ABOUT ME

From big wave surfer to keynote speaker

1974 born into a family of surfers, raised mainly on Maui.

1993 professional windsurfer on Maui

Direct involvement in, and contribution to, the development of tow-in surfing (wave riding in big waves by means of jet skis) from its very beginning, intensive focus on technical aspects

1994 first European to surf “Jaws”

Since 1995 professional big wave surfer

Since 2000 in leadership development and organizational development, more than 20 years of experience in international corporations and organizations

2017 first Austrian to surf the wave in Nazaré on an “XXL day”, same year founded an international big wave team in Nazaré.

2019 participation in the contest “Gigantes de Nazaré”

Today keynote speaker and facilitator on decision quality under uncertainty. Based in Vienna, Graz and Nazaré.

I am an ordinary person having an extraordinary passion:
I surf the world’s biggest waves

Qualification

Keynotes, workshops and facilitation on decision quality, leading under pressure and change; leadership development, organizational and people development
Trainings in High Surf Rescue and Survival in Strong Surf for water rescue teams and emergency services

Academic training

University education in sport science, Master’s degree in Business and International Management, PhD in Business and International Management, Executive M.B.A.
Professional trainings in group dynamics and “Train the Trainer”
Trainings in Big Wave Risk Assessment and High Surf Rescue
Further education: AI-Driven Leadership, Stanford University, 2026

Personal

Tow partners: Robert Gompers, Ralf Sifford, Rafael Tapia
Favorite waves: Nazaré and Pe’ahi/Jaws
Other sports: Golf, Snowboarding
Foundation and management of non-profit associations (e.g. “Das steirische Hilfswerk”)