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.
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.
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.
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.
