Talking recovery with Philip

In the world of windsurfing, few names are as remarkable as Philip Köster. With an impressive five Windsurfing Wave World Championships to his name, he’s not just a champion; he’s a legend of the sport.

However, even legends face challenges, and Philip Köster currently battles through one of the biggest injuries of his career.

Severne is happy to present an exclusive interview with Philip to delve deeper into the world of an incredible athlete, and his recovery journey.

AN INJURY OF THIS DEPTH IS RELATIVELY NEW TO YOU. HOW ARE YOU ADAPTING TO THIS NEW EXPERIENCE?

Since I’ve had quite a few injuries I’m feeling like I learned how to deal with them way better now, not being able to windsurf is hard but I’m more excited than ever to get ready to be back on the water again and to put in the work to achieve my goals next year.

STAYING MOTIVATED; COULD YOU TELL US ABOUT WHAT DRIVES AND MOTIVATES YOU IN THIS DOWNTIME? DID YOU DISCOVER ANY NEW SOURCES OF ENERGY TO GET YOU THROUGH THIS PERIOD? 

My family helps me a lot to get through this time, the injury is taking forever but it never gets boring at home with a 3 year old. I think having quality time with the ones that are important in life makes you mentally strong to overcome any injury.

WHAT DO YOU HAVE IN THE PLANS FOR RECOVERY? ARE THERE ANY MILESTONES YOU NEED TO HIT BEFORE BEING ABLE TO GET BACK ON THE WATER? 

One important milestone for me would be getting fit and losing a few kg. It seems like there is no wind minimum for a wave contest anymore and this would make sailing easier. Also regaining all the confidence in my foot is on top of the list.

NOW THAT YOU’VE GOT MORE TIME ON YOUR HANDS, DO YOU FINALLY FIND A MOMENT TO CATCH UP WITH THAT ONE HOBBY OR ACTIVITY YOU PREVIOUSLY DIDN’T HAVE TIME FOR?

Since my main focus is a good recovery, I spend most of my time on that, sure I try out a few other things during my day but for fun hobbies like surfing or mountain biking I would need a well functioning foot that I don’t have yet.

ARE THERE ANY SPECIFIC LESSONS OR PERSONAL GROWTH EXPERIENCES THAT HAVE EMERGED FROM THIS INJURY? 

Listen to your body more, doctors have missed the broken lisfranc ligaments for a couple of months after getting a few MRI’s done. I sailed for a very long time with terrible pain in the foot and in a way I knew it was not connected to a chipped bone anymore.

We wish Philip a fast recovery, and to be seeing him on the water again soon.

You can follow Philip on Instagram or Facebook

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