Despite a failed first attempt, Sir Richard Branson carved his way across the sea to become the oldest person to kitesurf the English Channel.
The 61 year old billionaire crossed from Dymchurch, Kent to Wimereux in northern France. He took the Guinness World Record with a time of 3 hours, 45 minutes.
The first attempt on Saturday was abandoned half way through due to a too-small kite but he rallied the day after to take the record.
Despite addressing the equipment issues on Sunday it was not all smooth surfing. Chaotic wind and water conditions tested the entrepreneur’s resolve.
‘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.’
Considering he’s managed to traverse the best part of the planet in a hot air balloon and all the conditions he endured, that’s saying something.
In a bout of hereditary record breaking, his son Sam took the record for the fasted kitesurfed crossing of the Channel with a time of 2 hours and 18 minutes.
Knighthoods, captains of industry, celebrity, and records aside it’s a reminder for people to get onto the water regardless of age. Old dogs and young bucks alike, whatever shape your board is, if you have been neglecting your watersport recently it’s time to dust it off and take to the water. If Richard Branson can find the time to do it so can we…
