Gianmaria Coccoluto

TOP 3 KITESURFING SPOTS?
My favourite kite spots for prime freestyle conditions are:

1. Sicily, Lo Stagnone – I moved to this spot when I started kiting in 2011. Here, you can find so many mirror-flat spots with varying winds, perfect for training.

2. Greece, Drepano – In the morning, the east wind makes it perfect for left-foot tricks, and from 12:00 to 15:00, the west wind kicks in, creating a super-flat spot for right-foot training on the other side of the sandbank.

3. Brazil – Non-stop wind every single day. The confidence you gain for freestyle in Brazil is priceless. 💕

FAVOURITE GEAR SETUP?
11m Vegas Concept Blue in 20–23 knots.
Team Series Freestyle 144 – a big size because it gives perfect landings, even from really high kite loops or wake-style tricks.

THE BIGGEST ACHIEVEMENTS IN YOUR KITEBOARDING CAREER?
Freestyle World Champion with the best heat in kiteboarding history, scoring 38.73 points. I received two perfect 10s and two scores of 9.7/9.5 – almost 40 points!

YOUR HOBBIES ASIDE FROM KITEBOARDING?
I love surfing, skating, and all board sports – and pizza!

WHAT DO YOU DO ON A DAY WITHOUT WIND?
When there’s no wind in Sicily, I usually take the day off to rest and recover. If it’s a long period without wind, I hit the gym to prepare for the next session. Stretching is also very important for grabs and advanced tricks.

WHAT STYLE OF MUSIC ARE YOU INTERESTED IN?
A bit of everything! But before a session, I listen to Eminem and other hip-hop or rap.

HOW AND WHY DID YOU START KITEBOARDING?
Thanks to my best friend, who was already a kiter and freestyle rider. He passed on his passion for the sport to me.

WHY ARE YOU RIDING FOR DUOTONE?
My first water start was with the Vegas – no joke! After just six months of kiting, I won my first Italian Freestyle Championship. I learned so quickly that Duotone Italy brought me onto the team, supporting me like a family. They believed in me and stood by me all the way to the World Title. This sense of family is more important than anything else.

WHAT IS YOUR MAIN GOAL FOR THE FUTURE?
I want to become a three-time World Champion.

WHAT WOULD HAVE BEEN YOUR JOB IF YOU HADN'T BEEN A PRO KITEBOARDER?
Before kiting, I was a sailor and did quite well. With my determination and passion, I’m sure I would have been a professional sailor on Luna Rossa in the America’s Cup – hahaha!

WHAT'S YOUR FAVOURITE FOOD?
Pizza, pasta, and tiramisu, for sure.