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October 9, 2013Namdeb – Mining profitably, sustainably and responsibly
October 9, 2013PHOTOS: ©Luke Patterson
Despite relatively weak wind conditions on Day One of the Lüderitz Speed Challenge, the event already saw two national records broken. Nothing less than expected in the national adrenaline water sports capital in Namibia!
The specially engineered channel where world records are broken each year. PHOTO: ©Luke Patterson
In average wind speeds of only 20 knots, Danish kitesurfer Ole Kjaer and Swedish kitesurfer Roger Ornvang respectively broke their home records. The new Danish kitesurfing record is 39.67 knots and the new Swedish kitesurfing record is 36.92 knots.
PHOTO: ©Luke Patterson
According to world record holder and spokesperson for the speed junkie event, Sophie Routaboul, the wind forcast for the Friday, Saturday and Sunday are looking good – laying the foundation for many more records to be broken!
Ole Kjaer. PHOTO ©Luke Patterson
Roger Ornvang. PHOTO ©Luke Patterson
DID YOU KNOW?
- To date the event has proved to be the fastest competition globally, with 55 national and 11 world records set.
- The man made 500 metre channel is key to the world record breaking performances. Detailed study was made by world record breaking participants and the channel was engineered to provide the perfect conditions in which to fly at top speed – whether as a wind- or kite surfer.
- The warm Namib Desert winds accelerate through the surrounding hills and on reaching the cold waters of the Atlantic Ocean, thermal atmospheric pressure create incredibly high wind speeds.
- Statistically, the wind blows an average of 35 knots+ for at least 3 times a week during the event, often reaching 40-45 knots and sometimes, even up to 50 to 60 knots of warm and stable winds.
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