“Had to Doff My Cap to Him and Celebrate His Victory”: Former POTUS Barack Obama Trumped His Billionaire Friend During a Unique Surfing Challenge in 2017

Surfing has always attracted huge audiences. Likewise, former President of the United States, Barack Obama couldn’t help from falling for the love and excitement of the sport. But being a country’s president is not one of the most flexible jobs out there; the national duty kept him distant from all sorts of water wave activities. However, after getting free from all the obligations, the boy from Hawaii went surfing his heart out.

Back in 2017, the British entrepreneur, Richard Branson accompanied the former President into the waves. However, instead of going on a regular surfing session, they both challenged each other to a kite surfing game. 

Obama agreed to a unique contest of flyboarding and kitesurfing

In his blog, Branson recalled the incident when Barrack Obama and Michelle Obama came to the British Virgin Islands after the successful completion of their tenure as the head of the state. Branson revealed that he knew to kitesurf while Obama had an experience in foilboarding. They both came to the conclusion of competing in a unique contest that involved both sports.

The entrepreneur wrote, “We agreed to have a final day battle to see who could stay up the longest.” Branson revealed that Obama spent two days learning and practicing the basics of kitesurfing. He also added that there used to be tight security around Obama, considering he was one of the country’s biggest names. Branson further revealed that it took both of them a few falls in the water initially to finally get an idea about maintaining balance.

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Both the icons were neck to neck throughout the whole contest. However, things changed for them in the last run. Branson finally, got on the foilboard and kept riding it for 50 meters. When the British businessman thought he finally had an edge over Obama, he was surprised by the former POTUS who was going over 100 meters on the kiteboard. He was highly impressed by Obama’s dedication. “I had to doff my cap to him and celebrate his victory.” Branson wrote.  

Barack Obama had to give-up surfing for eight years

Barack Obama was born in Hawaii and grew up on the beaches of the surfing hub. When Barack was young he used to surf on some of the biggest waves. However, he had to give up all kinds of water sports after taking the Presidency of the country. Barack Obama gave up surfing for eight years during his tenure in the White House. 

But, the 61-year-old made the best out of the freedom he got after leaving his seat for his successor. He learned kitesurfing with the eagerness of a 10-year-old. The former-President promised Branson to kite over Anegada. However, viewers are still waiting for the day to arrive. 

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