Overview
A professional kiteboarder from Terracina, Italy, currently based in Lo Stagnone, Sicily. Widely considered the strongest Italian freestyle rider in history, he achieved his lifelong dream of becoming the GKA Freestyle World Champion in 2022.
Career
He started sailing (Optimist and Laser) at a young age before discovering kitesurfing in 2011 at the age of 18—an age many considered “too late” to turn professional. However, through grueling training and fierce determination, he won his first Italian Championship just 8 months later, silencing the skeptics. Since then, he has dominated the national scene, winning countless titles.
The pinnacle of his career came at the final stop of the 2022 tour in Taiba, Brazil, where he claimed the World Title with a record-breaking heat score of 38.73 points. During that historic heat, he scored two perfect 10s, a 9.7, and a 9.5. He continued to perform at the highest level in 2023, finishing the year as the World Runner-up (Vice-Champion).
Sponsors & Brands
He has been a vital part of the Duotone Kiteboarding family since the early days of his career, after impressing the brand with his rapid progression. He notes that “Duotone supported me like a family.” His gear of choice includes the Click Bar and the Team Series Freestyle board (often opting for a larger 144 size to ensure stable landings after massive tricks). He is also supported by ION.
Personality & Friendships
Renowned for his incredibly precise technique and clean executions, he was dubbed “The Blind Master” by WKC commentators Bas Koole and Lewis Crathern, thanks to his unmatched ability to land complex handle-pass tricks in the blind position.
He places a huge emphasis on mental control, meditation, and visualization. On windless days, he constantly watches videos of his own tricks to maintain muscle memory. His journey to becoming a World Champion in Brazil was documented in the film “ALL IN,” alongside fellow top riders like Noe Font and Maxime Chabloz.
Quotes & Anecdotes
“Many people told me I was too old to turn pro and compete with the big guys. But I never gave up on my dream of becoming Freestyle World Champion one day. I started in 2011, and 8 months later I won my first Italian title… proving everyone who doubted me wrong.”
— Gianmaria Coccoluto
“I work a lot on my mind and meditation. I watch a lot of my videos to help my brain get familiar with the movements. Training the mind is the most important thing you can do.”
— Gianmaria Coccoluto
Competition Results
- 2022: Winner, GKA Freestyle World Championship (Record Heat Score: 38.73)
- 2023: Runner-up, GKA Freestyle World Championship
- Multi-time Italian Freestyle Champion (from 2012 onwards)