Overview
A professional kiteboarder from Herne Bay, UK, with mixed British and Italian roots. Boasting overwhelming height in the Big Air scene, she is a top rider who was crowned the first-ever Queen of the Air at the inaugural 2024 Red Bull King of the Air women’s division, accompanied by the phrase “A Queen is Born.”
Career
Growing up right on the coast of Herne Bay, she started kitesurfing at the age of 10 under the guidance of her father, alongside her brother. She honed her skills through friendly sibling rivalry and began her competitive career in race foiling in 2019, though her true talent would later blossom in Big Air.
Armed with decisiveness in strong winds and overwhelming height, she vaulted to the top of the global scene. At a BAKL (Big Air Kite League) event, she became the first woman in history to land a “double loop” in competition, sending shockwaves through the kiteboarding world.
In December 2024, she competed in the monumental first-ever women’s division at the Red Bull King of the Air (KOTA) held in Cape Town. Amidst the brutal gale-force “Cape Doctor” winds, she flawlessly executed tricks like kiteloop board-offs and massive boogie loops to claim the historic title of the inaugural “Queen of the Air.”
Sponsors & Brands
She is signed with North Kiteboarding and Mystic as her main sponsors, frequently riding North’s flagship Big Air kite, the Orbit, and the Atmos board.
Personality & Friendships
Known for her ever-smiling, fiercely competitive, and positive character, she lives in a share house with eight other kiteboarders and surfers in her private life.
She is closely associated with fellow British top rider Ellie Aldridge; together, they represent the UK as leading female riders, featuring in activities for the BKSA (British Kitesports Association). With Ellie reaching the pinnacle of Olympic racing and Francesca conquering KOTA (Big Air), they serve as powerful role models driving the UK’s female kite scene forward.
Quotes & Anecdotes
I still can’t believe I’m the first woman to land the double loop. It’s funny because I remember saying to my boyfriend a few months before, “I’m going to do the double loop in the competition, and I want to be the first woman to do it”.
— Francesca Maini
The Queen’s Parade
Behind her coronation as the inaugural KOTA Queen lay the fanatical support of the kite community. Adrian Kerr and Colin Carroll (Portrait Kite), hosts of the world’s largest kite podcast “Kitesurf365,” promised that “If Francesca wins KOTA and becomes the first Queen, we will charter a double-decker bus and throw a parade in the UK.” Following her magnificent victory, they delivered on their promise, chartering a double-decker bus boldly wrapped with the words “England Has A New Queen” and staging a triumphant London Tour to celebrate her historic achievement.
Competition Results
- 2022: Winner, BAKL Cape Town
- 2024: Winner, Red Bull King of the Air (Women’s Division)
Show latest competition results (Spoilers)
- 2025: Runner-up, GKA Big Air World Cup Lords of Tram
- 2025: Participant, Red Bull Megaloop (First Women’s Event)
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=JVXHPDWc8_w