World kiteboarding champion Andrea Principe performs an aerial jump from above "Dubai Eye"
Dubai, February 27 / WAM / Italian kiteboarding champion Andrea Principe jumped from the top of “Ain Dubai” at a height of 250 meters, before landing on the waters of the Arabian Gulf opposite Jumeirah Beach Residence, in an experience that took 58 seconds of continuous flight.
The adventure began at 6:54 am, amid northwesterly winds at a speed of 14 knots, where Principe used his parachute to perform six successive movements of the “Around the World” maneuver during landing, in a display that is likely the first of its kind at this altitude and in this style.
Ain Dubai is the highest observation wheel in the world, with a height of more than 250 metres. It is located on Bluewaters Island and is part of the Dubai Holding Entertainment portfolio.
Principe pointed out that the idea began 18 months ago, and developed into an integrated project that underwent extensive testing over a period of three days before implementation, where the attempt was crowned with success from the first actual leap.
He explained that controlling the parachute close to the ground with limited winds was a technical challenge, before reaching the launch pad at an altitude of 250 metres.
The project was implemented by Sergio Cantagalli, sports director of the Red Bull King of the Air tournament, who has more than four decades of experience in board sports.
During the preparation period, the team worked on testing safety systems and technical solutions, using a drone to launch the parachute and a quick manual release system.
Principe, born on September 25, 2004 in Calambrone, Italy, is one of the most prominent specialists in the “Big Air” category, having won the “Red Bull King of the Air” title in 2023 and 2024, and the “GKA Big Air” World Championship in 2022 and 2023.
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