In the world of surfing, there are few stories that are as inspiring to us as that of Ben Neumann. As a young boy, Ben lost his sight due to a genetic defect, but instead of being discouraged by this challenge, he continued - and with great success. Today, the 19-year-old is not only known as a blind surfer, but has also won bronze in parasurfing and is constantly on the move internationally. Always accompanied by his yellow helmet with three black dots, he surfs waves with impressive precision and skill. From the outside, you wouldn't know that he can't see - at least not with his eyes.

And that's not all: In addition to surfing, Ben has developed a passion for yoga. A practice that helps him to bring body and mind into harmony. He practices on his hejhej-mat almost every day. We are impressed by his remarkable journey and are very happy that Vera from the hejhej-team can ask him a few questions.

Dear Ben, would you like to introduce yourself briefly and tell us how you got into surfing and yoga?

I live in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, a town in the Bavarian Alps and probably the last place that springs to mind when you think of surfing. I have always enjoyed sport and exercise, so it was clear that we as a family had to find ways to keep me involved in different sports even after I went blind. Since my parents have always practiced yoga, I went to a children's yoga group as a child. When my eyesight quickly deteriorated, I switched to my parents' adult group. Today, yoga is an integral part of my training week.

When I started surfing, I was already legally blind, meaning my vision was less than 2 percent. When I was 13, my parents gave me a surfing course and a few minutes of flying in the Jochen Schweizer Arena, a Munich sports and leisure hall, for my birthday. Both the parachute flight simulation in the flight tower and surfing on the standing indoor wave went amazingly well and, above all, were fun. Water is my element, so I never let go of the surfing bug.

How do you relate to yoga and surfing?

My yoga routine helps me surf in many ways: In addition to my strength training in the gym, I use yoga to strengthen my core muscles, improve my flexibility and sharpen my balance. Breathing techniques and breathing exercises help me to be washed under water for longer periods in heavy waves without panicking, and I also feel that yoga gives me the mental strength to make the right decisions when surfing in challenging conditions.

For many people, the sea is overwhelming with its powerful presence. How do you perceive the sea? How would you describe your connection to water and waves?

As I said, water has always been my element. When I was swimming as a baby, it was hard to convince me that the half hour was over. Since I became blind, water has been a pleasant place for me on a new level. In the water, there is nothing in my way that I can trip over. Water appeals to the senses I have left. You don't have to see to hear the roaring sea, taste the salt and feel the power of the waves in all their natural beauty.

The sentence “Blindness is seeing with your imagination" is very present on your Instagram profile – Would you like to share what the sentence specifically means to you?

I live in a world without images. However, I don't see this as a limitation of my perception; rather, it sharpens my other senses and stimulates my imagination. This allows me to "see" the waves and, figuratively speaking, the world, in a unique and intuitive way.

Were there any special moments or experiences in which you particularly felt how strong your confidence in yourself and your abilities was?

Humans are visual creatures and that is how they shape their world. Blindness brings countless challenges with it every day that need to be overcome. The tireless support of my family has helped me to master small things first and then bigger and bigger. In keeping with my motto: No Limits, I am on a path with ups and downs. The highs ensure that the next low is overcome. Surfing and skiing in a way that is generally not considered possible for a blind person naturally boosts self-confidence.

How has your life changed overall since you started surfing and doing yoga? Are there any aspects that you particularly value or that have become particularly important to you?

Surfing is many things to me. It is sport, fun, passion, a lifestyle, but also therapy. Hardly anything gives me as much vitality as surfing. Yoga helps me with this.

What would you like to share with other people from your experiences so far?

I learned early on that life sometimes turns out differently than planned. Of course it is good to have long-term goals, but I can only recommend that everyone consciously notice and appreciate the little things along the way - in order to make the most of every day.

And of course: No Limits!

Thank you very much for the great and inspiring conversation, Ben.

Photo credits: @seatechfoto

Did you know that blind yoga exists? Would you like to try it out? Then we have several classes ready for you on our YouTube channel . Here is a 30-minute session with the blind yoga teacher Hansi for you: