:grayscale(false):quality(10):blur(20))
team
New International Girlpower
Meet Mar De Arce and Maria Behrens!
We’re excited to announce that Mar De Arce and Maria Behrens have been promoted to the Duotone Wing & Foiling International Team! Both have been part of our National Teams for years (Mar Team Spain and Maria Team Germany) and are making waves in the Wing Foiling world.
Mar and Maria both represent the strength, talent, and commitment of female athletes in Wing Foiling. They join the rest of our female team, including Nia Suardiaz, Paula Novotna, and many national female ambassadors, and we couldn’t be more excited to support their journeys. Welcome to the global Duotone family, Mar and Maria!
:grayscale(false):quality(10):blur(20))
About Mar:
Can you tell us a bit about yourself and how you got into Wing Foiling?
I discovered Wing Foiling in Tarifa in 2022. Thanks to my friend Beat, who introduced me to the sport by letting me try his board. From the first moment, I was hooked. Wing Foiling has become my favorite way to connect with the ocean. I also love Windsurfing and Kitesurfing.
What’s your water sports history – from which side did you enter Winging?
My dad is a passionate competitor, shaper and sailing school owner, so it was natural that he introduced me to Windsurfing. I began professional training and competing at age 7. Starting with Techno293 and later waveriding—I became a multiple-time Spanish Champion and, at just 14 claimed the U20 World Champion title in 2018. In the following years, I expanded into Slalom and IQFoil, gaining massive experience that would later shape my transition to Wing Foiling, which is my biggest passion now.
What motivates you most about the sport?
It offers the incredible freedom to sail in a wide range of conditions, with the unique thrill of flying over the water. After years of managing bulky gear for different wind conditions, I love its simplicity. As a rapidly evolving sport, Wing Foiling constantly inspires me to push boundaries.
How does it feel to be part of the Duotone Wing & Foiling International Team?
It’s one of the best brands on the market and the team vibe is great. Being part of a brand with such a solid history and legacy motivates me to push further. I’m proud to represent Duotone and contribute to its continued success.
About Maria:
Can you tell us a bit about yourself and how you got into Wing Foiling?
I'm a 22-year-old Wing Foiling (and Windsurfing) enthusiast from northern Germany. I started Wing Foiling in 2020 after seeing people trying this exciting new sport at the Baltic Sea. My curiosity got the better of me, and after giving it a shot with my best friend, I quickly made progress—and I was hooked!"
What motivates you most about the sport?
The ability to have fun and jump high even in low winds, without needing waves, opened up a whole new world for me. I found myself spending so much more time on the water. Freestyling and riding waves are where I have the most fun.
How does it feel to be part of the Duotone Wing & Foiling International Team?
Being part of such a professional team is an amazing feeling, and it makes me really proud. I see this as a fantastic opportunity to push my limits in Wing Foiling, especially since I know I can learn so much from my teammates. Duotone puts incredible effort into developing the best gear, and I’m excited to see what innovations are coming in 2025!
:grayscale(false):quality(10):blur(20))
:grayscale(false):quality(10):blur(20))
Goals & Achievements - Mar:
You’ve had an incredible 2024 season with multiple podium finishes. What has been the highlight of your career so far?
I’m really happy with my performance this season, both in freestyle and slalom. It has been an amazing season for me, especially with the progress I’ve made in freestyle. I became the first woman to land a frontloop in competition, which was a huge milestone. I would highlight the last event in Brazil, as I consider it to be my best performance so far. I landed all my tricks on the first try in every heat, and in the final, I came very close to taking first place. I’m feeling positive and excited about what’s to come in the upcoming season!
How do you approach competition, and what mindset helps you perform at your best?
I see competition as an opportunity to grow and challenge myself. I make sure to prepare thoroughly, both physically and mentally, so that I feel confident when it’s time to compete. On competition day, I remind myself to trust in my abilities and focus on having fun. That mindset allows me to perform without unnecessary pressure and to truly enjoy the experience of competing at the highest level.
Goals & Achievements - Maria:
What are your goals for the upcoming season? Are you planning to participate in any World Cups, and which disciplines will you focus on?
I’ve been competing in wave windsurfing for five years, and I’ve always loved the surfing aspect of the sport. Last year, while riding proper waves on Maui, I discovered the same passion for Wing Foiling. This season, my goal is to focus more on wave riding and to compete in those disciplines while also working on unlocking new tricks in freestyle.
How do you approach competition, and what mindset helps you perform at your best?
I’m a very ambitious person, so staying calm and composed during competitions isn’t always easy. Mental training has been a huge help in giving me fresh perspectives and enabling me to perform at my best. In the Big Air competition last summer, I was able to fully disconnect and just go big, which was an unforgettable experience. Those moments of complete focus and freedom are what I love most and draw on to push myself further.
:grayscale(false):quality(10):blur(20))
:grayscale(false):quality(10):blur(20))
»It’s a privilege to represent women in this sport. Seeing more women join and push boundaries is inspiring. I’m proud to encourage others to get involved and show that this sport is for everyone.«
:grayscale(false):quality(10):blur(20))
Mar - Women in Wing Foiling:
What does it mean to you to represent women in Wingfoil on an international level?
It’s an incredible privilege to represent women in this sport. Watching more women join and push the boundaries of what’s possible is exciting. I’m proud to inspire others to get involved and show that this sport is for everyone.
How do you see the role of women evolving in this sport?
Women in Wing Foiling are more visible and influential, which is amazing to witness. Each year, more women not only compete but excel at the highest levels. This growing competition fosters a ripple effect - encouraging others to join and proving there are no limits to what women can achieve in this sport. Women are breaking barriers, setting new standards, and paving the way for future generations.
What advice would you give to young girls aspiring to follow in your footsteps?
Be resilient and don’t let obstacles discourage you from chasing your passion. Progress takes time, but every small step is a victory. Surround yourself with supportive and inspiring people, believe in your journey, and above all, remember to enjoy the process. Having fun is what keeps the passion alive!
Maria - Women in Wing Foiling:
What does it mean to you to represent women in Wing Foiling on an international level?
It means so much to me because I truly believe we need more women in watersports! Being one of the few girls in the wing foiling team makes me incredibly proud. My hope is to inspire and motivate more women to give this amazing sport a try and discover how empowering it can be.
How do you see the role of women evolving in this sport?
There are so many talented women on tour, and their skill levels keep rising. It’s inspiring to see more women and young girls joining the GWA every year. I’m excited to watch this sport grow and become even more inclusive, with women playing a bigger role in shaping its future.
What advice would you give to young girls aspiring to follow in your footsteps?
Follow your passion, stay determined, and don’t let setbacks hold you back. If you fail, see it as a learning opportunity and keep moving forward. Most importantly, never stop loving what you do!
:grayscale(false):quality(10):blur(20))
:grayscale(false):quality(10):blur(20))
Mar - Beyond Wing Foiling:
When you’re not Wing Foiling, what do you enjoy doing?
You’ll always find me in or around the water—Windsurfing, Kitesurfing, Surfing, SUPing or exploring any other water sport. The ocean is my happy place, and I love discovering all its possibilities. Outside of that, I love spending quality time with my family and friends—they’re my biggest source of support and inspiration beyond the sport.
How do you balance training, competing, and personal life?
This can be challenging, but I’ve learned to manage my time effectively. Prioritizing my training and competitions is key, but I also make sure to carve out moments for family, friends, and personal downtime. Working as an instructor requires flexibility, so staying organized and focused on my goals helps me maintain balance. A strong support system around me makes it much easier to navigate everything and give my best in all areas of life.
Are there any causes or initiatives in Wing Foiling you’re passionate about supporting?
I’m passionate about promoting Wing Foiling and making it more accessible to everyone. One initiative close to my heart is organizing clinics to help others learn and improve their skills—especially women and young athletes who are just starting out. It´s such an inclusive and empowering sport, and I want to create more opportunities for people to get involved. I’m also deeply committed to raising awareness about sustainability. Protecting the ocean, which is such a vital part of our sport, is essential for future generations to enjoy and connect with.
Maria - Beyong Wing Foiling:
When you’re not Wing Foiling, what do you enjoy doing?
I also enjoy Windsurfing, Surfing, and exploring new places. I love going to the gym, cooking for my family, and creating content. And of course, sometimes I relax and unwind by watching Netflix. :)
How do you balance training, competing, and personal life?
After finishing high school, I started studying at an online university, which is perfect for balancing my education with traveling to competitions. While on tour, I stay fit by spending time on the water, and when I’m home in Germany, I train at my local gym. During the off-season, I make it a priority to meet up with my closest friends, who understand and support my lifestyle. I’m also fortunate to have great friends on the tour, which makes the balance easier and more enjoyable.
Are there any causes or initiatives in Wing Foiling you’re passionate about supporting?
I’m passionate about supporting the next generation of Wing Foilers, and I think the Young Blood Camps by Duotone are an incredible way to prepare kids for competition. I had the chance to coach at one of these camps in Germany, and it was amazing to see young athletes pushing each other to improve—it even motivated me to grow more! I would definitely join again and continue supporting this.
:grayscale(false):quality(10):blur(20))
:grayscale(false):quality(10):blur(20))
»Follow your passion, stay determined, and don’t let setbacks hold you back. If you fail, see it as a learning opportunity and keep moving forward. Most importantly, never stop loving what you do!«
:grayscale(false):quality(10):blur(20))
Maria - Looking Ahead
What are you most excited about for 2025 with Duotone?
I’m mostly excited about all the competitions and team travels coming up this year. On top of that, I’m looking forward to training and competing with the best gear. Duotone has an incredibly professional and innovative R&D team that’s always pushing the limits. 2025 is going to be an exciting year:-)
Are there specific events or goals you’re preparing for in the upcoming season?
This season, I really want to focus on improving my wave-riding skills. Since I landed my first front loops last year, my goal is to make them more consistent—and flips are definitely in progress, too!
How do you see the sport evolving, and what role do you hope to play in its future?
I believe Wing Foiling has the potential to grow significantly, and I can even see it becoming an Olympic sport someday. I hope to play a role in this growth by sharing the stoke for the sport and its many disciplines. My goal is to inspire more people to try it and help them realize what they’ve been missing out on.
Mar - Looking Ahead
What are you most excited about for 2025 with Duotone?
I’m thrilled about the projects and innovations Duotone is developing for the future. Being part of a team that’s constantly pushing the boundaries of the sport inspires me to aim higher and continuously challenge myself.
Are there specific events or goals you’re preparing for in the upcoming season?
My primary goal is always to improve on the previous year. In 2025, I’m especially excited to compete in the wave circuit for the first time. It’s a new discipline for me, and I can’t wait to see how I perform and grow through this experience!
How do you see the sport evolving, and what role do you hope to play in its future?
I think the sport is going to evolve really fast seeing whats happened the last couple of years and I think brands are really pushing as well. I am really happy to see this as I love this sport and I hope I can inspire the new generation and show them that girls can push it as well!
:grayscale(false):quality(10):blur(20))