TEAM NEWS : KITESURFER ANDREW GADELHA JOINS THE TEAM

Interview with our new team rider based in Bonaire!

Hello Andrew, welcome to the Team! How would you introduce yourself to our readers?

I’m Andrew, 25 years old, born and raised in Cumbuco Brazil, one of the most iconic kiteboarding spots in the world. With steady trade winds and an ocean lifestyle built into the culture, Cumbuco has been the perfect playground for me to grow as a waterman. My home spot is where it all started, and to this day, nothing beats a solid session right there.

What has been your journey in board sports?

My journey in board sports began early. I was always in the water surfing, bodyboarding, sailing, whatever I could get my hands on. But when I discovered kitesurfing in my teens, everything changed. The feeling of speed, power, and total freedom hooked me immediately. I’ve since spent years riding all over world like Europe, Asia and the Caribbean, chasing wind, discovering new spots, and evolving my riding in big air, and waves.

Kitesurfer: Andrew, GONG Team Rider, with his Steez Wood Flex, Ayto Aramid DP and FeelX kite bar.

What is your relationship with competition?

Competition has played a role in my development, especially in freestyle and big air disciplines. I’ve entered some local comps in Brazil. They’ve helped me build mental focus and performance consistency, but more than anything, competition keeps me sharp and motivated to evolve. Still, I find just as much joy in progressing during everyday sessions and sharing those moments with other riders. But I will keep pushing my limits and who knows about a podium in the future.

What kind of sessions are motivating you at the moment?

These days, I’m especially motivated by strong wind sessions ideal for big air, kite loops, and exploring new rotations. I’m always experimenting with new trick variations and love the technical side of dialing in my control at height. On lighter days, I enjoy surfing and foiling, both for fun and to understand how different gear performs across disciplines. I’m a big believer in staying versatile.

What motivated you to join the GONG team?

What drew me to the GONG team was the brand’s vision. GONG stands out for its dedication to innovation, its accessible yet high performance gear, and a team that really lives and breathes the sport. I love how the brand isn’t afraid to try new things, push boundaries, and rethink what gear can be. Joining the team feels like a natural fit, and I’m excited to bring energy to content creation, gear testing, and community building.

Which GONG gear are you most excited about?

Right now, I’m most excited about GONG’s Ayto Aramid DP especially made for big air, the hang time on this kite is absolutely out of this world, perfect to improve my skills. I can’t wait to put them through their paces in real world conditions, test their responsiveness, lift, and stability. I’m also really interested in GONG’s twin tips, foils and surfboards.The balance of weight, flex, and shape is key for my riding style, and I’m looking forward to diving into that side of the gear as well.

What’s your next trip or kite related project?

My next trip is back to Brazil, where I’ll be riding and filming at some of my favorite home spots and riding along the coast. I’m planning a project focused on both progression and adventure highlighting kite locations back home, testing new equipment, and sharing the stoke with the global kite community.

Big thanks to the GONG team for the warm welcome. I’m proud to be part of it and can’t wait to see where this journey takes us!

Thanks for sharing the stoke Andrew! A big welcome to the Team!