Overview
Andrea Principi is a professional kiteboarder from Italy. Armed with massive height and extremely difficult combo tricks that blend various kite loops and board-offs in mid-air, he is a new-generation superstar dominating the top of the Big Air scene at a young age. With back-to-back victories at the Red Bull King of the Air and GKA World titles, he is widely recognized as one of the most influential riders in modern kiteboarding.
Career
With his mother running a kite school in Tuscany, he started kiteboarding at the young age of 5. Around 16, he began making a name for himself on the GKA tour and rapidly ascended to the world’s top level. He possesses the technical mastery to land complex spins and loops with perfect control even in extreme, overpowered conditions, constantly pushing the limits. He approaches new tricks with an exploratory mindset, continuously expanding his imagination both on and off the water to make the seemingly impossible possible.
Sponsors & Affiliated Brands
For years, he received heavy support as the flagship rider for Duotone Kiteboarding, claiming numerous major titles alongside his trusty “EVO D/Lab” kite. His overwhelming talent and charisma generated massive value for the brand, playing a crucial role in gear development and providing feedback.
However, in July 2026, he made a shocking announcement via video: bidding farewell to Duotone and his iconic EVO D/Lab, he officially transferred to RRD (Roberto Ricci Designs), the historic Italian marine brand. While full details behind the transition and future projects have not yet been revealed, the kiteboarding world is eagerly watching to see what kind of evolution and synergy this new partnership with an iconic brand from his home country will bring.
Personality & Relationships
He possesses a strong mindset of believing in his own vision without being swayed by the opinions of others. As he says, “If I was caring what all the people say, I wasn’t here,” focusing entirely on breaking his own limits.
He also formed a training crew known as “The Trap” (or Trap Brothers) with fellow Italian Lorenzo Casati and Jeremy Burlando. The Big Air world titles in recent years have essentially been dominated by members of “The Trap.” The dynamic of pushing each other to the limit, as good friends and greatest rivals, keeps the modern Big Air scene fired up.
Off the water, heavily influenced by his grandfather, he is an enthusiastic fisherman. He deeply values the time he spends relaxing in nature away from the pressure of competition.
Quotes & Anecdotes
After advancing through grueling competition heats, he thrills fans with his charisma, shouting crew catchphrases into the camera like, “We are back and guys, I send the trap…” with a “Send it!” energy.
On the other hand, he views his kite, which gets abused in extreme conditions, as a true partner, expressing his affection in a unique way.
“My kite knows that the life is not long, you know, because I even sometimes abuse it because too much power, but they are living the best life actually with me, you know, short but intense, you know, full of Megaloop and yank and yeah, I give the best life to a kite, I think.”
— Andrea Principi
He also holds a mature philosophy on life beyond competition, stating, “The money is not buying your happiness. We get the sunset, we get 10 meters to the lagoon and we are bringing in actually crayfish. What we can ask better to the life?” Showing his true angler spirit, he even jokingly remarked that he prefers the pull of catching a catfish over the yank of a kite loop.
Competition Results
– GKA Big Air World Champion (2022, 2023)
– Red Bull King of the Air Winner (2023, 2024)
– Lords of Tram Winner (2023)
Show latest competition results (Spoiler Alert)
– Lords of Tram Winner (2025)
Search Aliases: Andrea Principi, AndreaPrincipi