Tania Rosenkranz is the founder of Free Your Mind Experience, which is not only a kite school based in Tarifa. It’s a way of life, a different “experience” where to discover kitesurf, catch the best waves, explore undiscovered spots in Morocco, Spain, and other destinations around the world.
Can you tell us more about the beginning of Free Your Mind?
I founded Free your Mind alone back in 2010. I had a cafeteria and thought it would be perfect to add a kitesurfing school to it. My partner I met then in 2012 and from there on, we moved together. I live every day to the fullest. I have traveled the world always chasing the wind, riding waves and back then I decide to share my passion and get people hooked into the fascination that is kitesurfing. Now, Free your Mind is THE travel partner when it comes to kitesurfing and surf tuition, accommodation, guiding around Tarifa, and traveling worldwide, with a German touch, plus an international experienced team to offer one thing: the passion for kitesurfing and motivation to teach you this wonderful sport.
Why did you choose “Free your mind” as the name of your business?
I was brainstorming very long, over quite some drinks with plenty of friends about the right name.. And one moment, the famous 80’s song, “Free your mind and your ass will follow” came up and it was done! And still now, after 10 years.. the name fits just perfect. Not just to my business, but to my life ;)
Now you are in Sri Lanka, where you are opening a kitesurf center/hotel. How is it to keep this “nomadic” lifestyle with a lovely child (Tay) and a family?
Unfortunately, because of COVID, it looks that the hotel will have a relevant delay with the opening, so we are looking for another opportunity incl. getting back home to Tarifa right now. It’s not always as easy, to live this kind of life with a family. It means, getting up at 5 am to work a few hours before Tay gets up. Getting him done some homeschooling, or he goes with dad to surf, while I work more… Then by midday, I also try to spend some time in the water or on my yoga mat, either practicing for myself or coaching some private clients. Right now, I am also developing a movement sequence for different types of kitesurfers, looking forward to releasing this soon!
We see your businesses are based in Africa or other developing countries (Morocco, Sri Lanka, Zanzibar) with many financial and social obstacles, how is it to run and manage businesses there?
Yes, it’s always a challenge to work and live very abroad in this kind of country. I think the main value you need to bring is tolerance, even in most pressure or difficult moments. To immerse yourself too much. In the beginning, I thought, it’s needed, but actually now I find that you will always be the outsider, foreigner, white one or stranger. Which also has it’s good sides in some terms, as of respect.
What were your challenges and obstacles to grow your business?
I think it’s always a challenge to work with a team and different people, as especially in this industry, people have their own character, hierarchies are low and it’s not always easy to find the flow with others. Which can create frustrations and delays. With all that is around, it’s not always easy to invest your energy in the right direction and stick to it. Especially me, I like to do different projects and get easily driven away.
Why did you choose Tarifa in Spain as a base?
I came to Tarifa in 2007 and traveled the world since then looking for other places to stay and live in the long term. But, always I came back home, to Tarifa. I just could and cannot find another place which has it all, such as Tarifa. Besides this, the energy nature has to offer is unique! Tarifa is a dynamic place even if there is no wind! Its geographical location allows you to easily access other whitewashed typical Andalusian villages, get a ferry from Tarifa to Tangier, visit Gibraltar, actively spend the day hiking around Tarifa or simply relax on the beach that can be directly accessed from the old town.
What was your biggest challenge with Wave Wahines so far and how did you face it?
As with most community based things it’s keeping the costs low to our participants as affordability is really important to me, whilst still ensuring all costs are covered and we can provide additional equipment for training out of the water, too.
Also we used to get asked all the time ‘What about boys?’. Luckily I have always had a lot of research to call on to support that decision. By now people can see why it is needed and why it works.
According to you, is there a magic recipe for a successful kitesurf & yoga camp? An indispensable skill to be applied every day?
Be fully in your heart. I have to admit, there is no more to add here… I think it’s important to be a yoga teacher but also a kite teacher at the same time, as you will just understand the guest so much more and can adapt your sessions really to his/her needs.
You are considered as an expert in the kitesurf industry, you have been THE first female judge during the GKA World Tour kitesurfing competition and you recently participated in the Ultimate test guide for kitesurf materials in 2020. How important is it for you to be part of these events?
I have been in the industry for around 15 years and it’s compared to others, a quiet small industry, so by the time you know everyone and it’s nice to catch up for this kind of event and be part of it.
We know it is a difficult time for the tourism industry in general. We'd love to hear about your plans for the next year.
I think people will always travel. How long it will take to come back, I don’t know. For now, the tourism industry is one of the most affected of all.. We have some projects in development, so yes, there is definitely coming more!
Interviewed by Sara Salmaso
Traveller & dreamer. Addicted to magic moments and sunsets. Wind and waves lover. Always looking for the best spot where to chill, kitesurf, surf, and smile all day long.
Interviews with surf entrepreneurs
