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5x PODIUM @ GWA WORLD CUP TARIFA

From New Faces to Seasoned Champs – Tarifa Was Ours!

The 2025 GWA World Cup Tarifa delivered four days of explosive Surf-Freestyle action, and our Duotone team showed up stronger than ever. With 7 out of 8 finalists and 5 out of 6 podium finishes, the event marked a huge success for our international squad – from world champions to rising stars.

Big thanks to Benjamin May for taking over our Instagram Stories during the event and keeping us updated with all the action!
Missed it? You can still check it out here: https://www.instagram.com/stories/highlights/18032300285443910/

Mar de Arce Shines at Home

Local hero Mar de Arce delivered a stellar performance to take her first-ever Surf-Freestyle World Cup win, edging out World Champion and teammate Nia Suardiaz in a heated final on home turf. With confidence, style, and precision, Mar sealed her victory in front of a roaring crowd at Valdevaqueros Beach.

Just behind her, reigning World Champ Nia Suardiaz claimed 2nd place, continuing her incredible run of podium finishes. Nia also finished 1st in the Big Air Challenge taking place after the event.

In her World Cup debut, 15-year-old Marie Schlittenbauer from Germany stunned everyone by advancing to the final and taking 3rd in her first ever GWA event, confirming her place as one of the most exciting young talents on tour.

French powerhouse Manon Dupé also flew the Duotone flag strong, finishing 4th after consistent heats throughout the event - she is the youngest from all!

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»Winning my first World Cup here in Tarifa, at home, with all my friends and family on the beach – it’s honestly a dream come true. It was an emotional week with some ups and downs, and the level was super high, so coming out on top means even more. I’ve been training hard for this moment, and I’m incredibly proud to take this win at home. Huge thanks to everyone who supported me – and to the Duotone team for always having my back!«
— Mar de Arce

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Final Results Women’s Division (4x Duotone rider):

Mar de Arce (Spain)
Nia Suardiaz (Spain)
Marie Schlittenbauer (Germany)
Manon Dupe (France)
Bowien van der Linden & Kylie Belloeuvre

GWA25_TARIFA_Marie Schlittenbauer_W1000288_SamuCardenas

»I still can’t believe it – my first GWA contest and already on the podium! Competing alongside riders I’ve looked up to for so long was an amazing experience. I felt super nervous at first, but once I hit the water, I just focused on doing my thing. Huge thanks to everyone who supported me and made this possible – I’m beyond stoked and so motivated for what’s next!«
— Marie Schlittenbauer

Acherer Bros & Rocco Storm the Men’s Final

In the men’s division, it was all about the next generation – and the Duotone boys were right in the mix. Aleks Acherer battled his way through the semis with clean, high-scoring tricks and delivered a near-perfect final to secure 2nd place, just behind Benjamin Castenskiold.

Tomas Acherer, who had been landing some of the highest individual trick scores in the event, joined his brother on the podium in 3rd. Right behind them, Rocco Sotomayor brought his signature flair and determination to the water, earning 4th place in his first-ever GWA World Cup final.

»Stoked to make it into the final and finish 2nd here in Tarifa! The level was super high, and sharing the podium with my brother Tomas made it even more special. We’ve both been pushing hard this season, and this result shows we’re heading in the right direction. Big thanks to everyone supporting us!«
— Aleks Acherer

Breakthrough for Charlie Loch

Charlie Loch also made his mark in the men’s division. With stylish combos and big scores in the quarterfinals, Charlie advanced to the semis and showed he’s ready to mix it up with the best in the world. A strong showing that hints at even bigger things to come.

Charlie Loch: "Had a blast competing in Tarifa! Finishing 5th is a solid result, but I’m definitely hungry for more. Huge thanks to Duotone for always backing me with the best gear. Now it’s time to switch gears – the Youth World Cup kicks off!"

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Final Results Men’s Division (4x Duotone riders in top 5):

Benjamin Castenkiodla (Denmark)
Aleksander Acherer (Austria)
Tomas Acherer (Austria)
Rocco Sotomayor (Italy)
Charlie Loch (UK)

»Making it to my first-ever World Cup final and finishing 4th feels incredible – it was so close! The level was insane, and to ride in a final with the Acherer twins and Benjamin Castenskiold was next level. I’ve been pushing hard this season, and I am so happy that my result shows I’m getting closer. Super happy with how it went, and now I’m hungry for more!«
— Rocco Sotomayor