Finn Flügel: Celebrating One Explosive Year on the Duotone Team

1. A look back at the year

You’ve had a huge season — winning Wind of Sinai, becoming U19 World Champion, taking 3rd in Brazil Big Air, and finishing 5th overall in the GKA Big Air World Tour. How would you summarise your first year on the Duotone Team?

Finn: Exciting! I’d been hoping for quite a while to get a chance on the team, and when it finally happened, I could hardly believe it. But a change like that isn’t always easy — it takes a bit of time to really get dialled in with the new gear and figure out which setups work best for you. All in all, it’s just an amazing feeling, and I’m super proud to be part of it. Of course, I also hope I can contribute a little to the brand’s success.

Of all those achievements, which one stands out emotionally for you — and why?

Finn: Definitely winning the Wind of Sinai Big Air comp and the U19 Big Air World Champion title. Wind of Sinai because it was my first Red Bull competition as a Red Bull athlete — and then taking my first Youth World Champion title in front of my home crowd… I still get goosebumps thinking about it. What a feeling!

How does it feel being part of such a strong international crew?

Finn: I’m only 16, so I’m kind of the youngster on the team. Duotone definitely has the most insane lineup of teamriders out there — all big names! I’m still getting used to the fact that my name is among them now, and that feels pretty amazing.

Were there situations where the outcome wasn’t what you wanted, but ended up being valuable learning experiences for you?

Finn: For sure at Lords of Tram in Barcares. Although I’ve never ridden in such strong wind before, I actually felt like I handled it quite well. I won my first heat and then ended up in round three with Josh, Leonardo, and Liam. I had to go full send — but on my second trick I had a heavy crash that knocked me back a bit mentally. Even though my score would’ve been enough to get through any of the other heats, I got eliminated. That was tough, because I had hoped for more. But I definitely learned that I can perform in extreme conditions, plus, I feel that walking away from competing in such crazy conditions without an injury is a win in itself.

2. On not being selected for Red Bull King of the Air

We all know you’ve got what it takes for KOTA — so how did you process the non-selection this year?

Finn: What can I say — I was definitely super disappointed. It’s one of my biggest goals in kiting to be part of that event. If I didn’t believe I had what it takes, I wouldn’t have sent in an entry video.

How did that moment influence or motivate you heading into next season?

Finn: At first, I felt pretty empty inside. But then I got over it, and decided, I’ll just give it everything. I’ll train as much as possible at strong wind spots and compete in every Big Air event I can enter. I’m definitely super motivated and focused!

3. Multi-discipline focus

Which discipline gives you the most satisfaction right now, and why?

Finn: Even though I’m a Freestyler at heart and really love it, Big Air is definitely the discipline I want to push right now. There are so many new tricks in my head, and I’m learning something new almost every session. That really keeps me super motivated — and it’s the best feeling when a trick finally works out that I’ve only visualised before.

When you switch between disciplines, what’s the hardest transition — mentally or technically?

Finn: Since I’ve always been into different disciplines, I can’t really say that one is technically harder for me than another. Of course, each one requires its own skills, and that’s exactly what I find exciting about it.

Mentally, though, I’d say Freestyle is the toughest, because people always expect me to perform. That can be stressful, and it’s not always easy to handle that pressure.

Does the variety help you stay motivated, or do you sometimes feel it’s better to focus on one?

Finn: I’d get bored focusing on just one discipline. Whether it’s Freestyle or Big Air, I’d feel too limited by the conditions and spots. I always want to be on the water, so I adapt to whatever Mother Nature offers. I like to think of myself as an all-round waterman — but in my main disciplines, I still aim to perform at the highest level.

4. Gear, training & routine

What gear setup has become your favourite throughout the season, and why (please list according to discipline)?

Finn:
Big Air: Rebel D/LAB (8m), Trust Bar, Team Series Big Air 133 – There’s no kite with as much second lift as the Rebel — it definitely gets me the highest. It’s super floaty, unlike any other kite I’ve flown before. Combined with the Trust Bar — literally my bar “to trust” — it’s the setup I rely on for those massive jumps where you need full confidence and trust in your gear. The board is super light, has crazy pop, and picks up speed easily before take-off.

Freestyle: Vegas Concept Blue (12m), Click Bar, Freestyle setup – The Vegas is my ultimate competition kite because it delivers insane travel and solid line tension, which is key for new tricks like blinds, rewinds, or half cap mobes. In Freestyle, it’s all about having a clean and simple bar setup — nothing dangling or distracting — and the grip is super comfortable. The Click Bar also lets me fine-tune the kite mid-session super easily, which is priceless.

Hydrofoil: Rebel D/LAB (9m), Juice D/LAB (14m), Foil D/LAB Mast 94 cm – The 9m Rebel D/LAB is for me the best kite for lightwind loops because it climbs easily and has the same amazing second lift and float as the 8m. The 14m Juice D/LAB is my ultimate all-round lightwind machine — I use it for Hydrofoil, Airstyle, and Freestyle. It has great lift but still enough slack for Freestyle, so it’s always in my quiver.

When you’re training for competition, what does a typical day look like? And how does that differ from a no-pressure, fun-only session?

Finn: In the days leading up to a competition, I’m super focused. It starts with good sleep and a solid breakfast. I try to block out anything that stresses me and usually do two short sessions a day. After that, I often get a massage or see my osteopath. I definitely don’t try new tricks — it’s all about fine-tuning movements and keeping conditions as similar as possible to what I’ll face during the event. That’s when I know I’m ready.

During training weeks with my coach, the days look similar, but the sessions are often longer, and I also work on new tricks. We film everything and review it together afterwards — that part is crucial to me.

When I train alone, I keep it simple: 45 minutes of focused training — and then it’s time for the fun part. That’s when I just go with the flow, trying out whatever Freestyle moves come to mind or experimenting with new ideas on the water.

5. Mindset, growth & goals

Have you noticed any mindset shifts this year compared to when you first started competing?

Finn: Honestly, not really. I was twelve and a half when I first got the chance to compete in a men’s event in Colombia. Back then, I knew I probably wouldn’t get very far, but I set myself a goal: at least make it past the first round. In the end, I reached the quarterfinals! So I guess focus and determination have always been there — even back when I played football or tennis. I’ve always given everything I’ve got, for as long as I can remember. I think that’s just something you either have or you don’t.

What are your main goals for 2026 — across your different disciplines and beyond competition?

Finn: I really want to keep pushing my Big Air level and, of course, earn a ticket to Cape Town. I’d love to win Wind of Sinai again, defend my Youth titles, and become Freestyle World Champion. Oh, and the Hydrofoil title — I’d like that one too! I know that sounds like a lot, but those are my goals, and reaching even some of them would be amazing. Beyond competitions, I just want to spend as much time as possible with my family and my dog Sharki, who I miss a lot when I’m travelling — and of course hang out with my friends and enjoy as many good sessions together as possible.

What’s one piece of advice you’d give other young riders about handling both success and setbacks?

Finn: Success and winning is great — but what really matters is what you make of it! Don’t get arrogant and think you’re the only good kiter out there. I’d never rest on my achievements; it’s important to keep your goals in sight and keep moving forward. Don’t be afraid to reach out to brands and show who you are. Setbacks are tough, but I’ve learned they’re important — even if it doesn’t feel like it in the moment. It’s always a challenge, but I hope I’ll get better at handling them as I go.

6. Life in and out of the water

When it’s not windy, what do you like doing to reset or recharge?

Finn: Wakeboarding, fishing, and playing padel. The cool thing is that I have different friends for each of those activities, so I’m always doing something fun with different people. I’d say I pretty much never get bored!

If you could kite in only one place for the rest of the year, where would it be — and why?

Finn: Definitely my home base, El Gouna. Even though it’s not the ultimate spot for Freestyle or Big Air, I can do everything there — kite, wing, or even parawing. It’s my favourite playground. And since most of my good friends kite too, it’s the best feeling to be at home and share the stoke together.

What moment from this season will you never forget — whether it was during training, competition, or just for fun?

Finn: Landing my dream tricks — the Blind Backside 9 and the KGB 9. That feeling was just indescribable!Also, winning Wind of Sinai at the Blue Lagoon in Dahab — such an insanely beautiful spot, and the crowd there was just incredible, also the vibes were unreal.
And St. Peter-Ording! Not just because I won the comp, but because all my kite friends were there. We travelled in our camper van, and I even had my dog along as a little mascot. That whole week was just pure fun.