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Door: kiteboardertje / 15 December 2006 / 07:54 / 1609 Hits / 4 Reacties

How do you know if you didnâ€™t even try?â€œ

Philipp Knecht achieves the new world record in kitesurfing

Text: Manuela Giger. Pictures: Alex Pfiffner / Manuela Giger

On November 6th 2006, the Swiss kitesurfer Philipp Knecht completed a non-stop downwinder of 300.570 kilometres and thus became the new world record holder in kitesurfing. His journey lasted twelve hours and nine minutes and covered the distance between Cumbuco and Cambocim on the northeast coast of Brazil. The attempt almost failed due to one detail.

The Boat Hunt
In order to attempt the new world record, a suitable fellow-boat has to be organized for the weekend. This is an undertaking that appeares to be more difficult than expected. The lack of motorboats in Fortaleza and the relaxed Brazilian mentality become the worst enemies in the hunt for a boat. A further obstacle is the Brazilian sense of business: a commission of ten percent is guaranteed for a recommendation if the deal is successful. Thus, the commission becomes the focus of the boat hunt. Despite the miserable condition of the offered boat, the mediator insists on the completion of the deal. After having declined the offer, another boat is presented and it seems suitable for the journey. But there is one hurdle: Brazilian fishermen already booked the boat for the following two days. The world record attempt is put into question. The only possibility is to book the boat for Monday and to hope for decent wind and weather.

The Equipment
After having tested the new equipment in Egypt and in Brazil, Philipp Knecht opts for the new Rhino 07 size 10 developed by North Kiteboarding. The ability of the kite to be used with a large wind range and the high flying-speed are features that promise a successful achievement of the new world record. The chosen board is the NKB Crossride L, which is celebrated for its speed and stability on the water. A backpack filled with Powerade Drink and power bars serves as food supply for the journey. In order to protect himself against the strong Brazilian sun, Philipp Knecht uses a neonshirt and board shorts from ION and C-LINE sunglasses.

Water, Wind and Waves
The wind forecast for Monday predicts a decreasing stability of the wind conditions; a wind speed between eight and ten knots is expected. These circumstances result in a rather spontaneous decision whether to attempt the record or not. Philipp Knecht decides on Monday morning at three oâ€™clock to undertake the world record attempt. At 5.30 in the morning, he lifts his kite into the air and thus starts the world record attempt at Cumbuco beach. The wind blows with only twelve knots and it starts raining; circumstances that cost Philipp Knecht a lot of energy in order to move on. After an hour, the rain ceases and the clouds disappear. Due to these weather conditions, the wind speed increases up to 36 knots. After ten hours, the main goal Jericoacoara becomes visible and hence the first triumph is accomplished; namely the excess of the official world record of 213 kilometres completed by the Andreya Wharry from England. As a result of his excellent physical condition, Philipp Knecht decides to continue his journey. The waves become stronger as the high-tide progresses and that causes Philipp Knecht to end his attempt during the sunset. He completes a distance of 300.570 kilometres in twelve hours and nine minutes with an average speed of 13 knots. The faultless North ION-Equipment, a highly motivated team of ten people, eight power bars and ten litres of Powerade contributed to this successful new world record.