Andrea Principi Leaves Duotone | Emergency Episode

Summary

Kitesurf365: Emergency Episode — Andrea Principi Leaves Duotone

Host: Adrian Kerr
Co-host: Colin Colin Carroll
Date: July 2, 2026

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Episode Overview

This impromptu “emergency” episode dives into the bombshell news that Andrea Principi, arguably the most influential and exciting talent in kiteboarding today, has parted ways with industry giant Duotone. Adrian and Colin scramble to process the announcement, reflect on Andrea’s possible motivations and next moves, and speculate on both the industry impact and likely landing spots for kiteboarding’s rockstar. The conversation is fast-paced, unscripted, and packed with industry gossip, humor, and honest uncertainty.

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Key Discussion Points

1. The Shocking Split

• Andrea’s Departure Announced (00:00)

  • Andrea Principi, “the biggest rider with the most clout at the height of his powers,” announces exit from Duotone.
  • Both hosts are floored, setting the tone: “It’s crazy news. Crazy news.” [A, 00:40]

• The Announcement Video and Imagery (00:47)

  • Colin notes the “sinister, dark” tone of Andrea’s announcement video, likening it to “Italian gangster movies” and even Harry Potter: “Darkness is afoot.” [B, 00:47]
  • Adrian suspects Andrea’s departure was brewing for a while: “He’s been unhappy there… not with the products… but Duotone just is not… shaved head, leopard print, Italian trap, gangster. It just is not.” [A, 01:25]

2. Why Did He Leave?

• Product Satisfaction vs. Brand Identity (01:25)

  • Products weren’t the issue; Andrea’s persona and Duotone’s image seemingly misaligned.

• Who Made the Call? (02:44)

  • “Did he say see ya, or did they push him?” [A, 02:44]
  • Colin offers: “He says, ‘I have another love,’ which maybe he’s preempting it.” [B, 02:48]
  • Strong speculation that another brand swooped in with an irresistible offer Duotone couldn’t match.

3. Where Will Andrea Go?

• Wild Speculation & Theories (03:28–12:48)

  • Gong: The most likely suitor. “They’re the only people making money these days… To get the stamp of someone like Andrea on a Gong kite would be massive.” [A, 06:17, 07:29]
  • RRD: The “Italian connection” and absurd scenarios painted for comic effect. [A, 08:42]
  • Capital: The idea of a big, new, unconventional sponsor with cash – reminiscent of past fleeting brands like Virgin or Qatar. [B, 12:48]
  • “Maybe he’ll make his own kite.” [C (Jeremy), 18:50]
  • Brands ruled out: North, Core, Ozone, Kaimana, Harlem, F-One, Slingshot (“Jeremy’s got that place on lockdown.” [A, 15:26])

• Reality Check by Jeremy (Guest Call) (18:11)

  • Jeremy, a friend and industry insider, confirms Andrea never told him specifics but shares that RRD or Gong are decent guesses, and even hints Andrea may “make a whole new kite. My own kite.” [C, 19:06]
  • “It’s either that or the other one. One of both. Gone.” [C, 18:45]
  • “Let’s see. Whatever he goes he needs a good kite, that’s for sure. And he has to do one [make one] because he's been riding the Rebel, like he said, his love forever.” [C, 19:34]

4. Industry Ripple Effects

• Wider Brand Implications (04:14–16:40)

  • The hosts speculate if big brands are moving away from heavy competition sponsorships, and what this means for the sport.
  • Duotone’s Instagram farewell post is read aloud—praising Andrea’s impact and legacy, implying an amicable but definitive split. [A, 09:58]
  • Andrea’s family kite school likely remains with Duotone, highlighting contractual and business realities versus athlete freedom. [A, 11:20]

• State of the Sport (16:40)

  • Industry trends toward youth (Finn, Shah) and questions about who’s actually moving kites.
  • “Do brands care less about competition now?... Are we getting away from investing in competitions?... If it is Duotone, that’s a big warning sign for the industry.” [B, 04:14]

5. Andrea’s Headspace & Future

• Rockstar Persona and Burnout? (14:09, 16:55)
  • Uncertainty over whether Andrea craves competition any longer: “I don’t think he gives a shit about the competitions anymore. I just don’t. I think he’s lost his love for comp.” [B, 14:09]
  • Comparisons to Ruben Lenten’s shift from comp to lifestyle/influence.
  • Both hosts express concern for Andrea’s wellbeing and note his “cryptic” posts and persona: “I want to be young forever, I want to fly forever. It’s the stuff that rock stars write. I’m worried. I am a little bit worried about this kid.” [B, 14:09]
  • “Yes, I’m right about his, his spiritual and mental health. I’m not worried about his ability… It’s within his power.” [A, 16:57]

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “I’m just going to quit. That’s it, man. I’m out of the industry.” — Colin, on the possibility of Andrea signing with RRD [B, 09:27]
• “The fact that he’s left us in such suspense is… classic Andrea. Some people just have that knack of keeping the story alive even though they’re not on the water.” — Colin [B, 15:46]
• “There’s no one like Andrea in this industry, dude.” — Colin [B, 15:07]
• “He’s been unhappy there for a while now… not unhappy with the products… but Duotone is not shaved head, leopard print, Italian trap, gangster. It just is not.” — Adrian [A, 01:25]
• “If Andrea is going to do that… he has that Conor McGregor influence—doesn’t even fight, still the biggest name in the sport. Andrea is that person.” — Colin [B, 14:09]
• “Maybe he’ll make his own kite.” — Jeremy [C, 19:06]
• “I think it’s cool… find a new way of… find motivation, you know? Let’s see. Whatever he goes, he needs a good kite, that’s for sure.” — Jeremy [C, 19:34]

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Timestamps & Segment Highlights

• 00:00–01:25: Breaking the news, emotional reaction, and discussion of Andrea’s video.
• 01:25–03:28: Speculation on Andrea’s dissatisfaction and the real reasons for leaving.
• 03:28–06:15: Wild guesses about potential new sponsors; Gong surfaces as a top suspect.
• 08:28–09:45: The “RRD scenario” and comedic imagining of Andrea’s Italian rebrand.
• 09:58–11:20: Reading Duotone’s Instagram farewell and discussing Andrea’s family kite school.
• 12:48–13:45: Big-brand speculation (Capital, Kaimana, etc.) and industry cycles.
• 14:09–16:55: Deep dive into Andrea’s mental state; does he want to compete anymore? Comparing Andrea to Ruben, Conor McGregor.
• 18:11–20:08: Live call with Jeremy—insider weighs in (doesn’t know destination, hints Andrea wants to make his own kite).
• 20:30–21:24: Hosts reckon with the “own kite” scenario, channeling Andrea’s voice and vision.
• 21:24–end: Show wraps, hosts admit bewilderment, and tease more chaos to come.

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Tone & Style

The episode maintains the podcast’s trademark blend of irreverence, deep insider knowledge, and genuine passion for kiteboarding. No one, not even the show’s hosts or their expert contacts, really knows where Andrea Principi is headed next—but they relish the speculation, celebrate his impact, and express both concern and excitement for the future. The conversation is frank, funny, a bit chaotic, and perfectly attuned to fans who want to live inside the industry’s most important stories as they unfold.

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In Summary

This episode is a must-listen for any fan of kiteboarding or sports business. It marks not just the end of an era for Duotone and Andrea, but potentially a pivotal point in the industry itself, as one of its brightest stars steps into the unknown—and leaves everyone guessing.

Transcript

[A]

On 1st July 2026, Andrea Principe gave us the biggest headline in kiteboarding in years. The biggest rider with the most clout at the height of his powers has left the biggest brand in Duotone. We don't know what's going on. We don't know where it's going, but we give it a good stab.

[B]

Catastrophic equipment failure.

[A]

Going for the boogaloo double just to get the landed. Had a couple of strings and it was extremely dangerous.

[B]

Guys, I sound. And it is gold for Ellie Aldridge and gold for Great Britain.

[C]

Wow.

[A]

Wow, wow. It's crazy. It's crazy news. Crazy news.

[B]

Let's start with the video. I mean, holy. It's sinister, it's dark. It reminds me of when I went to see the third movie of Harry Potter and I walked in and was like, you know, the prisoner band and like, darkness is afoot. It's crazy.

[A]

Yeah, it's. Well, it's inspired by the Italian gangster movies of old, isn't it? It's good. Fellas, I am not surprised by this news, are you?

[B]

I mean, I was completely surprised. I mean, I was shocked. I don't know, man. I just. It's difficult. I just don't know where Andrea is. What were you not surprised about?

[A]

I've just felt that he's been unhappy there for a while now and not unhappy with the products. I think the Rebel and the. The 2023 Evo D lab was perfect for him. Perfect for him. But, yeah, they just. Duotone is not. Shaven head, leopard print, Italian trap, gangster. It's just not. It just is not.

[B]

Yeah, it's very un German. I mean, the trap is dead, man. Maybe this is the end of the trap. I. I don't know. But, I mean, why is this the

[A]

end of the trap? I think this is the beginning.

[B]

I mean, it's the beginning of Andreas. It's like, you know, like rock stars, they never die, man. They find every opportunity to grow and shine again and hope. And like, I was thinking about this, I'm like, there's only a very few people who can get bigger after big decisions, and Andre is one of them. Most people just would fade away, but you know when he said, look, I have another love, right? This is him saying goodbye. Or is it Duotone saying, see you later?

[A]

Yeah. Okay. Did he say see ya or did they push him?

[B]

Well, he says, I have another love, which maybe he's preempting it.

[A]

Okay, let's dig into that. I mean, for sure he's got another deal. He is the biggest name at the moment. He's the most hyped, most exciting prospect in kiteboarding for sure. He has something, and I think he would have been. This is speculation, obviously. I think another Brandis swooped in to get him, and Duo Tone couldn't match it, so therefore he leaves.

[B]

But who? That's the big question. We love Andrea. You know, you and I have known him a very long time, from the time we saw him walking down that street in Tarifa with us with the big helmets, the big smiles, the. The big personalities, the big handles. He ain't that person anymore. He's a different breed. And that as a team manager, I mean, you're buying a. A leopard and you don't like scratches. Who's going to go? Who's going to take that challenge on?

[A]

This is the meat of this episode, isn't it? Where is he going? Do you know? There's a chance that, you know, I.

[B]

I don't know anything, bro. Honestly, if I knew, I would have told you.

[A]

But who have you picked? Have you spoken to people that should know that do know?

[B]

You know what? I've. I actually got a. I actually have a podcast supposed to be recorded today with Micah, and I just. And Mika rang. Mika messaged me this morning and I said, hey, listen, let's do it the next day. Because I got the Sondre news and she was like, wow, can you believe that? Like, she was surprised even she didn't know. Yeah. Which is, like, really crazy. Maybe she did know and she was playing it up. But I, you know, Mika and I have talked a lot about this and I got the feeling, I mean, do brands care less about competition now? And are they going to go back to that traditional thing, which was loyalty and tribalism and having, you know, doing that? I mean, are we getting away from them investing in competitions? Are they trimming fat? I mean, if it is duotone, then that's a big warning sign for the industry. The biggest player cutting the biggest name.

[A]

Okay. Interlude from the Andrea Chaos. The Heel Speaks series is now up in full. Every kite that he tried on that day is up. He tests everything from the new North Orbit, the Harlem Peak, the Duo Turn, Rebel, the Fly Surfer, Sonic, the RRD, the bloody RRDs in it. The new Slingshot Code V2s in it. If you've been wondering whether it's any good, he's tested it and he speaks to the camera like he doesn't care because he doesn't. Currently unsponsored. He's trying everything Good on him. And if you're listening to this episode, within 48 hours of it being published, you can get a portrait subscription for the original price for cheaper, basically, before the tax man forced us to put our prices up. Just use the coupon taxman and you'll get 30% off. So, yeah, go get amongst back to the episode.

[B]

But we. Okay, let's go back to where he can go north. No way. He's not a North rider. He could be a mystic rider.

[A]

No, it's not happening. It's not happening.

[B]

He ain't going to core. Where's he going? Where could he go? It has to be something outrageous.

[A]

I think there's only two options.

[B]

All right, Give them to me.

[A]

The first is Gong. They're the only people making money these days. Could be Gong Airton's at Gong. Airton was at Duo Tone in Red Bull. Airton got his friend, good friend Andrea onto Red Bull. Airton goes to Gong. Andrea goes to Gong. Could be they love a Red Bull athlete. They don't give a.

[B]

Why would they spend all that money? They got useful. Who's doing stuff and being professional make. I know they're different levels of guys. Of course they are. But I have to take a opposite view to you, right? I mean, in a tough industry and you've got someone like you, so who's getting lots of traction, doing cool stuff, getting into these competitions, wants to be in these competitions, would they take the risk on an Andrea Principe? And I'm calling it a risk now because where's his head at?

[A]

What Gong need right now is someone massive to turn up and say that kite is sick and make it look good. You so can't do it like Andrea can. In terms of clout and riding, honestly, they're both sure not yet.

[B]

Right.

[A]

Maybe he'll flourish and become that. But like, to get the stamp of someone like Andrea Pinchippy on a gon kite would be massive. Massive.

[B]

Here's the thing, mate. Kiteboarding is full of money and arrogance and prestige. And even if he did go to Gong, guess what? People are going to want to ride Duotone. People are going to ride north. People are going to ride F1. They are creatures of habit and most people, most of the market don't really even know what's going on in the competition industry. It's a pretty small side. You're absolutely right. That was the 2018, 2019, 2021, 22 market strategy. Let's get guys on podiums that sells kites. Reviews never sold kites podium, sold kites. But maybe we're. Maybe we're moving away from that dude Gong is entirely possible. Who's the other one you thought Gong and are you smiling? Come on, say it.

[A]

Rrd.

[B]

No fucking way. I mean it's Italian. Unless. Unless he gave him 80% of the company and said, hey bro, you can just do whatever you like. You're the future.

[A]

Think about it. Think about it for a second.

[B]

Okay?

[A]

Just close your eyes and imagine it. Okay? I'll paint the picture for you. Andrea Pinchippi. He's on a beach. There's a cross shore breeze rippling through his not long hair anymore. Through his skinhead. It's rippling through his leopard print skinhead. Oh, he's wearing a backpack. What's in the backpack? Oh, it's an orange backpack and it has what is that, a zebra print on the side? Okay, okay. Oh, now I see it fitting. Okay, he gets it out of the bag. It's an RRD kite. Always pumping it up. Oh yeah, it's a perfect fit. Wow. Got it. You getting that?

[B]

Yeah, I mean I get it, but I. Dude, if he goes to rd, I'm just gonna quit. That's it man. I'm out of the industry. I couldn't caught it. But mate, crazier things have happened. I woke up this morning from a beautiful sleep to find out that Andrea Principe has left Duotone. So crazy things do happen.

[A]

Did you contact Joton for comment?

[B]

I haven't reached out to them, no. Duotone don't like to comment. Back to my request these days.

[A]

No, but we request it anyway. Just knowing that it's not going to happen.

[B]

Hey guys, just want a quick update on what's going on.

[A]

What did they say? Let me look at the bloody. They would have done something on Instagram, wouldn't they? Some journeys leave a laughing Mark. Andre, 16 years old through young blood camp. Good passion, hard work, constant drive. Together we countless podiums beyond trophies. We are proud to have shaped the evolution of big air together. Helping Andrea to grow from a talented rider into one of the sports biggest known has been a privilege for everyone at Joone. His dedication, creatively relentless pursuit of progression have inspired riders around the world and will remain part of our shared history as our past now take different different directions. We want to sincerely thank Andrea for everything we achieved together. We are proud of what we built as a team and grateful for the memories that will stay with us forever. We wish you nothing but success, happiness and fair wins for the next chapter. Thank you Andrea. Yeah, I mean, they gave him the stuff that he changed the sport, to be fair. Oh, one thing I'm thinking and I'm just having a quick look now. So Andrea's parents have a kite school, Principy Kite School, Calambrone, and they are a duo. Tone school. I'm just looking now on their Instagram to see if they've. They're using any RRD gear. Doesn't look like they are, mate.

[B]

They'll stay with. They'll stay with Duotone. That's. That's a great contract to have, you know, Duotone, biggest selling brand in the world. You know, that'd be crazy to get away from that. Even if he does go to rd, I'm pretty sure they'll stay Duotone. Yeah, look, the Megaloop riders have been named today. I'm pretty sure he's going to be in that. What does he do? What does he turn up with? I mean, you think GONG and rd,

[A]

what do you think? I'm coming with all these ideas and options you haven't come with yet. Well, you've got gold on all of my ideas.

[B]

I have not pooed once. I think all your ideas are great

[A]

for sure, apart from the cartoon.

[B]

It could be. Could be gong. I mean, it could. I mean, it entirely could be it. It's gonna have to be something that's crazy. But the words. Do you know what love is? The one that gets me, you know?

[A]

Do you know what, though? I've spoken to the people at GONG that you should speak to and they didn't give me the impression that he's there. I don't think it is gong. I think it's something else. I think it's something. And if it isn't, it's going to be something mental. It's going to be an rrd. It's going to be something way out of all the other fly stuff. And no way. Ozone. No way. It might just be. What if it was capital? What if it's just capital, Con?

[B]

It could be capital. But listen, dude. And there's the thing, man. You know, everyone's going about capital and they've been in the industry a long time supporting riders, but there's a lot more sort of optics going around, around about them now. But, dude, we've had Virgin, we've had Qatar, we've had Porsche. Guess what? They all come and piss off. They realize there's no roi. I hope capital does stick around because they did great things at this last event. There's a buzz of excitement about them. But that buzz was the same thing around Qatar. It was the same thing around when Virgin stepped in to save the tour. I mean, is this just history repeating? And if it is, if it is capital and they piss off, then we're going to have a bunch of people who are really, really struggling.

[A]

It's just I've had three ideas. You've had none of the. Who are you thinking?

[B]

I mean, for sure, capital is definitely an option. Is capital going to announce that they've got a full time riding team and Andre is just going to ride any kites he wants? A bit like Jamie, who's riding for. I know Jamie's with kite mana, but can choose whatever he likes.

[A]

It's not Kaimana, by the way, the kite mana guy text me to say, do you know where he's going? So it's not Kaimana. Imagine if that's the ultimate bluff, the sort of thing they would do. It's legendary.

[B]

There's not many times, bro, that we are lost actually for words about where he could go. And we're talking like, this is the end. This is not the end.

[A]

Give me some options so I can shit on them.

[B]

I mean, when you climb Mount Everest, you don't come down and think, I might just do K2 next door. You know, he's been at the top. Could he wangle a deal with Harlem? But I don't think, here's the thing, I don't think he gives a shit about the competitions anymore. I just don't. I think he's lost his love for comp. It's a little bit like Ruben back in the day, lost his love for comps and went off and did his own thing. If Andrea is going to do that. Look, Andrea's one of those unique people, right? When he speaks, people listen. He's the big clickbait conversations, amazing interviews, the great photos, the hair, the look. He has that Conor McGregor type influence that he doesn't even fight. He's still the biggest name in the sport. Andrea is that person. And everyone wants to be rock star, but no one wants the challenges that come with it. You know, just looking at his last post, you know, I want to be young forever, I want to fly forever. It's like, what is this? It's like cryptic, cryptic stuff. It's the stuff that rock stars write. I'm worried. I am a little bit worried about this kid.

[A]

Give me a brand.

[B]

There's no one like Andrea in this industry, dude.

[A]

Come on, we're talking brands. Just name anymore. It's not Harlem. No way. No way.

[B]

Yeah. Not core, not north, not core, not fit, no air rush. They've got maybe shark just on board. I mean, it's really difficult to know.

[A]

Slingshot with his old mate Jeremy. I'm giving you ideas because yours are so bad.

[B]

What about Slingshot with his old mate Jeremy?

[A]

Oh, no, no. Jeremy's got that place on lockdown.

[B]

Maybe he's just gonna have a break.

[A]

Maybe he's gonna get into downwind power winging with Guy Bridge.

[B]

I mean, it is. The fact that he's left us in such suspense is. Is classic Andrea. Right? You know, some people just have that knack of keeping the story alive even though they're not on the water. I don't know, dude. I really don't know. I wish I. It is really confusing and it's really strange, but it's on the back of a lot of big cuts. You know, he leaving, Zar leaving, Andrea leaving. Is this the tip of the iceberg? You know, are riders going to like invest in Finn who's younger and Shah and Shah who's younger and maybe not have the same sort of amount of money going out while still selling kites? I mean, do. It's going to sell kites no matter what. They're huge. They're going to sell kites whether Andre is there or not. Maybe they don't give a shit.

[A]

Tell you what I do know, guys. If you want to go through the same processes Andrea of trying loads of different kites, don't bother because he was already done it for you. Go watch. He'll speaks. All right. All the episodes are up now. Actually. No, they're not. We're bringing them out as the. As. As we're editing them. Okay. As we're editing them.

[B]

Are you worried about Andrea?

[A]

Yes, I'm right about his, his spiritual and mental health. I'm not worried about his ability to. If he decides. He wants to take out the sport again. And yeah, he can do it. It's within his power.

[B]

There's no doubting his love for kiting. I mean, we saw him down there on a 10 meter kite just mucking around with the plebs, you know, in our conditions. So he loves to kite. I don't think he needs any more of this pressure, you know, I don't think he needs any more of this. You know, you've got to perform. I mean, he's the most prolific winner in Big Ear history ever. I mean, it's crazy. Forget about battle. I mean he's Just. He's won all the big ones multiple times.

[A]

Should we try and ring someone? Is Jeremy awake? Is he in Tarifa or is he in. Is Jeremy in. In the Canaries? If he's in the Canaries, it'll be too early. Crazy that Mika didn't know.

[C]

Yo, what's up, guys? All good.

[A]

Jeremy, you should know that you are live on the podcast right now. You need to know that.

[B]

Come on, tell us, bro. Where the. Is Andre going?

[C]

Yeah, man. Honestly, he never told me. Andre never told me. I have a few theories, but you guys had a nice post on Instagram yesterday.

[B]

That was one of the theories. Hey, guess what? Ben's other theory.

[C]

Accurate.

[B]

Ben's other theory is rrd. That's not happening, right? Tell him that's not happening, man.

[C]

It's either that or the other one. One of both gone.

[B]

You reckon?

[C]

I think, I think because Andrea never told me, man. Andre never told me. I knew he was leaving. I know he was leaving from deoton, but. Because he told me back in Mykonos, but we spent 10 days together, and every day I was asking like, what are you gonna do? You know? And he was like, I'm gonna make a whole new kite. My own kite. So it's. It's either. I think I know already is very hungry for making new kites. And even gone, I mean, I can tell you it's not coming. It's slingshot.

[B]

No room for him, bro. There's no room there. You guys are full.

[A]

No room, no room, no vacancy.

[C]

Yeah, yeah, but I think it's. I think it's cool, man. It's something new, you know, Andrea's making moved now, and I'm really happy for him that he finally can find a new way of. Find motivation, you know? So let's see. Whatever he goes, he needs a good kite, that's for sure. And he has to do one because he's been riding the rabble like he said his love forever. Let's see. I think it's gonna come out very soon and I'm going fishing right now.

[A]

Okay, we'll let you go. Jeremy, thanks for picking up the phone.

[C]

All good, guys. See you soon.

[A]

See ya, man.

[B]

Tweeted on that.

[A]

I mean, that didn't help at all. To my two ideas, he said, yeah, they are good ideas, which makes sure you're feeling pretty silly after shitting on them.

[B]

He's gonna make his own kite.

[A]

Are you feeling silly?

[B]

No. But actually, if I think back to Andrea's podcast in the past, now, he had said to me one time, if I think back, I don't know which episode it was on that he wanted to one day create a kite, do

[A]

it in his voice.

[B]

Hey, bro, I know one day I want to build a kite. You know the 50 meter club, I don't know I can't do it but

[A]

the 50 meter club, you know, I cannot stay at the duo tone. They not understand my vision.

[B]

That's it there, right there. And his vision doing like a true artist, like a legend. We just need to sit back and let and just revolve around Andrea and that's kind of cool but that's kind of positive as well. But I do think that he said one time on a podcast that one day I want to build my own kite. So maybe this is going to come true.

[A]

Speechless. Speechless. Danger of us as always. See you in the next one. This has been chaos, utter chaos. Goodbye.