Words by Peri Roberts
Every so often, someone steps into the water with a kind of energy that feels like the start of something big. For us, that moment is now. We’re incredibly proud to welcome Dutch wingfoiler, designer and multi-discipline waterwoman Bowien van der Linden to the Prolimit team – a rider whose talent is matched only by her curiosity, creativity and genuine love for the ocean.
At just 27, Bowien has already carved out her place as one of the most exciting women in wingfoiling. Her story starts in the Netherlands, but the roots run deeper…
“My name is Bowien van der Linden, I’m 27 years old and from the Netherlands – although I’ve always felt a little bit South African too. I spent six months of every year in Cape Town until I was 17. Cape Town is where my love for watersports really began. I grew up bodyboarding, surfing, SUPing, and when I was 10 I tried my first wind sport: windsurfing.”
Like many athletes, she drifted away from the water during her university years. But in 2019, something new appeared on the horizon that would redefine her life completely.
“When winging appeared in the summer of 2019, everything changed. My dad and I thought it would be the perfect sport for those in-between wind days. We were immediately hooked. Back then we were really early adopters, so the scene was super small, especially for women.”
It wasn’t long before six months on the foil turned into her first sponsor invitation, then her first freestyle event, then almost unbelievably – her first world title.
“I learned my first spin 360s two weeks before the event in Leucate. That turned into my first GWA event win. Then came second in Dakhla, first in Brazil, first in Tarifa… and suddenly, a world title.”
Today, Bowien travels the world as a full-time water athlete, chasing wind, carving lines and pushing women’s wingfoiling further every season. Alongside winging, she’s equally passionate about downwind SUP foiling and surf foiling; anything that keeps her moving, flowing and learning.
So why Prolimit?
“As a water sports athlete, your sponsors play a huge role in your career. You want gear that performs, but you also want to represent a brand that aligns with your values. Prolimit immediately stood out. Their focus on sustainability and durability, and truly listening to athletes, really resonated with both the designer and the rider in me. And honestly… as a Dutchie, it feels special to be part of a Dutch brand!”
Bowien isn’t just joining as a rider, she’s joining as a thinker. A creator. A designer.
“I’m especially passionate about the intersection between design and athlete feedback. I have a Master’s degree in Integrated Product Design and I love integrating that knowledge into wingfoiling – thinking about materials, ergonomics, usability and how design choices influence performance.”
To Bowien, Prolimit depicts something simple:
“For me, Prolimit represents thoughtful, rider-driven performance. It’s a brand that cares about function and longevity and not just hype. It brings together new ideas, sustainability, and the usual Dutch no-nonsense attitude.”
Although she’s been recovering from a broken foot for the past few months, her excitement to test the gear is already high.
“My first impressions have been fantastic. I’ve been injured for the past three months, but the gear looks amazing! I can’t wait to try it on the water.”
But beyond the equipment and the competition results, her connection to the ocean runs deeper than sport. “The ocean has always been part of my life. My mom wanted me to try every possible sport growing up… and honestly, I was terrible at anything that wasn’t in the water. The moment I discovered windsurfing, kitesurfing, and later wingfoiling, everything just clicked. The water is where I feel most myself. It’s where I feel calm, creative and completely free.”
Looking ahead, Bowien’s goals are bigger than medals. “In my first year with Prolimit, I really want to help lift the presence of women in watersports. I think it’s so important for girls and women to see that the ocean is a place where they belong, where they can feel strong, capable and completely themselves. I’m also passionate about helping Prolimit shape gear that truly serves women… creating gear that fits better, functions better, and makes women feel confident on the water.”
It’s a mission we’re incredibly proud to support.
And to the Prolimit community, she has one simple message: “Thank you all for the warm welcome. I’m super excited to join this journey and represent a brand I genuinely believe in. I can’t wait to meet more of you on the water and share the stoke together.”
Welcome to the family, Bowien.
We’re stoked to have you here, and even more excited for what comes next.
