Overview
Zac Adams is a professional kiteboarder hailing from Hood River, Oregon, USA. At just 16 years old, he made his debut at the world’s most prestigious big air competition, Red Bull King of the Air, emerging as the next generation of New School Big Air riders from the US mainland. As a Slingshot team rider armed with gear like the “Code” and “Era,” he is known for his boundary-pushing big jumps and boundless energy. He feels no pressure even on the world-class stage, constantly engaging in aggressive and innovative battles.
Career and Style
He possesses a commanding presence that belies his youth, embodying the Send it! style with a “TO THE MOON!” spirit. He particularly excels at high-difficulty tricks that combine advanced kite loops with board flips, showcasing an unprecedented evolution of the Megaloop in competitions. Maintaining his “go hamm” attitude throughout events, his exciting riding continues to captivate audiences and judges alike.
“I just flipped the board and it came back to me.”
— Zac Adams
Show Event Results (Spoiler Alert)
In the 2024 Red Bull King of the Air, he competed as the youngest rider at age 16. He landed the first-ever “kite loop late backroll double board flip” in the event’s history, securing the “Mystic Most Extreme Move.”
In the following 2025 event, he clashed with two-time defending champion Andrea Principi in Round 2. He landed a loop rotation incorporating a quadruple board spin (Zack Attack), scoring a massive upset victory with 28.14 to 25.69 points. This dramatic win propelled him to an incredible semi-final appearance.
In the semi-finals, a “master and apprentice” showdown with Cohan van Dijk materialized. It was a fierce heat where both gave their all. Although Cohan ultimately advanced to the finals, Adams wholeheartedly congratulated Cohan after his defeat. The sight of them praising each other’s efforts remains a celebrated highlight of the event.