Whatever the outcome this was always going to be great fun for all and really good promotion for Kitesurfing as a watersport worldwide.
Sir Richard Branson invited Barack Obama and his wife Michelle to the British Virgin Islands (Moskeo Island) for a nice and relaxing break after his 2nd term as the president of the United States of America.
Well, it was far from relaxing for Barack Obama As he decided to have a go at Kitesurfing, Now Richard is an avid kitesurfer and loves the sport, So it was only fair if Richard was at the learning stage too so bring on the foil,
Barack on a kiteboard for his first runs under the power of the kite and Richard on a foil for the first time. (What could go wrong)
Now let us be clear This is not Barack Obama's first rodeo, He loves his watersports including surfing in fact Just before he became President of the United states he was out in Maui Surfing and the rumour is when he came in off the water after a great session his security detail told him "That's the last time you will be surfing for a while" That was 8 years ago! now he is back and kitesurfing.
So the question is Can Barack Obama learn to Kiteboard before Richard Branson could learn to foil?
Game on!
So after a few days on the kite learning to fly it well it was time tp get on the water with a kiteboard for Barack Obama.
Both out on the rescue boat lets see how they both got on:
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| Richard Branson Vs Barack Obama - Kitesurfing |
The security around was immense but Barack was very relaxed and ready to give it his all.
So first up was Richard to have a go at Kite Foiling now let us be clear protection is very important when learning to Foil and Richard was taking no chances with a full-face helmet and Kitesurf impact jacket.
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| Sir Richard Branson Kite Foiling |
If you can Kitesurf you would think foiling would be easy, Let me tell you its not, It a completely different sport and all your board skills do not help you as the Wing on the foil just wants to lift at all times so your job is to stop it cavitating from the water.
With steady front foot pressure, This can be done but takes practice.
Richard fell so many times as you can see but it's all about determination and we all know Sir Richard Branson has lots of that. He kept trying until he got the first run on the foil board a whole 50 meters! So first blood to Sir Richard Branson. Well done Richard!
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| Barack Obama about to do his first board starts. |
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| Barack Obama's First Run on a kiteboard |
Next up was Barack and this guy does not know how to lose! He amazed everyone with a long run on the kiteboard under the power of the kite for around 100m, Twice as far as Richard managed.
Fair play to that man he spent two days learning the skills of kitesurfing and pushing himself to get up and riding as soon as possible.
Richard was very humble in his loss and congratulated Barack on his win. Not a bad story to tell people in a bar of how you lost a bet with Barack Obama on kitesurfing.
I'm sure Richard will make a comeback, Maybe next time Obama will be on the losing side, "Richard bring him back over for another challenge very soon", please.
For more info on Kitesurfing or if you want to learn how to kitesurf contact Surface 2 Air Sports they have a kitesurfing school in Poole, Dorset that offers Kitesurfing lessons including all the equipment and insurance.