From Business suit to Wetsuit.
My Rollercoaster Journey from Top Sport to RA Studies to the other way around (and the Girl Who Couldn’t Iron)
Most people know me as that girl in a wetsuit, always out on the water, kitesurfing or wingfoiling, with a deep passion for the snow, wind and waves – basically anything that keeps me connected to nature and adrenaline-filled sports. But behind the scenes, there’s much more going on – always. I’ve been working and I am still working hard to achieve my RA (Register Accountant) qualification and have recently (September) stepped into the world of accountancy (for real this time).
This year has felt like a complete rollercoaster— and it flew by! A year of firsts, lasts, maybe`s, questions, goodbye`s and new hello`s . From a life of going back to study 4 years ago to accidently becoming a professional freestyle & big air kitesurfer/snowkiter, till chasing my 2nd Olympic dream this time in kitefoiling – over the past four years, letting go of my study and more. Until the start of this year, 2024 committing myself to the wingfoiling tricks, foiling waves, racing with a wing, and actually winning competitions, having the best time of my life again on the water and in the ocean. All the way to re-starting my post graduate master, working with my very first clients as an accountant, enjoying all new responsibilities and challenges that are pushing me to grow in ways I hadn’t anticipated.
Who would have guessed I’d be here now?
Not everyone saw it coming, especially since I’ve always been the girl who does things a little differently. Whether it was playing soccer with the guys, running around barefoot, hated the “girls only” things, was studying every semester in a different country or choosing to spend my days out on the water instead of following the more “traditional” path, I’ve never been the one to stick to the norm. Some doubted whether I could combine the wild, unpredictable world of kitesurfing and wingfoiling with the discipline of accountancy and studying. (just like “they” did in my way into the Olympic kitefoiling world – “relentless, doerak & reckless” they called me, in my eyes a compliment though ). On one side “they” are right, I will always be the reckless and wild one outside doing things a little different and I’d never really trade in my wetsuit for a business suit for ever— but you know..? I don’t have to. I can stay true to myself and chase bigger dreams. I still have goals, dreams, and “things” to achieve in on the water and the snow I won’t let those go – promise! (read more about that later!)
There is no such thing as a perfect work-life-study-family balance. Everything worth fighting for throws your life out of balance
So yet here I am, doing exactly that. And if anything, those doubts fueled me to prove that I could thrive in both worlds. I’ve always believed that there’s no “right” way to chase your goals. You don’t have to fit into one box or follow one path. I’ve shown that you can ride the waves at sunrise and dive into client meetings by mid-morning, tackle real-world challenges and practice some more tricks in the sunset. And when its winter..? It`s time for trips, the snow or I get stronger in the gym. I see it as an opportunity to discover other “things” and sports (-which can be done in the dark…). It hasn’t been an easy ride, and it will not be easy this year either but I’ve always believed in doing things my own way, and that’s exactly what got me here.
I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunities I’ve been given—especially by the company that supports & coaches me in pursuing my RA title while still allowing me to chase my sporting dreams. It’s not every day that you find an environment that encourages both professional and personal growth. The chance to study further, to develop my skills, and to carve out a path that’s uniquely mine is something I don’t take for granted. Having the freedom to combine my passion for sports with the intellectual challenge of accountancy has been a game changer. It’s a rare balance, and I’m thankful for every step along the way. And the trust given.
Enter the rollercoaster ride with me!
From Waves to Offices: Embracing New Challenges
This year has been full of new beginnings and endings—closing some doors and opening others. Every day feels like a balance between the adrenaline of the ocean, wind, new tricks and the focus required for my studies and accounting work. Having my first client as an accountant was a milestone that felt as exhilarating as mastering a new trick on the water. Some days are still filled with board meetings & flip-flops on the beach—while some other days are polished shoes, fancy clothes and client meeting – days. It’s a transition I never expected, but one that fits perfectly with my dual path: top athlete in the water and aspiring Register Accountant.
The Girl Who Couldn’t Iron
Looking back, at home, we have to laugh. I was once that girl who couldn’t even iron a shirt properly. During home economics class, we had an assignment to iron a blouse for an exam. My teacher was a bit suspicious over me..when she gave me a wrinkled shirt to iron right there in class, got wet by me pressing the wrong buttons.… well, let’s just say that didn’t go so smoothly! I’ll admit it: I would have failed miserably if it was not my mom who stepped in last minute and got the shirt perfectly pressed ( and I took it to class carefully as I was – secretly switched the blouses), which helped me pass the test 10/10. That moment reminds me that we don’t have to be perfect to succeed. Perseverance—and sometimes a little help—goes a long way. Now, as I dive into my RA studies and work with clients, I’m still learning as I go, just like that girl who kept trying to iron despite the wrinkles. And guess what..? I became a pro in it.
The Challenge of Combining Two Worlds – my choices
These two worlds—surfing and accountancy—are completely different, but that’s what makes it so exciting. You’re never truly done learning, and for me, growth in both sports and academics is crucial. I missed having clear goals in both areas over the past few years, but now I’ve found that balance again. Every new experience has pushed me to new heights, whether on the water or in the office.
This time, it’s all about me—my choices, my journey, my future. I’ve come to understand how vital it is to pursue my path, not to please others or meet anyone else’s expectations, but because it’s what truly drives me. Whether it’s long hours in the gym, pushing through intense sport trainings, or competing in events, I’m doing it for my own growth and passion – which makes it fun! I’m no longer driven by sponsors, federations or outside validation; I’m fueled by the desire to succeed on my terms. Achieving financial independence has been a crucial part of this, giving me the freedom to shape my decisions around my goals, not someone else’s agenda or social media. The strength that comes from knowing everything I accomplish—whether in sport or in my career—is for myself, has been empowering. It’s about showing up for myself, building something lasting for my future, and proving that I can thrive in both the athletic and professional worlds with the same determination that’s carried me through every challenge so far. Embracing the challenge of combining the two worlds and blend it to one that’s 100% mine!
The Slippers at the Gala: Staying True to Myself
Speaking of staying true to myself; There’s one story that still makes me smile. At the end-of-year gala, the dress code was Gala —heels and a fancy dress were required to get in (no bags allowed). But I’ve always prioritized comfort, so I snuck a pair of slippers under my dress. Once I got through the door, I quickly swapped those painful heels for my comfy slippers and enjoyed the night in my own way. Even in formal settings, I stay true to myself—practical, comfortable, and ready to embrace every moment. Sure, the rules said “dress up,”. Just because the world expects you to look or act a certain way doesn’t mean you have to lose yourself.
Top Sport Skills: From Wetsuit to Business Suit
What I’ve realized is that the skills I’ve honed in top sport are valuable in my studies and career. The discipline to wake up early for training is the same discipline I need to power through long days with textbooks or spreadsheets. The mental resilience required to bounce back after a tough loss in sport directly translates to perseverance in business. The energy I gain from being on the water—the wind in my hair, the power of the waves—follows me into the office, fueling my focus and drive. And the energy saved in the office can be released after!
The Future: A Wild Ride with Endless Possibilities
Every new challenge, every experience is shaping me into who I’m becoming. I’m still that girl who once struggled to iron a shirt and the one who wore slippers at the gala, runs around barefoot—but now I’m someone who faces challenges head-on, takes the road less travelled with confidence, knowing that staying true to myself is the key to success and knowing that failure is part of the journey to better, a little help goes a long way, that ongoing development the “thing” is I need, and I will be always looking for in live.
This blog now captures my journey as I blend these two worlds into one—Competing, training – Surfing world of, kitesurfing, kitefoiling and wingfoiling (snowkiting) alongside my RA studies and my first steps into the business world. Building a solid foundation and balancing these two worlds isn’t easy, but the lessons from both have pushed me further than I ever imagined. From wetsuits to business suits and the other way around, from the freedom of the ocean to the precision of numbers—it’s been an unexpected and exciting ride. But that’s exactly what drives me to keep growing and embracing the future. Whether it’s the early mornings in the gym, studying hard for exams, or riding the waves during sunrise or sunset, practicing tricks during lunch time – I’m giving it my all.
The best part? This ride is far from over! I’m ready to keep pushing boundaries and ride this wave to the top!
