We have to admit that we were instrumental in a (wingfoil) addiction career. Which is now expressed on the Insta channel @die_tones. The Tones are out on the water almost every day, making the Baltic coast unsafe with their foils. We gave two of the protagonists a wing for the first time. This seems to have been a life-changing experience. But read for yourself…
How did you come up with the name? What’s behind it?
We were all in Laboe at the Baltic Sea and when Bernd (from Wingpassion) saw us. He just shouted: ‘Dude, here come the Tonies!’ As we all use the same Duotone material.
Who is part of the crew?
The team consists of 4 people, Arne Doobee, Zwanni, Jos and Juni who control everything on Insta. But the basic idea of the channel is also to post everyone else we’re on the water with.
It feels like you’re on the water almost every day. How do you do that? Don’t you have jobs? How do you juggle it all?
We postpone our work to go surfing. The wind determines our working hours.
What does the family say?
A tightrope act, on the verge of divorce! (laughing)
Where does this absolute passion for wingfoiling come from? It’s even more pronounced than ours and it’s even in our name.
We’ve always done a lot of water sports, and with wingfoiling you can ride in any wind direction and almost any wind force.
What does a normal wingfoil day look like for you?
We arrange to meet the day before via our WhatsApp group, depending on the wind forecast and our time slots. In winter it’s usually the early afternoon. Then we often have a nice session with a GoPro, and if the journey was longer, we have a coffee from the petrol station on the way back.
I’ve heard that Zwanni doesn’t count the days he was on the water, but the days he wasn’t on the water. Is that true?
It’s easier to count that way. (laughs)
Normal people usually manage one session a day in everyday life, but some of you often do two, and that in winter. Why is that?
Because it’s fun and sometimes it’s just right. But then you need a second wetsuit or hot water for your shoes!
Do you have a temperature limit in winter?
No, but it rarely gets below -5 degrees Celsius on the Baltic Sea. The limit would be when the wing freezes.
Do you have any tips for wingfoiling in winter? What kind of gloves do you use?
Lobster from Ion. We regularly shake blood into my hands on the water.
How many wetsuits do you wear out per year?
A total of one year per wetsuit, i.e. winter and summer wetsuits for about 2 seasons each. As a beginner, however, the wear was greater from climbing onto the board.
How many kilometres per year do you drive in terms of wingfoiling?
That’s probably around 20000 km but with carpooling.
What was the longest journey you ever had for a day trip? And where did you travel to?
Hanstholm/Denmark from Kiel.
Where can you be found on the water?
Everywhere from the Bay of Eckernförde and Kiel to the Bay of Hohwacht and Lübeck. And in Denmark, of course. We like to look for spots with waves!
What is your favourite spot?
Bülk in an easterly wind, Lippe is simply legendary in a northerly wind!
Are there sometimes arguments about the choice of spot?
That’s always a team decision.
What are your favourite conditions?
Nice clean waves with good wind for a small wing. No seaweed!
Who is the one who pushes the crew the most?
Zwanni, easy decision.
And who is the ‘craziest’ in the team and why?
Also Zwanni. The craziest one still gets into the water even when it’s 3 knots.
Are there ever days when you deliberately take a break?
Untill now we didn’t take a break, we’ve never been ‘overdosed’.
At how many knots do your alarm bells start ringing so that you set off to get on the water?
When the DMI indicates dark green, it usually works.
What kind of equipment do you have?
Wings: Duotone Unit from 2.5 to 5.5 qm
Foil: Carve 2 and Glide 2 from 750 to 1100 cm2
Board: 55-65L Sky Style
Always the hot stuff!
Are you going on holiday together?
Surfing holidays yes, family holidays no.
How and when did you start wingfoiling?
20 April 2021 together at Lake Seelent. You don’t forget that! The straggler (June) then in August last year.
What do you think is the ultimate tip for a successful jibe?
Speed is key. Very simple!
Guys, thanks for the interview! Hope to see you soon on the podcast!
