Kiteboarding Magazine

luke
2010-08-23 13:11:26 | 936 views | 2 Comments

Avid kiteboarder and fearless entrepreneur Sir Richard Branson is taking on the challenge of kiting across the English Channel to celebrate his recent birthday with longtime friends and family in tow, including BVI Kite Jam co-founder Charlie Smith. The wind window for the crossing is Aug. 21-24.

“Kitesurfing is one of my favorite sports,” says Sir Richard Branson. “I can’t think of anything I’d rather do with my family and friends to celebrate turning 60!”

Branson’s friend and BVI Kite Jam co-founder Charlie Smith will be joining him on this six-hour challenge. As they prepare for the crossing this month, they are also gearing up for the Billabong BVI Kite Jam 2011, Feb. 26–March 4.

“He’s such huge a supporter and fan of kiteboarding, it’s the perfect way for Sir Richard to celebrate his birthday,” says Smith. “Up next, we’re both looking forward to the Billabong BVI Kite Jam in February. Last year was fantastic and we are positive this year will be even better.”

The Billabong BVI Kite Jam 2011 will be a world-class kiteboarding event in the beautiful British Virgin Islands that will be open to pros, amateurs and spectators alike. Participants can expect a week of freestyle, big air, races, equipment demos, clinics and nightly festivities in spectacular locations around the BVI including Sir Richard Branson’s Necker Island, Anegada and the Eustacia Sound. In fact, the idea for Kite Jam came about when Sir Richard and Charlie were kiteboarding together in South Africa, commenting on the ideal kiting conditions in the BVI.

After the overwhelming success of BVI Kite Jam 2010, next year’s event is expected to attract even more kiteboarders, pros, and spectators from around the world and is presented by Billabong. The Billabong BVI Kite Jam 2011 will be the epicenter of extreme sports and the toast of the international kiteboarding community.