Kitesurf365: The Megapod

Episode: Andrea’s Stunt + Slingshot Code NXT v2

Hosted by: Adrian Kerr & Colin Colin Carroll
Date: March 5, 2026

Episode Overview

In this episode of The Megapod, Adrian and Colin dive deep into two hot topics in the kiteboarding world:

• Andrea Principi’s jaw-dropping 250-meter descent from Ain Dubai—a stunt that has captured global attention both for its scale and its context, with Andrea now stranded due to political tensions.
• The imminent release of the Slingshot Code NXT v2 kite—with insider insights into what makes this a standout release and why it’s stirring so much anticipation among riders and industry insiders alike.

The conversation is fast, irreverent, and packed with both technical insights and signature banter.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

Andrea Principi’s 250m Ain Dubai Stunt

• Background & Context ([00:00-01:40])

  • Andrea’s descent off Dubai’s "London Eye" (Ain Dubai) became a viral sensation.
  • Complications: Andrea now unable to interview as he is stranded in Dubai due to regional conflict (Iran attacking Dubai).
  • “We're like a mackerel and he's like, he's dealing with like tuna, mate.” – Adrian [00:56]

• Andrea’s State of Mind ([01:41-02:50])

  • Andrea reportedly cut off all his hair—a possible stress reaction, though Colin jokes it’s just to “exercise some feeling of control.”
  • The hosts clarify they’re respecting Andrea’s privacy during this tense time.

• Behind the Stunt: Setup & Execution Details ([03:22-04:38])

  • The jump was planned by Red Bull, not Andrea, dispelling online theories.
  • Kite was lifted by drone; performed at sunrise with virtually no wind.
  • “That slip shows, you know, normally when we see those jumps, bro, you know, the guys bring the kite round and it lifts them up and then. Then they're off. This is literally him sliding down the exterior of this pod…”—Colin [03:55]
  • Hosts note the technical challenge: without wind, Andrea relied on apparent wind generated by his own movement.

• Comparison to Major Stunts in Kiteboarding ([04:39-09:47])

  • Nick Jacobsen’s 2017 Burj Al Arab jump compared: paid “probably the biggest one-off payment in kiteboarding history” [05:43].
  • Technical differences: Nick’s was from 210m sans parachute; Andrea’s from 250m with drone lift and parachute.
  • Andrea’s descent used aggressive kite steering and “merry go round” power management, a more extreme technical challenge due to windlessness.
  • “He’s steering the kite so aggressively down…you can lose your orientation. And when toe ups go wrong, it’s when people end up in the merry go round…”—Colin [08:43]
  • Notable: Modern kites (like Andrea’s) enable moves simply impossible with older gear.

• Dangers and Social Messaging ([15:47-16:29])

  • Discussion around responsibility and risk: “We’re celebrating…huge amount of risk taking and saying it’s brilliant…when, you know, maybe we should be praising you, Adrian, for having a quiet weekend…”—Colin [15:47]

• Impact and Red Bull’s Role ([11:44-12:59])

  • Red Bull has planned high-profile stunts for years; past efforts included planning with Yannick, who could not execute due to timing.
  • “There’s 284 Red Bull videos bigger than our biggest kite surfing jump. That just shows how important kitesurfing is in the market. Really pretty tiny shit.”—Colin [13:02]

• Most Iconic Stunts—Listener and Host Favorites ([14:19-15:19])

  • Nick Jacobsen’s original crane jump and Lewis Crathern’s Brighton Pier jump highlighted as the most “raw” and inspirational.
  • “For me, that is the most impressive thing I’ve seen.”—Adrian on Jacobsen’s crane jump [14:19]

Technical Deep Dive: Slingshot Code NXT v2

• Release Build-up & Market Context ([18:33-20:02])

  • NXT v2 is among the most anticipated kites this year, challenging models like the Duotone Evo D lab.
  • Its popularity stems from performance at the “highest level,” used by riders like Jeremy Belando.

• What “Going Behind” Means in Kiteloop Kites ([20:02-23:51])

  • Colin explains the concept of “going behind the rider” for braking:
    • Modern big air tricks now utilize the “half-sphere” wind window, allowing heli loops and smoother, more controlled landings.
    • "When you heli loop, you access this...the further it goes behind you and the lower you put it, the more it's acting as a brake."—Colin [20:33]
    • Kites like the NXT are designed for this, with gear and riding evolving hand in hand.

• Why the NXT v2 Stands Out ([23:51-26:15])

  • Notably powerful ("grunty") yet confidence-inspiring.
  • “If you like power, this is the kite for you...It's a good power. It's not like a scary power, you know?”—Adrian [23:51]
  • Aaron Hadlow’s blank test session showed the NXT’s unique forward-sitting flight.
  • Rider feedback: "Jeremy, don’t screw this up!"—Colin [24:36]

• Exclusive: Jeremy Belando on NXT v2 Upgrades ([26:15-27:21])

  • “Everything, everything got better. Every size got better. Before we had some flap in the kites and we really focused on eliminating the flap...to get more vertical lift and new seven point attachment bridle to make the kite even stiffer in strong conditions....It’s gonna be the best kite release yet.”—Jeremy Belando [26:29]
  • Emphasis on improved vertical lift, hang time, trailing edge, and bar feel.

• Industry Ramifications—Will Slingshot Take Over? ([27:28-28:19])

  • Discussion: Could Slingshot become “the next cab off the rank” after Nash, Duotone, Harlem, etc.?
  • Driving factor: the close designer-rider partnership (Adi Conrad & Jeremy Belando).

• Event Implications & Gear Consistency ([29:31-30:53])

  • Focus shifts to Lords of Tram event.
  • Consistency in gear is key for championship wins, highlighting the NXT v2’s value for pro teams.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Andrea’s priorities:
  "We're like a mackerel and he's like, he's dealing with like tuna, mate." — Adrian [00:56]
• On hair as a metaphor for stress:
  "He's so stressed, he cut all his hair off." — Colin [01:41]
• On the stunt’s difficulty:
  "This is literally him sliding down the exterior of this pod..." — Colin [03:55]
• On kiteboarding’s (tiny) place in Red Bull’s world:
  "There’s 284 Red Bull videos bigger than our biggest kite surfing jump." — Colin [13:02]
• On the pressure of epic stunts:
  "We’re celebrating…huge amount of risk taking and saying it’s brilliant…" — Colin [15:47]
• On kite design philosophy:
  "If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. Right? But unfortunately, everyone has to do something." — Adrian [25:25]
• On future NXT v2 plans:
  "Let's talk to people that aren't really supposed to talk about it as well. Like, let's face it, every pro this year has written an NXT at some point because it's been that kite..." — Colin [29:06]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [00:00] — Episode intro and Andrea’s Dubai stunt
• [01:41] — Andrea’s reaction and emotional state
• [03:22] — Discord questions on who plans big jumps
• [04:39] — Comparing Andrea and Nick Jacobsen’s stunts
• [08:14] — Tech analysis: wind, kite handling, apparent wind
• [11:19] — Dubai Marina location and stunt logistics
• [14:19] — Iconic jumps in kiteboarding history
• [18:33] — Slingshot Code NXT v2 anticipation
• [20:02] — What does "kite goes behind" mean?
• [23:51] — Code NXT's power and confidence factor
• [26:15] — Jeremy Belando on v2 improvements
• [29:31] — Pro tour, gear consistency, and event previews

Tone & Approach

This episode balances deep technical analysis with characteristic irreverence and humor. The hosts mix sharp tech breakdowns, real-world context, and playful banter, making it both informative and entertaining for new listeners and seasoned kiters alike.