, and they just have everything.

If we have this conversation again in five years, where would you love to see yourself?

In five years I’m 23, so I hope I’m in my prime time of wakeboarding.

I’d actually love to see myself happy, still this motivated and ambitious, and riding internationally with the same passion I have now. I’m dreaming of having a pro contract, going professional, doing projects, and turning the ideas in my mind into reality. But hopefully also studying alongside that…

What was the hardest trick or obstacle you’ve learned so far, and how long did it take you to land it?

Aside from all the basics that just require consistent training, for me it’s also about constantly pushing myself with air tricks — doing more and more, continuing after catching an edge, and overcoming the fear.

But I guess my hardest trick was at the Red Bull WakeDuel this year. Pushing myself to do the first flip into the Claudia and then trying the Crow Mobe was a real mental challenge.

Even though I landed it on my second try, at the beginning of the week I wouldn’t have thought that I’d be able to stick it. That was honestly also a really proud moment for me, especially because I got a lot of positive recognition and feedback from other riders.

Favorite cable park?

Home cable — Dock5

Favorite trick?

720 off the kicker — or actually any kind of spin off the kicker.

Favorite food after riding?

A yogurt bowl or a bowl with salad, tomatoes, sweet potatoes, and some kind of protein. But in general, I love cooking and trying new food. :)

Sunrise or sunset session?

100% sunset.

Winch or cable?

Cable — I’ve never winched yet, but I really want to.

Biggest fear?

As an athlete, getting injured.

Dream travel destination?

The whole world? Not exactly one place, but I definitely want to travel to Australia, New Zealand, and America.

Favorite board graphic of all time?

There are so many cool graphics, but I really like the Peak 2024 and 2025.

One Last Question - What does wakeboarding mean to you in one sentence?

Wakeboarding means freedom to me — just me, my thoughts, and being myself out on the water. Something nothing else in the world can give me.

Do you have any words for the CopycatsClub community and all the girls out there chasing their dreams?

Just go for it — you don’t need to have it all figured out.

Give yourself a challenge, whether that’s a competition or a new trick. I never wanted to compete myself, and now it’s one of my favorite parts of this sport — you’ll never know unless you try. It won’t always be easy, and it won’t always feel like it’s paying off right away, but keep showing up and trust that the work will get you somewhere — it always does.

And along the way, support each other instead of only competing against each other. Some of my favorite moments come from other girls pushing and motivating me, so find your people, be there for each other, and just have fun out there.

And well, coming from someone named Nike…

JUST DO IT! 💕