An Interview with Jessica from Inner Ocean Coaching

Some people go to the ocean to surf. Others to swim, to play, to escape.
But for Jessica, the ocean is a mirror. It reflects back who you really are — stripped of masks, roles, and the noise of daily life. It’s the place where she helps people reconnect with their “Wesentlichkeit”, their essence, the truest version of themselves.

Through Inner Ocean Coaching, she combines a unique blend of psychological guidance, breathwork, body awareness, and surfing. The result is not just therapy, not just coaching, but a deep journey back to yourself — whether online, in a retreat villa by the sea, or out in the line-up, paddling for a wave.

Her mission is simple but radical: to help people stop bending themselves to fit life, and instead reshape life to fit who they truly are.

“Freiheit beginnt da, wo du aufhörst, dich zu verbiegen”

— freedom begins where you stop twisting yourself out of shape

We spoke with her about the story behind Inner Ocean, why the ocean is such a powerful catalyst for transformation, and what it really takes to live a life that feels fully yours.

Hi Jessica! How did Inner Ocean Coaching come to life? What inspired you to combine surfing, psychology, and breathwork in your work?

Inner Ocean was born from a simple idea: that growth and real change happen best when body, mind, and nature come together.

It all started in 2014, on my first surf trip in South France. When I came out of the water, I realised I hadn’t thought about anything for the past two hours - and for a master overthinker like me, that was pretty special.

So, that experience made me wonder: what if I could combine that feeling with my background in psychology? Surfing, breathwork, and mindful bodywork help you reconnect with your body, while psychology helps you understand the deeper patterns and beliefs shaping your experience — so you gain clarity about who you are, what you want, and the choices you make. And with nature as the backdrop, it becomes a powerful way to quiet the mind and focus on what truly matters.

What were some of the biggest challenges you faced as a female entrepreneur launching Inner Ocean Coaching, and how did you overcome them?

I think entrepreneurship always comes with challenges, regardless of gender. For me, it was about learning to trust my own voice and vision in a field that’s a little unconventional. Not everyone instantly understood the mix of surfing, psychology, and nature-based coaching, but staying grounded in my purpose and clear on why I started helped me navigate the doubts and keep moving forward.

Surf therapy is gaining recognition as a powerful mental health tool. Can you explain how surfing specifically supports stress reduction and emotional healing?

Surfing is so much more than a sport, it’s a way to bring body, mind, and nature into sync. Research shows that water has a unique calming effect on our nervous system. Marine biologist Wallace J. Nichols calls this the ‘Blue Mind’ — a relaxed yet alert state where creativity, clarity, and emotional balance naturally rise.

When you surf, you enter a flow state. Your brain waves slow to alpha and theta patterns, linked to presence and relaxation, while the physical movement and the ocean as a blue space stimulate the vagus nerve, easing stress and anxiety. This unique mix of challenge and surrender during surfing builds resilience and emotional flexibility.

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In today’s fast-paced world, many people feel disconnected from themselves and nature. How do you think surfing and nature therapy can restore that connection?

We live in a world that’s always rushing — phones buzzing, deadlines looming, minds on overdrive. No wonder so many of us feel disconnected, not just from nature, but from ourselves. Surfing and nature therapy invite us to slow down, reconnect with our bodies, and be present.

Being in the ocean or in nature wakes something primal in us. It reminds us we’re part of a larger living system. Nature therapy calms the nervous system, lowers stress hormones, and restores balance. Science shows time in green and blue spaces boosts mood, creativity, and immune health.

Surfing adds another layer — it requires presence, resilience, and trust. Paddling out sharpens your senses — you feel the waves, the wind, you hear the sound of crushing waves. This grounds you, pulls you out of your head, and back into your body. This breaks the cycle of disconnection and brings flow, awareness, and a deep sense of belonging - to nature and yourself.

The ocean plays a central role in your Inner Ocean Method. How does being near or in the water facilitate deeper psychological and emotional breakthroughs for your clients?

The ocean creates a unique space where real change can happen. Being in or near the water helps people soften their defenses and tune into their feelings — without judging themselves. The vast, moving ocean invites you to let go and be present, which makes it easier to face emotions and release old habits. It’s like a natural mirror, helping people find clarity and make shifts that can be harder to reach on land.

For example: When you fall off your board, do you give up or get back up and try again? How do you handle moments when you lose control — do you panic or find a way to stay calm? The ocean reflects how we deal with challenges, teaching us resilience, presence, and self-trust.

You mention guiding people “back to their essence.” How do you define ‘essence,’ and why is reconnecting with it so important for mental well-being?

When I talk about ‘essence,’ I mean the authentic, often hidden part of ourselves — the core that feels true and genuine. It’s not a fixed or perfect state, but the part of us that remains untouched beneath life’s challenges and wounds. Imagine layers of pain, conditioning, and protective patterns that we develop to survive difficult experiences like childhood wounds, high expectations, or emotional loneliness. This is what often hides our essence.

Reconnecting with essence is about gently peeling back those layers through healing and integration. It’s a process of rediscovering that inner compass which guides your decisions and helps you live with authenticity and clarity. So essence is not some vague spiritual concept, it’s a deeply human grounded process.

Can you share a specific moment or story where your coaching — combining ocean therapy and psychology — truly transformed someone’s life?

I’ve had lots of memorable moments, but two really stand out and show what Inner Ocean is all about.

M. came in carrying a lot of unspoken pain. She always felt like she had to be perfect — especially for others. Her parents were always worried about what people might think, so she lost touch with her own voice and what she really wanted. For the first time during an ocean meditation, she found a safe space to just be real, to not hold back any longer. She let herself cry, break down, and dropped the strong, confident mask she’d been wearing since years. She said, “I’m lost. I’m 34, stuck in a job I hate, carrying so much responsibility, and all I want is a break. To travel, to actually live before I get too old.” Seeing her live that truth now still moves me deeply.

And then there’s L., whose breakthrough wasn’t just from surfing or the ocean, but also from guided psilocybin coaching — we were working with magic truffles in the Netherlands. I’ve seen amazing shifts with people who’ve been stuck in therapy for years. For L., it was the first time he really faced his pain, the grief from losing his dad, someone he felt he couldn’t save. He’d convinced himself he was fine for years, but that session cracked things open. He stills sends me flowers every year on the anniversary of that day.

These stories show how different everyone’s path is. But what ties them together is the powerful shift that happens when body, mind, and nature come together.

What role does community and group coaching play in your retreats? How does sharing the ocean experience with others enhance personal growth?

I’ve done group retreats in the past and seen how powerful community can be — that feeling of being truly seen, without shame, and sharing the energy of others on similar journeys. It’s a beautiful thing.

But over time, I realized I’m more drawn to 1:1 coaching. I care a lot about deep connection and really getting to know each person’s unique story. That kind of personal exploration can be harder in a group.

It’s not about one being better than the other — both have their magic. It’s just that, for me personally, working one-on-one feels like a better fit to support real, lasting growth.

Many entrepreneurs struggle to balance business, creativity, and self-care. How do you manage this balance in your own life?

I think balance is vital in everything we do, not just business. It’s something I try to be very aware of, especially while juggling two businesses like step into motion (a digital platform for cancer aftercare) and Inner Ocean.

Both are deeply meaningful to me and actually give me energy instead of draining me.

I’ve learned that tuning into my body and mind every day is key, to notice when I need to slow down, move, or just go into nature. Surfing and time in nature are non-negotiable for me, they recharge my creativity and keep me grounded.

Setting clear boundaries between work and rest helps a lot, but sometimes I slip up and that’s totally okay. Balance isn’t about being perfect, it’s about being gentle with yourself and adjusting as life happens.

What advice would you give to Someone who wants to start their own business in niche or unconventional fields like surf therapy or eco-coaching?

My advice is simple: trust your unique voice and vision. In unconventional fields, there’s often skepticism or misunderstanding — but that’s exactly why your authenticity matters so much. Don’t try to fit into someone else’s mold or expectations.

And most importantly, be patient with the process and surround yourself with people who truly support you. Your path might not be the easiest, but it will be deeply rewarding if you stay true to what moves you. It might not always be the easiest path, but staying true to what moves you makes it deeply rewarding.

What is your favorite part about coaching people through Inner Ocean? What do you find most rewarding?

What I love most about coaching is witnessing those moments when someone truly reconnects with themselves — when they shift from being stuck in their head to feeling alive in their body. It’s those flashes of clarity, presence, and genuine authenticity that make all the effort so worth it.

What I love most is seeing people really find their own strength and just be themselves — honestly and openly. Being part of that process, especially with the mix of ocean, surfing and psychology, is something I’m genuinely grateful for every day.

What’s one insight or mindset shift you hope everyone who works with Inner Ocean Coaching takes away to live a more balanced and fulfilled life?

What I really hope people take away from Inner Ocean Coaching is that balance isn’t about doing everything perfectly. It’s about tuning in to yourself, respecting what you need, and giving yourself room to be both strong and vulnerable. It’s less about constantly pushing and more about being present and listening to what YOU really want.

Least but not Last: where can our Surfpreneurs community learn more about you, your coaching, and upcoming retreats or programs?

The best way to stay in the loop and learn more about Inner Ocean Coaching, retreats, and upcoming programs is through my website. I also share a lot on Instagram — things like behind-the-scenes moments, coaching insights, personal experiences…

I’m always happy to connect with new people curious about the work, so don’t hesitate to reach out for a chat or a free discovery call. Let’s see how Inner Ocean can support your journey.

Website: www.innerocean-coaching.com

Instagram: innerocean_coaching

RIDING THE WAVES BACK TO YOURSELF