A kite, a surfboard and, of course, a lot of adrenaline: it takes very little to experience the thrill of plowing through the sea pulled by the wind and taking flight over the water mimicking the frenzied dance of seagulls. The wind caressing your face, the smell of salt water enveloping you and a heart beating faster and faster. Then there are the dreams, the ones that eventually come true.
This is the case of Giampiero Alferoni, a champion and instructor of kitesurfing, a recent sport that is currently conquering a niche of enthusiasts. Kitesurfing is one of the most exciting and spectacular sailing sports. Although it was formally developed in the mid-1980s, its roots go all the way back to antiquity. In fact, the Phoenicians, skilled navigators of the ancient Mediterranean, used kites to move their boats, anticipating by millennia what we now call kitesurfing. It is a variation on surfing and consists of being towed by a kite (’Kite’ in English), which uses the wind as its propulsion and is maneuvered through a bar, connected to the kite by thin cables between 22 and 27 meters long. Born in Rome, Giampiero has made his passion for kitesurfing a profession, becoming one of the leading instructors and entrepreneurs in the industry. His story began in the world of acrobatic snowboarding, where Giampiero distinguished himself by teaching at Italy's most famous ski resorts. However, it was a particular day 27 years ago at Alimini that changed his destiny. His first time on a kite was an overwhelming experience that led him to instantly fall in love with the sport.
Determined to share his passion with others, he worked at the kitesurfing school from 2000 to 2005, Point Break, in Rome, becoming a point of reference for lovers of the sport in the capital. His commitment to promoting this discipline led him in 2006 to open his own school, the F.S.K.I. of CONI - EPS, where he also served as national vice president for ten years. His determination and love for kiting pushed him beyond the borders of Italy. After a period spent in Brazil, where he deepened his knowledge of the sport, he decided to move to Los Angeles in 2011. Here Giampiero continued to cultivate his passion by working at a store specializing in kite equipment, which he later took over with his then partner.
Today, Giampiero Alferoni continues to spread his passion for kitesurfing, both as an instructor and as an entrepreneur. Giampiero deeply loves the sport not only for the excitement it provokes, but also for the freedom it gives him to explore the world. For him, one of the most fascinating aspects of kitesurfing is the opportunity to travel and discover different countries and places. “One of the things I love most about this life is the chance to travel and discover new places, and kitesurfing allows me to do that in an incredible way,” Giampiero says enthusiastically. “The amazing waves that can be found around the world are truly unique. When you get tired of flat water, there are always ideal waves to have fun. That's one of the aspects that makes this sport so special to me.”
For Giampiero, kitesurfing is not just a sport, but a real passion that allows him to experience unforgettable adventures in breathtaking places. Every time he lifts the kite, he knows he is ready for a new adventure and to discover even more of the world around him.
Alferoni is an experienced and passionate instructor with many years of experience behind him. His passion for kiting has driven him to become a benchmark in the industry, so much so that he has opened several schools in Italy, and even abroad the Los Angeles Time newspaper has dedicated its front page to him. “Flying kites for me was very easy,” Giampiero says modestly. “From the time I started, I had a very good understanding of how to handle the kite and this allowed me to become a successful instructor.” Over the years, Giampiero has shared his passion and expertise with hundreds of students and trained numerous instructors.
Giampiero Alferoni is a prominent figure in the kitesurfing world, and now, with his sports store Captain Kirk in Long Beach, Los Angeles, further solidified his position in the industry. His last competition was about 6 months ago, where he achieved one of the highest jumps of his career, reaching a height of 30.08 meters. In fact, last February, the Long Beach kiter went from hero to legend when he flew over an incoming wave in nearly 50 mph winds. His jump broke the previous record at Belmont, a sand strip at the southern end of Los Angeles County, and was the highest jump ever recorded in North America. “Kitesurfing is a challenge with yourself and the forecast is unpredictable and stronger than you. It is a personal competition to see how far you can go.” According to Giampiero, kitesurfing can only be considered an extreme sport when practiced in very strong winds. “Above 35 knots is extreme, but below that it can be a sport for everyone. I am the only instructor who does not teach in winds above 20 knots.”.
Giampiero also has a very exclusive clientele. In fact, he offers private courses to many celebrities, including some well-known faces from Hollywood. The sportsman talks about the adrenaline rush of being on the kite, emphasizing how the higher you jump, the happier you feel. “The more you jump though, the more you also have room for error, because 400 meters down there may be an obstacle, so the moment you get up you don't know where the wind may take you and you may face an obstacle. When you are in the air, you control the kite, but you never have ultimate control because the wind can take you elsewhere. Fear is important and is an integral part of the kitesurfing experience. It's that little thrill that keeps your feet on the ground and reminds you to respect the strength of the wind and the sea conditions.” Giampiero's story is an example of how determination and passion can turn a simple hobby into a successful career. Today the professional rider looks to the future with renewed energy, but his passion for kiting remains unwavering.
Thanks to Giampiero Alferoni's sponsors: West Side Heating and Air conditioning
Gin Kiteboarding , Captain Kirk's Watersport , C6 Board , Mystic Kiteboarding
