- Growing up landlocked in the middle of Germany, Nico felt the passion for surfing all his life, but it was until he got his driver's license and his own car before he deep dive into the world of surfing.
- Traveled the world with his wife, funding a slow, low-impact adventure with minimal costs—hitchhiking, camper vans, and micro-social projects like boosting a Sumatran guide’s business.
- Sees foiling as a game-changer, turning tiny tanker waves in his German backyard into thrilling sessions, especially through pump foiling’s social vibe.
- Recalls his first barrel by accident at Australia’s National Park—a fleeting, surreal moment where time slowed and the ocean’s muffled roar locked in his love for surfing.
- Launched Hoppline to funnel his industrial design background and surfing passion into honest reviews and creative reels, not to chase influencer fame but to share joy.
- Values authenticity over paid promotion, buying gear himself or returning it, ensuring reviews reflect real experience—like advising a 90kg follower against his 65kg setup.
- Embraces a non-traditional life, from quitting a Frankfurt design agency to surfing daily on the Gold Coast, accepting career gaps for freedom and growth.
- Finds purpose in helping followers with technical tips—e.g., tweaking mast positions or stabilizers—saving them cash and earning trust through candid, unpaid advice.
Follow Hoppline on Instagram: instagram.com/hoppline / Check out Hoppline on YouTube: youtube.com/@hoppline
Chapters
00:00 The Journey of an Influencer
02:56 Passion for Surfing: A Lifelong Adventure
06:13 The Evolution of Surfing Skills
08:49 Traveling the World: A Surfing Odyssey
11:51 The Impact of Foiling on Surfing
14:57 Living the Dream: Traveling and Giving Back
18:11 Environmental Awareness and Social Projects
20:58 The Challenges of a Non-Traditional Path
24:07 The Foiling Revolution: A New Chapter
29:20 The Joy of Community in Pumping and Surfing
30:10 Introducing Hopline: Passion Meets Profession
33:08 Navigating the Challenges of Content Creation
36:25 Balancing Family Life and Influencer Responsibilities
38:30 The Importance of Authenticity in Marketing
42:01 The Evolution of Content and Brand Relationships
46:11 Technical Insights: Merging Physics with Experience
48:39 Recovery and Resilience After Injury
52:31 Closing Thoughts and Future Aspirations
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