Welcome to the International Team: Rocco Sotomayor

Known as the “Italian Stallion”, Rocco has already made his mark on the GWA Tour with first podiums through his powerful freestyle performances and his creative riding style that sets him apart. At just 18 years old, he has established himself as one of the most exciting young riders on the circuit, combining consistency in competition with passion for progression.

Rocco was born in Maui/Hawaii and grew up in one of Europe’s Wing Foiling hotspots in Torbole/Lake Garda, spending endless hours on the water and pushing himself with a strong crew of training partners — including fellow Duotone riders like the Bavarian crew with Franz Rappolder and Marie & Franz Schlittenbauer and Italian Duccio Dini. He is also known as the third twin brother of his team mates Aleks and Tom Acherer. His drive, commitment, and natural style have helped him to establish as one of Italy’s leading Wing Foiling talents.

Rocco, how does it feel to join the Duotone International Team?
It feels amazing! I’ve been part of the Duotone family for a few years already, and to now step up to the International Team is a big honour. It motivates me even more to train hard and give my best on tour.

You’ve been with Duotone Italy and Surf Planet for three years — how important has that support been?
Very important. They always believed in me and helped me a lot with equipment and opportunities. Without them, it would have been much harder to reach this level, so I’m very thankful for their support but of course also super excited to make the next step.

What are your goals for the future?
I want to keep progressing in freestyle, land new combos, and fight for podium spots. At the same time, I’d also like to ride more waves and become a more complete rider overall. Right now I am on Maui to train in the waves a bit already.

What do you like most about riding for Duotone Wing & Foiling?
The gear is simply the best — super light, powerful, and reliable. And I love being part of such a strong team. We motivate each other, push limits together, and also have a lot of fun on and off the water. Team and photoshoot trips like Dakhla make us grow together and we can learn from each other. I still remember doing my first photoshoot with Duotone when I was 14 years old at the Duotone Pro Center in Torbole. I already met the International office crew there and since then we basically grew together.