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Francesca
Maini

The passion for kitesurfing runs in Francesca’s family. Her father, a kitesurfer for over 20 years, taught her and her brother how to kite as kids. The sport has now become a typical family activity, no matter the weather or how cold the U.K. waters get.

Francesca has already kite foiled internationally for Great Britain at the junior level, and has always been eager to try different disciplines as well. She discovered Big Air in 2019, and became the first woman to land a double loop in a competition in January 2023 at only 20 years old.

STAY DRIVEN.

Nationality HALF BRITISH, HALF ITALIAN Age 2002

HOMESPOT
Herne Bay or Camber Sands, in the U.K.

FAVORITE TRICK
Kiteloop late backroll

DREAM TRICK
All the tricks I can’t yet do!

3 REASONS TO GO RIDING
It’s fun, relaxing, and windy

BIGGEST INSPIRATION
My dad

FAVORITE MEAL
Pasta or sushi.

“ Dad and I always kite together. ”

Francesca Interview

Can you tell us a bit more about your passion for your sport?

I had my first kite lesson when I was about 10, but only started kiting consistently when I was about 13. My dad taught me to kitesurf and now my brother, dad and I always kite together. We live by the beach, so I normally kite whenever its windy or whenever I can, even if it’s freezing. I enjoy every discipline, but I really got into Big Air after going to South Africa three years ago. Kitesurfing is normally how I relax, and I have so much fun doing it with friends or family.

You just won the lottery, what would you do first?

Firstly, I would give it to people who need it and share it with my family. Then, I would definitely go to many kiting destinations, like Brazil!

Words to live by?

Do something every day that scares you.

" Kitesurfing is normally how I relax. "

What’s the most amazing thing you’ve experienced?

I’ve had many amazing experiences, but one of the coolest ones was kiting in Platboom Beach in South Africa with so many seals and two whales! It’s such a beautiful place too, which made it even more amazing.