LIAM DUNKERBECK JOINS TEAM DUOTONE

Duotone: Can you tell us about your ultimate goal in the world of windsurfing?

Liam: My main goal is to become a PWA Wave World Champion. That’s what I’m working towards.

Duotone: How did you get started in windsurfing?

Liam: I’m 20 years old now, but my dad introduced me to water sports at a very young age. By the time I was three, I was already bodyboarding with him in front of the center he runs at home. When I was five, he took me on a tandem board to experience the speed of windsurfing. That moment really stuck with me.

Duotone: When did you start competing?

Liam: I started competing in surfing competitions on the Canary Islands when I was quite young. I was having so much fun, meeting friends, and really growing up alongside my best friend Hugo. We both got into it together, which made it even more enjoyable. I started windsurfing seriously around the age of nine, slowly getting into the competitive side of the sport.

Duotone: Your father, Bjorn Dunkerbeck, is a legend in the sport. How has his influence shaped your journey?

Liam: Yeah, being Bjorn Dunkerbeck’s son definitely had a huge impact. Everyone knows him as a legend, and from an early age, he’d take me tandem windsurfing at full speed to let me feel the adrenaline. Without his guidance and support, I wouldn’t be where I am today. I owe a lot to him.

Duotone: You’ve achieved a lot in your career already. What are some of your proudest accomplishments?

Liam: My biggest success so far is being a three-time Youth World Champion. As far as I know, no one else has achieved that title three times. But if I had to pick a single moment, it would be my podium finish at the Aloha Classic. It was my first-ever podium in the men’s division, and I finished third. That event was really special for me because I’d been putting in hours training at Ho’okipa, and it felt amazing to see that effort pay off.

Duotone: Where is your favorite place to windsurf?

Liam: That’s a tough one! My favorite place is at home in Gran Canaria because it’s where my friends and family are, and I love the conditions there. But I also really enjoy sailing at Ho’okipa—it’s perfect for starboard tack, and it complements my surfing background. If I had to choose, though, I’d say Pozo is my favorite because I love jumping high, and the conditions there are incredible.

Duotone: What role has your family played in your career?

Liam: Family support has been so important to me. My dad, my mom, my sisters, and my brother are always there for me, even though I spend a lot of time away for competitions and training. My dad has always been my role model—he’s easygoing, passionate about windsurfing, and just loves sports in general. I’ve also been inspired by Victor Fernandez, who’s a legend in the sport. Now that I’m part of the Duotone team with him, I feel even more motivated.

Duotone: What keeps you motivated to compete?

Liam: I love competing—it’s been a part of my life since I was young, starting with surfing contests. I enjoy the energy of competition and being surrounded by friends who push me to be better. For me, competing is about giving it my all and enjoying every moment on the water. It’s a really important part of the sport, and I embrace it fully.

Duotone: What’s your approach to training and balancing different conditions?

Liam: I believe everything helps everything. If it’s glassy and wavy, I’ll surf; if it’s windy, I’ll windsurf. For me, it’s all about spending hours in the ocean. Whether I’m training or just having fun, being on the water is what I love most.