Overview
“Albie is incredible. He can do everything both stack and switch in normal… just like maybe not the most powerful rider but for sure it’s the most steady one and he can do in every condition.”
Alberto Rondina, affectionately known worldwide as “Mr. Italy” or “Alby,” is a former professional kiteboarder from Italy. Commanding immense respect in the freestyle and wakestyle competitive scene, he built an era with his flawless style and machine-like consistency. Earning massive respect for his rare “ambidextrous” ability to perform tricks with identical quality in both regular and switch stances, he was a true force on the water. Following his retirement from active competition, he is now based in Sicily, where he continues to make immense contributions to the industry by operating a kite resort and serving as the official head judge for the GKA World Tour.
Career
Influenced by his windsurfing father, Alby grew up around the ocean from the age of five while simultaneously becoming a three-time Italian national champion in gymnastics, which built his incredible physical foundation. He discovered kiteboarding in 2002 and entered the competitive scene in 2004. He is a four-time Italian National Champion and claimed the European Championship title in 2010. In 2012, he achieved a historic milestone by finishing 3rd overall on the PKRA World Tour.
His defining legacy is landing the “Moby Dick 5″—a highly complex trick previously thought impossible on flat water—for the first time in competition history at a World Cup event in Pingtan, China. Armed with hyper-refined aerial awareness honed through gymnastics, he also pioneered the “Low Mobe” and toe-side technical maneuvers, delivering signature tricks like the Pete Rose 5, Crow 5 and KGB. A severe knee injury once forced him off the tour, but after grueling rehabilitation, he returned via a wildcard to engage in historic, razor-close battles against legends like Alex Pastor, Aaron Hadlow, and Mark Jacobs. Following another injury in 2014, he stepped back from top-level competition and now utilizes his deep technical understanding of tricks as the official head judge for the GKA.
Sponsors & Affiliations
Rejecting numerous offers from other companies, Alby has remained fiercely loyal to Cabrinha, a pioneer brand in kiteboarding, since his debut. Calling founder Pete Cabrinha the “Steve Jobs of kiteboarding,” he holds profound respect for him. He competed at the top level using the pure C-shape “Chaos” kite and the “X-Caliber” board, which he helped develop. While the freestyle scene transitioned to boots (bindings), he was one of the last “holdouts” to stick to straps before eventually adopting boots for extra power. Today, he operates as the exclusive distributor for Cabrinha in Italy. His other sponsors include NP Surf, GoPro, and SWOX.
Personality & Relationships
During his active tour days, his parents constantly traveled to European events to cheer him on from the beach, making him famous as the most family-supported and beloved athlete on tour. In his personal life, he has been a dedicated vegan for years and humorously enforces a strict Italian rule when dining out: “Never order a pizza with pineapple (Hawaiian pizza)!” He also has a deep appreciation for music and enjoys playing the guitar, ukulele, and piano.
In 2016, he established his resort and kite school, “ProKite Alby Rondina,” in Lo Stagnone, Sicily. Boasting vast, shallow flat waters, it has become a training paradise for world-class riders like Aaron Hadlow and Liam Whaley. He also actively releases how-to videos on YouTube, dedicating his efforts to coaching the next generation.
Quotes & Anecdotes
He cherishes a phrase given to him by a famous shaper when he was a child, keeping it as his lifelong motto.
“Always follow your dreams.”
— Alberto Rondina
His unparalleled achievements and character continue to be spoken of with the utmost respect by commentators at GKA events today.
“Albie, the Moby Dick maestro, one of our judges here on the judges panel, Cabrinha athlete from, pretty much from the beginning.”
Competition Results
Italian Kitesurfing Championship: 1st Place (4 times)
2010: European Championship – 1st Place
2012: PKRA World Tour – 3rd Overall
🔗 関連リンク: Alberto rondina – Pro Kiteboarder
Search Aliases: Alberto Rondina, AlbertoRondina