Interview with Lena Erdil - A Insight into Windsurfing

We caught up with 2x Windsurf Worldchamp and 'watersports addicted Foil Junkie', Lena Erdil, who shared her journey in the world of watersports with us. She also give us an insight on her new partnership with us and made by women-for-women wetsuit brand, Wallien.

 

We are stoked to have Lena as a WSO X Wallien ambassador for the next 12 months, we can't wait to support her in her journey!

 

If you’re not already, it’s well worth giving Lena a follow over on Instagram (@lenaerdil).. But for now, here’s a little insight into her journey so far…

 

At what age did you find a love for the ocean and water sports?

 

I actually can’t remember when I started with watersports because my parents met windsurfing. They already had a shared love for the ocean, which they passed on to me at a really young age. They put me on a windsurf board when I was around two years old, so I don’t even remember my first time on a board!

 

We can see from being a fan that you love a range of sports, from Foil, the Wing and more. What was the first sport you took up in the ocean?

 

So my first watersport was windsurfing, and for a long time, it was my only watersport. I spent my summers in Turkey, where the water is mainly flat, and it’s windy, so there wasn’t much wave surfing going on. I started competing quite young and became completely addicted to the feeling of competition. I loved improving and training for events, so I focused on windsurfing for a very long time.

 

Tell us something about yourself that not a lot of people would know?

 

So, I don't think many people know that I actually grew up in Brussels in Belgium and that I went to high school there. They might also not know that I ended up studying politics and philosophy in Great Britian. 

 

Have you ever had a wetsuits mishap or disaster that you can tell us about?

 

Ooo, wetsuit mishap? Hmm, I’m not sure if this counts as a disaster, but when I was competing in windsurfing, I used to cut the arms off my winter wetsuits because they were just too tight on my forearms!

 

If you could pick a dream destination to go on with the other Wallien team riders, where would you go?

 

Right now, my biggest bucket list destination is Pacasmayo. I really want to go and ride that super long wave. If you haven’t heard about it, you should check it out – it looks incredible.

 

What has been your most memorable destination for any water sport and why?

 

My most memorable watersports trip was to Raiatea, a tiny island next to Tahiti. I was invited by a really nice windsurfing family who organized a watersports event there. It felt like a dream – everything about the island was unreal. That’s definitely my most memorable trip.

Wallien are know for incredible quality, style and function. To you what are key elements of a wetsuit?

 

The most important thing about a wetsuit is its stretch. You don’t want to feel squeezed, and it needs to keep you warm while preventing water from getting in. My advice for anyone buying a new wetsuit is to make sure to try it on. You might think you’ve got the right size, but wetsuits come in so many different shapes and forms. It’s really worth going to a surf shop and trying on multiple suits to find the perfect fit.

 

As the latest member of the Wallien team, what items are you most excited to try out and why?

 

I’m really excited to get my new Wallien wetsuits. They look great, and since they’re designed by women for women, I can’t wait to see how that affects the fit. Plus, they’re sustainable, so I’m eager to test the materials and share my experience with everyone. Stay tuned!

 

Lena Erdil has been immersed in the world of watersports from a young age, and her journey continues to inspire. With her deep love for windsurfing and a passion for exploring new waters, Lena brings a unique energy to everything she does. From competing on the world stage to trying out the latest gear designed for women, Lena's story is one of adventure and dedication. We can’t wait to see where her next destination takes her and how she continues to push boundaries in the sport. Be sure to follow along with her journey and her exciting partnership with Wallien!