The discipline, which sees competitors fly above the water at up to 40 knots powered by huge kites, is making its Games debut.
And 27-year-old Aldridge, from Dorset, powered her way to gold by winning two races in the final series on Thursday.
The success salvages what had been a hugely disappointing regatta for Britain in one of its traditionally strongest medal sports, with Emma Wilson’s bronze in windsurfing the only previous medal.
Light winds have made it a very frustrating fortnight for the sailors, with numerous races delayed and cancelled.
Aldridge went into the final tied on points with France’s Lauriane Nolot but behind her on count-back after failing to even reach the start-line in the last race.
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