Luderitz Speed Challenge begins with broken records

The narrow channel in the Namibian desert. Pic: Jonathan Tait

With lighter than desired winds during the first week of the Luderitz speed challenge, Speed Kiters have upped the ante and broken records anyway. It was thought, that the event might not even take place this year! Unusually high tides destroyed the 1000m long channel just weeks before the event was due to start, but after being painstakingly rebuilt by Sebastien Cattelan and the few pieces of machinery he could find in the Namibian desert, it was open for competition this week. Of course, it wasn't quite that simple, because with unusually high tides, shortly thereafter come unusually low tides! They were low enough to prevent the channel from filling with water, and so pumps were used to fill it to a safe depth for the windsurfers. Kiteboarders didn't need such depth if they were willing to but their bodies on the line in the shallow water - and so they did! Martin Hulinsky was first to break a record in the light winds, then he did it again, and again, and a few more times to raise it five in today - cracking 43.52 knots to secure the Czech Republic's national speed record. Cracking the 50 knot barrier, which was formerly the speculated 'glass ceiling for wind sports', French kiter Sylvain Hoceini is currently in the lead with a top speed of 53.03 knots. He's not waiting on shore for the much stronger winds forecast towards the end of this week. The goal for the Chris Benz Luderitz Speed Challenge is to beat the world record for wind powered watercraft. Currently held by the Vestas Wind Sailrocket 2, at 65.45 knots, the record is well within reach in the right conditions.

Follow along with the riders as they push the limits of what can be done on a kite on the event website here.