Kitesurfing is much more than a sport: it is passion, nature, and discipline.
Andrea Principi, a young kiter born in 2004 in Tuscany, rider since 2021 for Duotone Kiteboarding, knows this well, he turned a love discovered at the age of eleven into a world champion career. His journey shows that safety, consistency, and a willingness to learn are key to progressing in kitesurfing.
#wearahelmetlikeapro
Andrea recalls that his parents never gave him a choice when it came to helmets, it was part of the ride from day one. At first, it felt like just another rule. But a few years ago, the helmet proved its true worth. During a training session in Calambrone (Italy), a wrong move sent his board crashing straight onto his head. The impact was so strong it split the helmet in two. Without it, Andrea knows the story could have ended very differently. That day, he says, “the helmet saved my life.”
Since that moment, the helmet is no longer an option, it’s a ritual. He trusts the Gath model for its light feel and the extra protection it gives around the ears. And while Andrea prefers to keep his face clear when riding, no goggles, no distractions, on the beach, during wild competitions with powerful wind, he relies on goggles to protect his eyes from the sand whipped up by the gusts.
His message is clear: wear the helmet! You don’t need to be a champion or fly ten meters high to risk a hit from your board. Even beginners, from their very first rides, can find themselves in situations where a good helmet makes all the difference. Wearing a helmet isn’t optional, it’s essential for all kiters.
That’s why Andrea also supports #wearahelmetlikeapro, an IKO campaign created to promote helmet use among all kiters, from pros to first-timers. It’s a reminder that safety is not about fear, it’s about riding smarter and longer.
From Tuscany to The Trilogy
VIDEO YOU TUBE: THE TRILOGY: Winning 3 of the BIGGEST KITEBOARDING events in the world
Born in a small Tuscan town surrounded by nature, Andrea has always loved sports: skiing, judo, and rugby. But at eleven years old, he discovered kitesurfing, and everything changed.
- 2018 – Italian Youth Championship U15: Andrea won the title at just 13 years old, marking the start of his competitive kitesurfing career and showing early promise in big air competitions.
- 2021 – Absolute Italian Championship: He became Absolute Italian Champion, demonstrating his growth and consistency in national competitions.
- 2021 – Lords of Tram, France: Andrea triumphed at this prestigious event, establishing himself in the international big air kitesurfing scene.
- 2022 – GKA Big Air World Championship: He was crowned World Champion, showcasing his advanced skills and precision on the global stage.
- 2023 – GKA World Tour, Megaloop Challenge, King of the Air: Andrea achieved a historic feat by winning this trilogy, a combination never accomplished before, highlighting his technical mastery and versatility.
- 2024 – Red Bull King of the Air, Cape Town: Against the odds, as winds picked up to 40 knots with 2.5–3.1m swells, he delivered breathtaking moves including a Contra Loop Back Tornado Board Off, Doobie Loop Board Off, and Contra Loop Double Front Roll Rodeo, successfully defending his title in one of the most thrilling finals ever.
Andrea is known for achieving exceptional jump height and hang time. He rides the Duotone Rebel D/LAB, a kite that delivers the power and stability required for executing advanced big air tricks. We can’t wait to see what he will achieve in the upcoming competitions!
The Key to Growth: Learn Kitesurfing with Method
For Andrea, success comes from constant training and mixing disciplines. He added CrossFit and acrobatics to his routine, building both body and mind. This approach brought him to the top and now guides him as he works with young riders.
Learning kitesurfing is not just about mastering the kite, but about developing discipline, building confidence, staying safe, and fostering a deep connection with nature.
IKO shares Andrea’s mindset and encourages everyone to learn kitesurfing under the guidance of professional IKO Instructors at certified IKO Centers. Whether you are a beginner or more experienced, learning with IKO ensures a safe, structured, and effective progression while fully enjoying the connection with the sea and nature.
Giving Back to the Sport
Today, Andrea dedicates time to the youth program, sharing his passion with the next generation. He believes kitesurfing, beyond being a low-impact sport, is a way to live in harmony with nature. He also takes part in sustainability projects with his brand, aiming to protect the sea and the planet. In particular, Andrea is actively involved in Duotone Kiteboarding’s Concept Blue project, which promotes eco-friendly practices, reduces environmental impact, and supports initiatives for a sustainable future. Additionally, he contributes to the Duotone Young Blood Camp, educating young riders on proper kitesurfing techniques while raising awareness about environmental responsibility.
Looking Ahead: Dreams and New Challenges
Andrea’s calendar is already packed with high-level events.
- March 29 – April 27, 2025 – GKA Big Air Kite World Cup, Lords of Tram, Le Barcarès, France
Andrea claimed first place in the men's division with high-flying maneuvers, riding Tramontana winds over 40 knots, reaching altitudes exceeding 20 meters, cementing his elite status in big air kitesurfing.
- September 5 to October 10, 2025 – Cold Hawaii Games in Nørre Vorupør, Denmark.
Andrea participated in this challenging event, which features powerful winds and large swells that push the limits of big air kiteboarding. The competition included a Red Bull King of the Air Qualifier, with 18 riders competing in extreme conditions in 1-vs-1 heats, each aiming to perform the most impressive maneuvers. Andrea submitted his qualification video and is now awaiting the official results.
- September 15, 2025 – Red Bull Megaloop Challenge took place in Noordwijk, Netherlands.
Andrea competed in this extreme event during Storm Amy, which produced 20-meter-high megaloops in the North Sea. Alongside 22 of the world’s top kiteboarders, he participated in 8-minute 1-vs-1 heats, with each rider aiming to perform the most extreme megaloops. Fierce winds and challenging conditions tested their skill, courage, and ability to execute high-risk maneuvers.
- November 22 – December 7, 2025 – Red Bull King of the Air, Cape Town, South Africa
Andrea will compete in this legendary big air kiteboarding event at Kite Beach, one of the most prestigious competitions in the world. The main event will feature 18 top riders in a knockout format, including heats, quarterfinals, semifinals, and the grand final. Judging will focus on height, technical difficulty, and style. Fans can expect Andrea to push the limits with gravity-defying tricks in Cape Town’s powerful winds, aiming for spectacular jumps and maneuvers.
Andrea Principi: From Young Dreamer to Kitesurf World Champion
The story of Andrea is living proof that discipline, passion, and commitment can turn a young kiter into a world champion. But it also shows that safety and a solid method are just as important as commitment and perseverance.
Despite the intense schedule, Andrea’s goal is clear: to keep competing at the highest level while inspiring others. He wants to show that success in kitesurfing, and in life, comes from dedication, hard work, perseverance and courage. For anyone looking to learn kitesurfing, whether they are just starting or dreaming of big competitions, Andrea’s journey proves that with the right mindset, discipline, and passion, anything is possible. Each session on the water, each training hour on land, and every competition is a step toward growth, and he encourages young riders to set ambitious goals and chase them fearlessly.
Are you looking to learn kitesurfing? Whether you’re just starting out or aiming for big competitions, it’s important to progress safely, stay disciplined, and follow your passion. Training at certified schools and IKO destinations can help you gain confidence, improve your skills, and make the most of every session on the water.
