Kati Story: “Built by Waves, Guided by Instinct”

Some lives are carefully planned. Others are quietly felt into existence.
Kati’s story is not about escape or rebellion. It is about listening — to the soft inner voice that asks for growth, for depth, for more truth. From the stillness of Baltic lakes to the powerful waves of Nazaré, her journey has been shaped not by a master plan, but by instinct.
In this conversation, she speaks openly about fear, resilience, loneliness, healing, and the courage it takes to move toward something bigger than comfort. She reminds us that strength can be gentle, that fear can coexist with bravery, and that expansion often begins with a whisper.

This is not just a story about waves. It is a story about becoming.

Tell us your story.

I’ve always been a curious mind, wanting to explore the world and see what happens when you truly listen to your authentic self. I didn’t have a big master plan. I just kept saying yes to experiences that felt alive. Apparently, that path led me from Baltic lakes to surfing in Nazaré after only four years of surfing. I didn’t go there to watch — I went because something inside me wanted to feel it. My story is really just about following that quiet inner pull.

What did your life look like before, and why did you decide to change it?

I never had a bad life that I needed to escape from. Even when I had anorexia, it was hard, but I still managed to find moments of enjoyment during those years. I didn’t wake up one day wanting to change everything. I just always wanted to grow. To expand. To bring more experiences into my life that felt aligned with who I truly am. For me, it was never about running away — it was about moving toward something that felt more honest, more exciting, more me.

Do you feel your life has turned out differently than you previously thought? Have you found yourself different from who you thought you were?

It has turned out differently — but in the best way. I think we often believe we know what we want, but we don’t fully know what we need. Life keeps surprising me in ways I couldn’t have planned. And I’ve discovered that I’m both softer and stronger than I thought. More emotional, more resilient, more capable of things that once felt impossible. It keeps unfolding beautifully when I stop trying to control it and just flow with it.

If you could go back to the beginning, what would you do differently?

Honestly — nothing. Every mistake, every heartbreak, every risk, every “what am I doing?” moment shaped me. Even the painful chapters were teachers. If I removed them, I would remove the strength and clarity I have now. So I wouldn’t change a thing. I needed it all.

If someone is secretly dreaming about the lifestyle you are living now, what would
you tell them?

Don’t dream about having my life. Get inspired to discover yours. My path looks exciting from the outside, but it’s built on my personality, my fears, my desires, and my strange decisions. Your dream might look completely different. The real magic is not in copying someone else — it’s having the courage to ask yourself what you actually want and then daring to move toward it.

Is it scary to go on the adventure of a lifetime?

Yes. Nazaré was scary. It still is. I’m not someone who doesn’t feel fear — I feel it deeply. I think about everything that could go wrong. But I’ve learned that fear doesn’t mean stop — it means prepare, respect it, and grow. Courage isn’t the absence of fear. It’s choosing to face it anyway.

What was happening in your head?

In the beginning? Chaos. Thoughts about wipeouts, injuries, worst-case scenarios. Your mind is very creative in those moments. But then you realize you cannot think your way through a big wave. You have to quiet the noise. Breathe. Trust your training. Trust your instincts. In the end, it’s not about overthinking — it’s about presence..

Living the way you do, what was the hardest thing in this whole experience?

Sometimes it’s the loneliness. When you build something unconventional, you don’t always have a clear support system. There are moments when you wish someone could just say, “I’ve got you.” Being strong and independent is beautiful — but we are still human. We still need connection.

What would you suggest to people dreaming about this lifestyle?

First — be a good human. That matters more than any adventure. Second — stop comparing yourself to others or even to your past self. Comparison and expectations drain your energy faster than any challenge. Focus on how you show up every day. Focus on growth, integrity, and joy. The lifestyle is just a reflection of who you are becoming.

What are your next steps? Is there any adventure you are planning?

There are so many adventures in my heart — more time in Nazaré, more water, more growth, more unexpected countries. But I’ve learned that life doesn’t always follow neat plans. So I stay ready instead of rigid. I train, I work, I prepare… and I flow.

Follow my journey on:

@ katrinakruze 😉