Duotone Mag 2024

Her brother Carlos is still a bit in limbo with his next step. “I have to decide whether I should start university or get my head down and try to become the best windsurfer in the world. It’s a tough decision because obviously nothing’s ever guaranteed no matter how much you want it. On the other hand, I started my Vlog last year during a competition in Denmark. And I’m really loving it, I enjoy filming and editing a lot. It’s something that I can imagine doing for a job besides Windsurfing. So it comes down to deciding between studying at Uni and becoming a really smart drone pilot and videographer travelling the world filming and windsurfing, or prioritizing doing everything I can to become the next Windsurfing superstar… Or maybe I could do both?” Tobias adds: “I started business school this year and I’m planning on continuing to do ok there. But actually – I just want to windsurf! Being a professional windsurfer and becoming World Champion one day was always my goal, all while engaging in R&D work. So as a start, I really would like to do more testing for Duotone. Victor Fernandez is my role model, he does a lot of R&D work for Duotone and at the same time, he is still taking part in competitions. That’s what I’d love to do as well. I can’t imagine life without Windsurfing and I still want to chase my dream of becoming World Champion one day. What I find most exciting about R&D is being part of the innovation process. I’d like to explore new ideas, implement and test them, and ultimately drive them to a point where they become products everyone can enjoy. Helping to develop the best gear in the world, that’s what I’d love to do. And of course, ultimately becoming World Champion.” With a pretty clear picture of the future, Cesar adds “Next year I am going to study sports at a business school in Lyon which also includes sports event management. Additionally, I will concentrate on competitions. I am training really hard to reach the absolute top level in Windsurfing and do well in comps. Also, I’d like to organize windsurf travel experiences. I’ve always wanted to work in the sports sector, it’s where I belong and I am convinced there are a lot of opportunities. And the best thing is: I can keep doing what I love – Windsurfing.” Alexia, Carlos, Tobias and Cesar – four individual perspectives with differing paths, brought together by one identical core value: everything in life revolves around Windsurfing. It’s what fuels these young inspiring shredders and will ultimately define their journey through life. Hats off to their dedication and commitment. Carlos adds “Being one with the waves, wind and sun, that’s what makes me happy. Windsurfing is a difficult sport, especially when you aim to always be on the edge of what is possible. The thrill and the adrenaline are the best feelings.” Also, French Cesar, grew up with a Windsurfing dad, who inspired him. “My dad is a very dedicated waterman, he loves to windsurf, SUP, or surf and spends pretty much every spare moment on the water. When I was about 8 years old I started getting into Windsurfing myself and learning from him.” Talking about his dedication to the sport, Cesar adds “Windsurfing is a dream sport. It’s a mix of every water sport, you can jump, surf, and race, it’s just pure freedom. I’m into many other water sports too, but none of them beats the sensation of Windsurfing. Windsurfing is everything to me, it’s the most important thing in my life. It’s what I love most and going out with friends for a session makes it even better.” “Absolutely” Alexia confirms. “Being on the water with my brother or friends is always better than just going riding alone. You share the fun and the stoke.“ “The good thing is, we’re not in competition with each other, instead, we help each other to progress. Pushing the envelope together and going to our limits, it’s just so good to share the spot, the waves and the dreams,” says Cesar. Carlos adds “Windsurfing without friends is not the same. I’m very lucky to have a sister who loves Windsurfing as much as I do. We usually go out together and whenever I do something she cheers for me. That motivates me a lot. With Tobi, it’s the same. The two of them push me the most, that’s why they are so important to me.” With all four of them in their late teens, life as they know it is about to change. Not only will they soon start competing in the adult division, but every one of them also needs to decide where their life is heading. Alexia, the oldest of the four, already made her choice. She started university a year ago. “I am currently studying Business Administration and Tourism at the University in Gran Canaria. This still allows me a lot of freedom and time that I can dedicate to Windsurfing and other water sports, like surfing. Even though I don’t get out on the water that often anymore due to my studies, it’s important to me to keep all my options open in addition to Windsurfing. I’d love to have a job in the Windsurfing industry later in life, which would allow me to travel the world, discover new places and Windsurfing spots and also take part in competitions in all kinds of places. Although I’ve started university, I couldn’t imagine giving up my professional Windsurfing career in the foreseeable future. Because no matter what I do, I never spend my time better than Windsurfing.” “The good thing is, we’re not in competition with each other, instead, we help each other to progress.” “What I find most exciting about R&D is being part of the innovation process. I’d like to explore new ideas, implement and test them.” Rider  César Filippi D U O T O N E 115 W H Y F U T U R E