For many riders, a trip to Brazil is an annual ritual, a pilgrimage to consistent wind, buttery lagoons, and good vibes. But for Alby Rondina and Alvaro Onieva, this year’s journey was more than just another kite trip; it marked a full-circle moment. In this feature, Jen Tyler catches up with both of them in Back to Brazil: 20 Years Later!

After first meeting on the PKRA tour two decades ago, Alby Rondina and Alvaro Oneiva reunited in the birthplace of freestyle, swapped stories from the golden days, and shared the water again; this time not as competitors, but collaborators. What started as a work trip quickly turned into something more. “I hadn’t been back to Brazil since before COVID,” says Alby. “When Alvaro, now the head judge of the GKA, asked me to join the panel in Cauipe, I was stoked. It was meant to be just work, with three events back-to-back, but when one got cancelled, suddenly we had time. The best crew, free days, and a road to Jeri.” Alvaro says, “It was an unexpected trip. We had a week-long break between events, and it just clicked. We rode, slept, and ate açai; it was pure bliss. It felt karmic.”

Alby and Alvaro first crossed paths in 2005 at a PKRA event in Sardinia. “Alvaro was already one of the OGs,” Alby says. “I don’t think he remembers me back then—I was just a tiny local rookie!”

I always enjoyed riding and sharing good moments with Alby,” Alvaro says. “He was humble and super stylish. I also remember his family’s support; they came to every event.”

Back then, the scene was completely different. There were no livestreams, Instagram stories, YouTube tutorials, or TikTok edits. “You had no clue what your competitors were training unless you saw it in a heat,” says Alby. “Being at an event meant everything. It was your only chance to see who was pushing the sport.”

Social media has radically transformed the game. “Now everyone knows everything about each other,” Alby says. “But it’s also opened the door to creativity, content, and new ways to stay stoked.” Travel has also changed. “I remember trying to reach Cauipe Lagoon with my mom by horseback,” Alvaro laughs. “We never even made it!”

Returning to legendary spots like Uruau, Taiba, and Cauipe triggered major déjà vu. “These were the places where I learned so many tricks,” says Alby. “They were the epicentre of kiteboarding. Freestyle was the only thing that mattered, no winging, no big air, just hours and hours on the water.”

This time, it was different. “For the first time, I wasn’t training every day,” Alby says. “I’ve always been a focused athlete, riding twice daily, stretching, and working on tricks. But this trip was about enjoyment. We mixed in surf foiling, winging, downwinders, and it made me fall in love with Brazil all over again.” And the sessions? Magic. “Riding with Alvaro again was dreamy,” says Alby. “He’s always been an inspiration; short boards, crazy blind-to-blind tricks, and always that huge smile. We may not be throwing as many tricks as we used to, but the style and love for the sport are stronger than ever.”

“Getting back on the water with Alby brought back so many memories,” Alvaro agrees. “It felt like rewinding time. The sport brought us together, and we’re still riding that wave.”

They were joined by photographer and filmmaker Thijs, a young creative with fresh energy. “Thijs was keen to jump in,” says Alby. “It was fun seeing the sport through his eyes. Along with Maxi, a good friend and judge from Tarifa, we loaded up a small car and road-tripped from Cumbuco to Jeri, stopping wherever the conditions looked good.”

From a creative perspective, it was a dream shoot. “Tow-in surf foiling in Ilha do Guajiru, surf foiling sunrise sessions in Jeri, pure freedom,” Alvaro remembers. “Those moments before the competition day started were like meditation.”

Of course, no Brazil trip is complete without linking up with Andre Magarao. “Andre is a legend,” says Alby. “We go way back. He came from a skate and BMX background and brought that raw style to kite photography. I remember him deciding to use flashes in broad daylight, a game-changer. His night shots? You just know they’re his.” Alvaro adds, “Andre always pushes you creatively. He knows what looks good and brings the art out of every session.”

While the sessions were electric, there’s no denying that time has shifted things. “We’re not 20 years old anymore,” Alby said. “After a few days, we were both looking for massage therapists.” Alvaro agrees. “There’s a limit to the tricks and conditions we can handle. I’m riding more versatile gear now, freeriding is where it’s at.”

Still, their love for perfect conditions hasn’t changed. “There’s nothing like Cauipe flatwater, Taiba kickers, or the big air potential in Ilha do Guajiru,” says Alby. “These spots are still world-class.”

In between riding and shooting, they had time to reflect. “Alvaro’s been a major part of the judging scene,” says Alby. “He works hard and loves the sport. I’ve been busy with the Cabrinha distribution in Italy and my centre, ProKite Alby Rondina in Sicily. But when I was asked to judge, I said yes right away. It felt right to give back.”

The evolution of the sport has brought new disciplines and gear. “We’re seeing young riders throwing handle passes in light wind and loops when it’s nuking,” says Alvaro. “The gear is getting more adaptive. It’s about blending styles now.” But some things never change. “The stoke of being on the water, that buggy ride to the beach, açai in the afternoon, it still gives me energy and freedom,” Alvaro says. “The connection with nature and each other is the real essence.”

So what’s next? “We’ve got some reels out on Instagram already,” says Alby. “And we hope to link up again for the freestyle stops in Abu Dhabi and Brazil later this year.”

“I still want to visit Alby's Pro Centre in Sicily,” says Alvaro. “It looks like the perfect playground, flat water, waves, and big air potential.”

We had to ask the most important questions of all: what’s the secret to staying stoked after 20 years? “Mix it up,” says Alby. “I’m lucky that Cabrinha makes top gear for all conditions. Freestyle, waves, foil, big air, I love it all. Stretching helps, too!”

“Never forget the essence,” adds Alvaro. “The sport is the excuse. It’s the connection.”

Two decades in, their story proves that the heart of kiteboarding lies not just in the tricks or the titles, but in the people, the places, and the endless pursuit of stoke. Alby and Alvaro found all that back in Brazil and more.

By Jen Tyler
Italian/Egyptian Jen Tyler grew up on the sandy beaches of the Red Sea and has been on the IKSURFMAG & Tonic Mag team since 2017.