Welcome to the International Team: Marie Schlittenbauer

Marie joined the Duotone Germany National Team last autumn, but with her outstanding performance she quickly earned a well-deserved upgrade to the International Team. We’re thrilled to welcome her to our International Family — and with our Head Office in Munich just around the corner from her home, it’s even more special to spend time on the water together.

Growing up in Rosenheim, Marie did not grow up at a windy location with the nearest reliable spot in Lake Garda, 3 hours away by car. So she manages about 60 – 80 days a year on the water — far less than most of her international rivals. Her talent, dedication, and family support definately helped her become a World Champion in such a short time.

Marie comes from a true watersports family: her grandfather Franz Schlittenbauer was the Managing Director of the windsurfing brand F2 (which was based very close to our Head Office) and later of the Travel Company Surf & Action, followed by her father Markus. This heritage and her family’s support have played a huge role in her fast rise.

Marie, how does it feel to be a World Champion in your very first year on tour?
It feels amazing! I honestly didn’t expect this at all. To win the title in my rookie season is really special and gives me a lot of motivation for the future.

When did you start wing Foiling?
I started in 2023 with my parents at Lake Garda and pretty much fell in love with it straight away.

Many riders grow up at world-famous spots, but you live in Rosenheim with limited access to the water. How did you make that work?
Yes, that’s true — at home we hardly have any wind, however we spend almost every weekend at Lake Garda. I am very grateful to my family for always making it happen.

What do you like most about being part of Duotone Wing & Foiling?
The gear is super nice — the new Unit D/LAB wings have so much hangtime, and the Carve 3.0 foil gives me the pop I need for freestyle. And of course, it’s an advantage to be in the same team as my friends and training buddies Rocco Sotomayor, Franz Rappolder and my brother Franz. That really helps us push each other and we can swop gear.

What are your goals for the future?
I want to keep progressing in freestyle and also get better in the waves. But most of all, I just want to enjoy the sport, have fun with friends, and keep pushing myself.