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.
More Severne news
SEVERNE Margaret River Wave Classic 2026: Jaeger Stone back on top
Jaeger Stone reclaims Margaret River while 17-year-old Sarah Kenyon wins her first Pro Women’s event. Jake Ghiretti scores the highest wave of the competition. Team SEVERNE dominated every podium; all on the Stone.
Engineering Breakdown: What Powers your 026 Wave Sail
The 026 wave sail program delivers systematic weight reduction, enhanced reactivity, and direct power transmission. VX2 leech panels cut swing weight at the critical four-metre leverage point. D6 Dacron luff technology creates silent forward pull without backhand pressure. CarbonFusion welded construction eliminates micro-flex for instant response. Carbon insert systems lock every connection point for zero energy loss. SEVERNE engineering; lighter where it matters, stiffer where it counts, more responsive throughout.
Scott McKercher and Federico Infantino: XXL swell up north
The forecast was too good to ignore. Big swell, clean wind, perfect tide; everything aligned for one of those sessions you remember for years. Federico Infantino had already committed to heading north when the charts lit up with solid lines marching toward Western Australia’s remote coastline. Scott McKercher made the two-day mission north specifically for this swell
Oceania Youth Wave Titles 2026: Geraldton Calls
The world’s largest youth wave windsurfing event returns to Geraldton, WA, 12-18 January 2026. Junior Windsurf Camp and competitive divisions (U13, U15, U21) for riders under 21. Progression-friendly conditions from flat water to proper waves.
Iachino World Champion; Alabau claims Japan event title and Vice Title
Matteo Iachino secured his third PWA world title with a controlled performance in Yokosuka, while Blanca Alabau won the event and claimed vice world champion after one of the most dramatic final days in recent PWA history.
OBX-WIND 2025: the community gather on the Outer Banks
OBX-WIND 2025 delivered everything a windsurfing event should be. Consistent Outer Banks wind powered Long Distance racing and Mega Slalom competition on the Pamlico Sound, while Friday’s freestyle expression session brought pros and up-and-coming sailors together. The Beer Race, giant raffle, and Halloween costume party proved that growing the sport requires more than just competition; it’s about building community. SEVERNE has backed this event for years, and watching it expand what’s possible for grassroots windsurfing makes the commitment worthwhile.
Maaike and Lennart crowned 2025 FPT/European Champions
The 2025 Freestyle Pro Tour season finished at Naxos; Maaike Huvermann and Lennart Neubauer claiming European titles.
SEVERNE’s MEGA Freerace – two years, one mission
SEVERNE just launched the MEGA; a board that rewrites the freerace rulebook. Two years of development with Cedric Bordes and shaper Albert Pijoan produced something rare: genuine race performance without the exclusive setup demands. The MEGA works for World Cup racers and weekend warriors alike; slalom-level speed with freerace accessibility. Available now in 63 and 73.
Dieter Van der Eyken wins Tiree Wave Classic 2025
Team SEVERNE’s Dieter van der Eyken claims victory at the 026 Tiree Wave Classic with a decisive wave 360 in 30-knot conditions at Crossapol.