Ole Werner Envisions a Surfer’s Life After Bundesliga Coaching
Ole Werner, the 36-year-old head coach of Werder Bremen, is contemplating a career as a surfing instructor once his Bundesliga coaching days come to an end.
In an interview with "Bild am Sonntag," Werner said, "Why not? You don’t have to stand on the board yourself anymore, but only explain how it’s done. It’s not totally absurd for me – you could do that."
Werner has been at the helm of Werder Bremen since November 2021, but his roots are in the northern German state of Schleswig-Holstein, a region known for its tourism and water sports.
"I come from an area where tourism, especially water sports, plays a significant role. I have a lot of friends who make a living from it," said Werner, who played and coached for Holstein Kiel for many years.
He envisions a future where he can contribute to his hometown’s tourism industry. "I could well imagine working in the hotel business, gastronomy, or even in surf schools," Werner said.
Werner’s passion for surfing began in his youth. He spent countless hours riding the waves along the beaches of Schleswig-Holstein. As an adult, he continued to surf whenever his coaching schedule permitted.
"Surfing is a great way to relax and clear my head. It’s a fantastic sport that combines physical activity with mental well-being," Werner said.
He believes that his coaching experience would translate well to teaching surfing. "Both involve conveying knowledge and motivating people to improve their skills. It’s all about creating a positive and supportive environment where individuals can learn and grow," Werner explained.
Werner is not the first Bundesliga coach to consider a second career in surfing. Former Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund manager Jürgen Klopp has expressed a similar desire. Klopp, who is known for his love of water sports, has said that he would consider opening a surf school in his hometown of Mainz after retiring from coaching.
While Werner’s transition to surf instructor is not imminent, it is a testament to the growing popularity of surfing in Germany and the appeal of a lifestyle that combines outdoor adventure with personal fulfillment.
In the meantime, Werner remains focused on his coaching duties at Werder Bremen. He has guided the club to a respectable mid-table position in the Bundesliga and is hoping to lead them to a successful season in the upcoming UEFA Europa Conference League.
But even as he navigates the ups and downs of professional football, Werner knows that his future lies in the pursuit of his passions, both on and off the pitch. And when the time comes to hang up his coaching boots, he will likely find himself back in the water, sharing his love of surfing with others.
