Annals of Adventure–Open Water Kiteboarding: It was only a matter of time before the kiteboarding world started to get off the beach and head for the deep ocean. And last weekend, three Cali kiteboarders (Chip Wasson, Steve Gibson, and Jeff Kafka (almost a great name, Dude)) strapped in and made the 28-mile crossing from the Farralon Islands, off San Francisco, to the Golden Gate. Winds blew from 12-28 mph, and the passage was made in exactly two hours, so they were ripping along. There are reports of kiteboarders sailing from Florida to Cuba, and Catalina Island to Long Beach. But this one had a particular twist, aside from the frigid water and strong winds: the Farralon Islands are a noted shark breeding ground, and popular hangout for Great White sharks. Were the kiteboarders worried about becoming wetsuited chum? “Sharks were definitely a consideration,” deadpanned expedition coordinator Steve Gibson. “But sharks can’t fly and kiteboarders can.” Great line. I wonder how long it will take some Frenchman to set out to kiteboard the Atlantic? There’s a whole world of new records just waiting to be conquered…



“It’s true sharks can’t fly, but it’s also true I have to come down eventually. Sh*t, better try to feed that big b*stard down there my board first…”

(Photo: Clay Rogers/Red Bull)