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Kitesurfing with the Former President

2/15/2017

4 Comments

 
Obama Kitesurfing
Photo by: Jack Brockway
​US politics is not something that we cover in this blog, but when Richard Branson and former US President Barack Obama got together for a spot of kitesurfing shortly after Obama finished his second term in office, it was something to behold.

Richard Branson, founder of Virgin Group, business magnate and billionaire is equally famous for his adventurous spirit and sporting endeavors outside of the business boardroom. When he’s not holidaying on his own private island, he enjoys sailing and all forms of water sports. Barack Obama was also a keen water sports man before he became President. As Branson tells it, one of the first things Obama told him when arriving at the luxurious island was the story of his last surf, which apparently took place in Hawaii not long before he became president. 

The Challenge: Barak vs Branson

​Richard Branson invited the Obamas to join him at his very own Moskito Island where the former president jumped right back into the water and learned to kitesurf. Branson himself took this opportunity to try foilboard surfing for the first time. Ultimately, the pair turned their learning sessions into a friendly challenge where the person to pick it up and stay up the longest wins. 

Obama spent two days learning the ropes on the beach - the basics of kitesurfing require some practice - before heading into the water and giving it a go. Branson, a keen kite surfer, soon realized that foilboarding, although it may appear very similar to kitesurfing, is actually a different ballgame all together. 

The Results

​Both slowly got the hang of their respective challenges and the winner on the day was Obama, travelling a total of 100m on his best attempt, while Sir Richard managed 50 meters foiling behind his kite. 
Competition aside, after focusing so much on professional and competitive water sports it's actually refreshing and interesting to watch this footage. It's nice to see these two high profile individuals having fun as they learn, falling and getting up time and again as they search for their balance. It comes to remind us how demanding yet graceful these water sports are. 
4 Comments
Ed Al
2/19/2017 05:59:53 pm

Wow! Obama looks like he had a blast! Good for him doing 100m!

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Ashley Mite
2/19/2017 07:01:47 pm

I never knew that Obama was such an avid kitesurfer and it's a breath of fresh air to see him enjoying life after two stressful terms in office. Hopefully, he can continue to make the most of his retirement from the Oval Office and hopefully, you can continue to post about these events!

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Jon
2/20/2017 08:52:54 pm

Glad to see The O man still on top!!! and old dogs can learn new tricks. lol

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kuneeya link
2/21/2017 02:59:53 pm

It is good to see the former president in this attire. Good for him to enjoy his time like this. You are lucky to be with him during this time

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    Cameron Poetzscher

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    Cameron Poetzscher is a Harvard Business School graduate with extensive M&A, business strategy and operations experience.
    He is the VP of Corporate Development at Uber, and is passionate about sport.

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© 2016 Cameron Poetzscher. All Rights Reserved.
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