Mike here at Bigsurf reckons he's the toughest kitesurfer out of all of us...not only did he learn to kitesurf, but he learned in Luderitz...the world's capital for speed windsurfing, which means it's an incredibly windy most of the time.

Speed windsurfers and kite surfers push the limits of speed on water by setting up relatively large sails or kites for given wind conditions (which gives them more power) and custom built boards. They use momentum generated to catapult themselves down a very broad speed course (broad reach in sailing terms).  

The Luderitz course in particular is excavated at the correct angle to the wind, is shallow to reduce chop generation, and it is straight.  The rider above generates speed across the wind, then broad reaches down the course into a finishing "pond".

In terms of speed, this is actually the equivalent of land speed records in vehicles.

Speeds in excess of 50 knots, or 57mph are being recorded. To put this in perspective, barefoot waterskiing for an 85kg water-skier can happen at 34 knots, and a fast recreational family speed boat will do 40 knots approx., so hitting the water at this speed in excess of 50 knots sees the rider skipping across surface!  

There is active speedsailing competitions across Ireland, the UK and Europe...want to know more, and take part? ...get in touch!