Barack Obama: learning kiteboarding in the Necker Island | Photo: Jack Brockway/Virgin

The former US President, Barack Obama, traveled to the British Virgin Islands and had his first kiteboarding lessons alongside Virgin CEO Richard Branson.

Less than a month after leaving the White House, Obama went on vacation to Branson's private Necker Island.

But when Barack arrived, the exotic businessman had already planned an agenda for the 44th President of the United States.

"I have always wanted to learn foilboard surfing," Richard Branson revealed.

"So, we decided to set up a friendly challenge: could Barack learn to kitesurf before I learned to foilboard? We agreed to have a final day battle to see who could stay up the longest."

Apparently, Obama spent two consecutive days learning the basics of kite flying before hitting the water with all the equipment and surrounded by security.

Richard Branson and Barack Obama: who won the kiteboarding challenge? | Photo: Brockway/Virgin

Barack Obama: ready to launch his kite near Branson's private Necker Island | Photo: Brockway/Virgin

In a nearby spot, Branson also got his kite foiling course. But he rapidly understood that he had to start from scratch.

"You come shooting out of the water, crashing down at high speed, and very much need a helmet and body armor for safety. But I slowly got the hang of it," explains the Virgin boss.

Barack Obama is no stranger to surfing and wave riding.

The former "leader of the free world" was born in Honolulu, Hawaii, and has always been an avid bodysurfing enthusiast.

The video posted by Richard Branson shows many wipeouts, but also a few successful kite riding moments by both athletes.

And the winner is...

Top Stories

After a four-year wait for the perfect storm, one of the fiercest kitesurfing events in the world has been contested once again in the Netherlands.

Kiteboarding will make its Olympic debut in Paris 2024. Here is everything you must know about the event and the qualified athletes.

Legendary British kiteboarding brand Flexifoil is for sale.

In an electrifying display of kiteboarding prowess, 19-year-old Italian Andrea Principi has been crowned the champion of the prestigious Red Bull King of the Air competition, held in Cape Town, South Africa.