Rider Story: Ben Neumann
Adaptive Surfer · Athlete · Germany · Blind Surfing
By BbTalkin Europe | Last updated: April 2026
At a Glance: Ben Neumann and BbTalkin
- German adaptive surfer who surfs without sight, guided by his father from the beach in real time.
- ISA Para Surfing bronze medallist.
- Uses the BbTalkin Standard 3.0 with the Surf Cap Headset for full-duplex shore-to-water communication.
- Full-duplex, hands-free, IPX7 waterproof. No push-to-talk, no phone signal needed.
- Father and son: setup uses two Standard 3.0 units paired together at up to 1000 metres open-water range.
Who is Ben Neumann?
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 and son: a 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 BbTalkin 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 BbTalkin, 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.
“BbTalkin 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 BbTalkin 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. BbTalkin 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Ben Neumann use BbTalkin while surfing?
Ben Neumann uses two BbTalkin Standard 3.0 units paired together: one worn under his Surf Cap Headset, the other operated by his father on the beach. The system runs full-duplex, so his father can give continuous verbal guidance about wave timing, position, and direction without any push-to-talk button. Range covers up to 1000 metres in open water with line of sight.
What headset does Ben Neumann use?
Ben Neumann uses the BbTalkin Surf Cap Headset, integrated into a neoprene surf cap that holds position through wipeouts and full submersion. The Surf Cap Headset is built for surfers who do not wear a hard helmet, with the speaker mounted in the cap material directly.
Is BbTalkin suitable for adaptive sports coaching?
BbTalkin is suitable for any sport requiring real-time shore-to-water or rider-to-rider communication, including adaptive surfing, adaptive sailing, and visually impaired water sports. The IPX7 waterproof rating, full-duplex audio, and off-grid operation make it the practical choice for adaptive athletes who rely on continuous verbal guidance.
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