My Story
Fail
Stand UP
Move Forward
From a windsurfing kid to a professional snowboarder, adventurer, entrepreneur, avalanche survivor, and speed windsurfer. This is my story.
I am Jan Gyger, "The Viking".
Chapter 1
The Early Years
From a very young age, sport played a central role in my life. My father introduced me to many different sports, but windsurfing always held a special place.
On Lake Neuchâtel, I learned what freedom on the water feels like. That is where my first memories of wind, water, speed, and adventure were born.
Chapter 2
From Ski Racing to Snowboarding
My path first led me into competitive ski racing. Over time, however, I realized that the freedom and creativity of snowboarding attracted me far more than the pressure of traditional racing.
During the 1990s, I became a professional snowboarder, competing in national and international events while experiencing one of the most exciting eras in the sport's history.
Chapter 3
Travel, Freedom and Feel The Planet
Later, I exchanged competitions for adventure. I traveled around the world, lived in places such as Sri Lanka, India, and North America, and learned to see life from a different perspective.
Through Feel The Planet, I created a platform for projects centered around nature, freedom, and boardsports. This eventually led to concepts such as Bungeesurfing and PowSurfing.
"Sometimes a single moment awakens what has always been inside you."
Chapter 4
The Avalanche of 2022
In February 2022, an avalanche in the Swiss Alps changed my life. I was buried beneath the snow for forty minutes.
This experience changed my perspective on many things. I couldn't simply continue as before. The avalanche took a great deal from me — yet it also led me back to my roots.
Chapter 5
Back on the Water
After almost three decades away from the sport, I bought windsurfing equipment again. What started as a personal comeback soon turned into a new mission.
Through Point-7 and the international speed windsurfing community, I found my way back into competition. With every run my confidence grew. With every session I became bether and faster.
Chapter 6
SUI-39 and the Pursuit of 50 Knots
Today I compete under sail number SUI-39. Within just a few years, I achieved personal bests exceeding 40 knots and became part of the international Speed Family.
My next goals are clear: 45 knots over 500 meters, 40 knots over the nautical mile, and the magical barrier of 50 knots.
My story is proof that it is never too late to start again.
This is why I coach.
Because I know what it means to get fail. To start again. To rebuild and to keep moving forward. Everything I share today is not based on theory. It is based on experiences I have made and lived myself.
The Complete Story
This is only the short version. A longer version is told in From Dawn Till Dusk.
Photo Credits: Erich Gyger · Principe Baldini · Gaudenz Danuser · Fipu Zambelli · Eric Raymond · Aurelien Toulan