Two-Time KOTA Champ Andrea Principi Signs with RRD
Two-time King of the Air winner Andrea Principi has made an unannounced move to Italian brand RRD, shifting gear for his competitive Big Air future.
Andrea Principi, a dominant force in Big Air kitesurfing, has officially joined RRD. This move comes after a successful period with Duotone, marked by multiple King of the Air titles. RRD, an established Italian brand with roots in various watersports, has expanded its kitesurfing presence over the
Italian Big Air kitesurfer Andrea Principi, a two-time King of the Air winner, has signed with RRD.
This unannounced move sees one of the discipline's reigning talents shift brands. Principi, who most recently rode for Duotone, is now aligned with the Italian multi-sport brand known for its roots in windsurfing and its expansion into kitesurfing equipment.
Principi's Trajectory to RRD
Principi has been a consistent force at the top of Big Air kitesurfing. His back-to-back victories at the Red Bull King of the Air in 2023 and 2024 mark him as a dominant competitor in the sport. He also holds two World Champion titles.
His results include:
- Red Bull King of the Air - Winner (back-to-back)
- Red Bull King of the Air - Winner
- Lords of Tram - Event Winner
- Red Bull Megaloop - 2nd
- Red Bull Megaloop Challenge - Winner
- GKA Big Air World Ranking - 2nd
This record has established Principi as a major player in the Big Air scene, making his brand switch a notable development for the competitive season ahead.
RRD's Heritage in Watersports
RRD, or Roberto Ricci Designs, was founded in 1989 by Roberto Ricci. The brand has a history spanning from Tuscany, Italy, to Maui, Hawaii. RRD entered the production market in 1994 with windsurf boards and clothing, and by 1996, they were developing kites and boards for kitesurfing. Their kites, like the Religion and Passion, became known in the community. The company's headquarters are in Grosseto, southern Tuscany, with a sail loft nearby in Castiglione della Pescaia. Research and development are conducted in Talamone, Italy.
This move by one of the discipline's reigning talents shifts gear ahead of his competitive Big Air future.
In addition to kitesurfing, RRD produces equipment for windsurfing, wingfoiling, SUP, and surf. The brand also offers technical apparel.
What This Means for Big Air
Principi's alignment with RRD puts a top Big Air talent on an Italian brand with a deep history in watersports. This shift could influence equipment development for RRD in the Big Air discipline and will be watched closely as the competitive season progresses.
Sources
- Instagram Post · 2026-07-09
Frequently asked
Who is Andrea Principi's new sponsor?
Andrea Principi has signed with the Italian multi-sport brand RRD.
What are Andrea Principi's notable achievements?
Principi is a two-time Red Bull King of the Air winner (2023 and 2024), a two-time World Champion, and a Lords of Tram event winner.
Where is RRD headquartered?
RRD is headquartered in Grosseto, southern Tuscany, Italy, with in-house research and development conducted in Talamone, Italy.
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