Athlete Story: Ben Neumann
Adaptive Surfer · Germany · Blind Surfing
Ben Neumann is a German adaptive surfer whose journey in blind surfing is defined by resilience, trust, and the power of precise communication in extreme water environments.
Surfing without sight
Ben surfs without vision, relying entirely on spatial awareness, instinct, and real-time verbal guidance to read waves, timing, and direction.
Blind surfing requires absolute trust between athlete and coach, where clear communication becomes not just a performance tool, but a fundamental element of safety on the water.
A father–son coaching partnership
Ben trains and surfs alongside his father in a close father–son coaching partnership, built on constant communication, shared focus, and mutual trust.
In this setup, real-time instruction allows Ben to receive guidance on wave positioning, take-off timing, speed, and potential hazards while remaining fully hands-free on the board.
Real-time communication in adaptive surfing
To support Ben’s blind surfing journey, the team uses BB Talkin EU waterproof communication systems during coaching sessions in wave pools, rivers, and open ocean conditions.
Real-time, full-duplex communication enables instant feedback without interruption, allowing Ben to adjust his line and positioning immediately while maintaining confidence and flow on the wave.
“For blind surfing, communication is everything. With BB Talkin, I can guide Ben in real time, describing the wave, timing, and direction. It turns challenging conditions into controlled, safe, and enjoyable sessions.”
Training across diverse conditions
Ben has trained and surfed in a wide range of environments, from wave pools in Switzerland and Germany to open ocean breaks in Central America and Southeast Asia.
Across changing water conditions, weather, and wave sizes, consistent audio clarity and long-range communication remain essential to maintaining safety and effective coaching.
Confidence, safety, and progression
For blind surfers, safety is inseparable from performance. Immediate communication reduces uncertainty, helps manage risk, and builds confidence on every wave.
By receiving calm, precise instructions in real time, Ben is able to focus fully on balance, timing, and feel—allowing technique and confidence to progress naturally.
“BB Talkin allows Ben to ‘see’ the wave through my voice. That level of clarity and reliability has changed how we surf together and how confident he feels in challenging conditions.”
Adaptive sport and high-performance mindset
Ben’s approach to blind surfing reflects a high-performance mindset rooted in preparation, communication, and adaptability. Each session is treated as a structured training opportunity, where safety, precision, and trust work together to unlock progression.
Shared values on the water
Ben Neumann and BB Talkin EU share a commitment to accessibility, safety, and performance in demanding water environments. Through reliable communication and thoughtful coaching, blind surfing becomes not only possible, but empowering.
“As a father, safety is everything. BB Talkin allows me to guide Ben in real time, warning him about timing, direction, and potential hazards. It has drastically reduced risks and given him confidence on every wave.”
Safety as the foundation of performance
In blind surfing, safety is not separate from performance. Clear communication is the foundation that allows confidence, trust, and progression to exist in challenging water environments.
Instant verbal guidance helps Ben anticipate wave behavior, avoid hazards, and make informed decisions while remaining fully focused on balance and flow.
Designed for demanding water conditions
Blind surfing places exceptional demands on equipment, requiring reliability in heavy water, strong wind, and long training sessions without interruption.
Waterproof construction, stable long-range communication, and hands-free operation allow coaching to continue seamlessly across wave pools, rivers, and open ocean conditions.
Follow Ben's journey here
