Rider Portrait: Patrick Federi
Introduction
Can you please introduce yourself and tell us a little about your background?
Married to a wonderful woman and father to a teenager, I work as the Head of UX in a software company, and after years of rowing in my youth and skiing and telemarking (free you heels) across frozen landscapes, I’ve rediscovered my passion for water sports with SUP over a decade ago. I am also the developer of Indiana Paddle & Surf Board- and Foilfinder.
How did you first get introduced to pumpfoiling?
I first tried pumpfoiling at the Ambassador Day hosted by Indiana in 2022, marking an exciting new chapter in my passion for water sports. In short, I was hooked from the first moment.
Journey into Pumpfoiling
What attracted you to pumpfoiling in the first place?
The sensation of flying over water.
Can you describe your first experience with pumpfoiling?
Slipping as if on a banana peel.
How long did it take you to become proficient?
About a year. I never counted my attempts.
Challenges
What was the biggest challenge you faced when learning to pumpfoil?
Finding the right pumping rhythm.
Have you ever had any accidents or close calls?
Unfortunately yes.
During one of my first dock-to-dock attempts, I got caught on a post with my foil and fell backwards into the water, unfortunately landing on my back on another wooden post half a meter under the water surface; thankfully, the water slowed my fall, teaching me a valuable lesson: always check your surroundings.
In another session, I ran aground on a gravel bank at full speed and then fell sideways onto it, reminding me once again of the crucial lesson: always check your surroundings.
What advice would you give to beginners?
Wear a helmet and protective vest, find a suitable dock and a community to learn from, implement one tip at a time, and choose the right equipment. And don’t give up. You will nail it sooner or later.
Passion and Motivation
What keeps you going in the sport?
The proximity to water and all the beautiful moments shared with the community.
Do you have any specific goals or milestones you’re aiming for?
Cruise from dock to dock along the shores of Lake Zurich.
Cross-Training and Other Interests
Are you involved in any other water sports or activities?
Yes, Standup Paddling and Yoga.
How do other sports or activities complement your pumpfoiling?
Yoga to keep flexible and stand-up paddling to keep fit. But to be honest, I love pumpfoiling so much that I try to spend as much time as possible on the water.
Gear and Equipment
Can you talk about your gear? What do you recommend for beginners?
Try to get your own equipment as soon as possible as consistency is key. A large foil with considerable lift will help you progress quickly. Bear in mind that you’ll soon need to switch to a different foil, so it’s wise to start off with a second-hand one. Once you’ve mastered the basics, you’ll be able to spot the differences and invest in a setup that suits you best.
How important is the role of technology in pumpfoiling?
Very important. The right front wing helped me improve significantly.
Community and Lifestyle
How has pumpfoiling impacted your lifestyle?
I’ve found something that grounds me outside of work. There’s nothing better than starting the day with a pump session and then heading to work; after that, nothing can phase me.
Are you part of a community or group that shares your passion?
Yes, I am an Indiana Ambassador, co-founder of the Pumpfoiling Community, and a Flatwatersquad Rider, but the truly wonderful aspect is the myriad of encounters at the dock with diverse personalities, genders, and ages, all sharing the same passion.
Closing
What’s next for you in the world of pumpfoiling?
Visit as many docks as possible and meet new people who share the passion.
Any shoutouts or people you’d like to thank?
- Maurus Strobel from Indiana Paddle & Surf for supporting me as an ambassador since 10+ years.
- Sorin Radu for beeing my pump buddy since day one and cofounder of this community.
- Flo for being a good friend and the time on the water.
- Mes amis de la Romandie: Steeve Le Doigt, Léo Berner et Fred Ducry.
- The Pumpfoiling Community Supporters: Andrea, Philipp Huber, Andi, Kilian, Mike, Mitsch and Linus
- Zeno Davatz for the constant recruitment of more pumpfoilers.
- Mitsch “Muesch hässig”, Mike “Pump with both legs”, Anja for the running start and Yvon “you need to land like a cat” for giving me the most precious tips.
- Philipp Huber and Stöff for the Lunch Pump Sessions.
- André Becchio for the early morning sessions.
- Sabine and the two Brunos for the Friday morning sessions at Mythenquai.
- Katrin, Sarah, Philipp Exner, Andreas, Res, Domi, Andrea, Christian, Dave, Dieter, Fabio, Kuba, Marcel, Niek, Philipollo, Pietro, René, Andreas, Devon, Gunnar, Hannes, Julien, Razvan, Andy, Pascal, Robin, Kilian, Urbi, Pascal, Jérome, James, Michi, Fede, Todd and many more for sharing time on the water.
Happy Birthday Patrick! 🎂 See you at the dock. 🤙