IN SYNC - Two Brothers, One Passion

What began as a cross-training activity for their professional freestyle skiing careers quickly turned into a full-blown obsession. Aleks and Tom soon found themselves excelling in the sport, earning a spot in the Austrian Young Blood Team. Their rapid progression and fearless creativity on the water made them stand out, and they’ve become well-known for pushing the boundaries in Freestyle Wing Foiling with their innovative tricks and unyielding dedication.

End of 2023 the brothers and their dad Claus made the decision to leave Austria’s snowy peaks behind and relocated in Tarifa/Spain, a mecca for wind sports enthusiasts. The move was strategic: more water time, better conditions, and the opportunity to immerse themselves in the global Wing Foiling community. The twins signed up to online schooling through the Cambridge program. This flexible approach allows them to tailor their studies around their rigorous training schedule, while continuing their education. It’s a perfect balance that reflects their commitment to excelling both in their sport and academically.

In the beginning of this season Aleks faced a setback after sustaining a complicated leg injury in a skiing accident in December. Despite having to sit out the first event of the season in Leucate, his resilience and determination have been nothing short of remarkable. He began intensive physiotherapy together with Curro Suardiaz (Nia´s dad) and a rigorous physical training program as soon as he could. Incredibly, within just a few weeks, he was back on the water, showcasing his unrelenting passion for the sport.

The effort has paid off, with both finishing the season in the Top 10 in the 2024 GWA Freestyle World Tour ranking – Tom in 3^rd and Aleks in 10^th. Especially the final event of the season in Jeri/ Brazil was a massive breakthrough for both – Tom finished on the podium in 1^st and Aleks in 2^nd right next to him. Both showed that they can eliminate big names of the GWA circus – way to go!

The Acherers’ journey is a testament to their adaptability, grit, and passion for Wing Foiling. As they continue to evolve and inspire, there’s no doubt that Aleks and Tom are names to watch in the world of Freestyle Wing Foiling. Their story reminds us that with hard work and determination, the sky is the limit.

Pics: Samuel Cardenz, CC Films, Svetlana Romantsova/GWA