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Richard Branson is the oldest kitesurfer to cross the English Channel
Monday, 02 July 2012 18:33

Richard Branson: champagne is served after a kite cross of the English Channel

Richard Branson has become the oldest person to kitesurf across the English Channel, between England and France. The Virgin CEO has set a new Guinness World Record by linking Dymchurch, Kent, and Wimereux in the North of France.

Branson took three hours and 45 minutes to complete the challenge. This was the second attempt in 24 hours, after he was forced cancel is Saturday adventure, because his kite was too small. Sir Richard Branson considered that the adventure was "far more challenging" than he expected, after facing strong and gusty winds and large waves.

"It's wonderful for the family to have set three world records in two days. I have even more respect for Sam's world record having taken so long myself to get across. It's great to be standing on French soil and not be surrounded by French police", he told.

"The trip was far more challenging than I thought, with 40mph winds in the middle of the Channel and major waves. I have to admit there were moments when I was tempted to abandon it. The wind direction was the opposite of what had been forecast".

"I expected to scream across but was greeted with a long, downstream kite that took considerably longer," he said", Richard Branson added.

The intrepid 61-year-old kiteboarder crossed the English Channel with eight friends and relatives and also debuted a new record for being the fastest group of kitesurfers to make the crossing. His son beated the besttime 24 hours before, with a total time of two hours and eight minutes.


 

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SURFING

Jordy Smith wins the Billabong Rio Pro 2013
19/05/2013
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Jordy Smith has conquered the Billabong Pro Rio 2013, in clean two-to-four foot (1 meter) waves, at the primary site of Barra da Tijuca, in front of thousands of surf fans.
The best ocean conditions of the entire Billabong Pro Rio 2013 came in the finals' day, with Jordy Smith beating Adriano de Souza in the last heat of the last day of the event waiting period. Win it or break it. Adriano de Souza and Jordy Smith were up and riding with different trumps under their belts. The Brazilian w [ ... ]


Guinness confirms Shawn Dollar's 61-foot paddle-in wave record
19/05/2013
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The Guinness World Records have officially certified Shawn Dollar's 61-foot wave, at the Cortes Bank, off the coast of California, as a new paddle-in world record.
The 30-year-old resident of Santa Cruz, California, caught the superlative wave on December 21, 2012 during a terrifying session at the Cortes Bank, a notorious offshore hazard to shipping located over 100 miles west of San Diego in international waters. A panel of experts measured the wave at 61 feet on the face. Dollar caught th [ ... ]


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KITEBOARDING

Kitesurfing in India kicks off with the Red Bull Quila Surf
20/05/2013
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The first kitesurfing competition will hit India, between 23rd-25th May, at Mandwa. The Red Bull Quila Surf will showcase 70 Indian kitesurfers in the water.
The costal district of Raigad is ready for action. The Red Bull Quila Surf is the first ever kitesurfing competition in the country and anxiety grows. Ines Correia, the 2011 Kite Surf Pro (KSP) World Tour champion from Portugal, has been invited to judge the riders based on speed, maneuverability and attitude.


"Death loop" kills kitesurfer in Quebec
14/05/2013
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A 32-year-old kitesurfer has passed away when he was sailing on the Lake of Two Mountains, in Quebec, Canada.
Julien Blanchard was enjoying a kitesurfing session in the part of the river delta widening of the Ottawa River, in Quebec, when he suffered what is commonly called the "death loop". The rider was dragged to his death on the lake, after fell and being kept underwater by his kite for about 20 minutes.


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WINDSURFING

Taty Frans and Kiri Thode blast the Curacao Challenge 2013
17/05/2013
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Taty Frans and Kiri Thode have claimed the Slalom and Freestyle titles at the Curacao Challenge 2013, in the Netherlands Antilles.
A total of 85 windsurfers from some of the world's best sailing countries like Bonaire, Aruba and Curacao competed in front of hundreds of spectators. The 5th edition of the Curacao Challenge showcased an high level of competition mixed with a great atmosphere. The event held a Tow-In Freestyle contest, Slalom races and a SUP battle.


The windsurfing book for young people
14/05/2013
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"Go Windsurfing!" is a windsurfing book for young people published by the Royal Yachting Association.
Written and illustrated by Claudia Myatt, "RYA Go Windsurfing!" offers easy reading style and engaging content to children aged between 7-12 years old. The entertaining and clear format takes the reader from the beginnings through to starting to race and what they need to know to stay safe while out windsurfing. There is also an informative section at the back which explores Windsurfing amaz [ ... ]


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BODYBOARDING

Dan Ryan air drops into vertical Teahupoo
15/05/2013
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Dan Ryan has scored epic air drops into deep barrels, in Teahupoo, Tahiti, during the largest swell of the year.
The adrenaline-fueled 13th May 2013 has been considered an historical big wave surfing day, in the French Polynesian island. Too big to paddle-in, too vertical for surfers. No worries. Dan Ryan, member of the big wave bodyboarding club, was one of the few prone riders defying fear, at the Teahupoo bowl. When the moment came, he went for it, big time.


World's best tube riders fly to El Gringo
14/05/2013
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The 2013 IBA GoPro Arica Chilean Challenge kicks off on the 17th May, in Arica, Chile, at the infamous El Gringo bodyboarding spot.
The third stop of the 2013 IBA World Tour is a Grand Slam Series events, which means there's a lot at stake. With $40,000 in prize money and 2000 points for the winner, Chile is a must. Moreover, the Arica Chilean Challenge is celebrating its 10th anniversary and all riders will be trying to claim the trophy, in front of thousands of hardcore bodyboarding fans.  [ ... ]


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