Tim Pumpa has taken the title of 'best Australian kite speed' on what was meant to just be a training day at the Luderitz Speed Event in South Africa.  He managed to smash the previous record of 33.94 knots with a recorded speed of 40.72 knots.  Conditions for the rest of the event are looking favourable and Tim will be hoping to push the record further still.

This will be the fourth speed event to be held at Luderitz - recognised as the ultimate spot to achieve maximum possible speeds for kitesurfers and windsurfers. The event is held under the scrutiny of the World Speed Sailing Record Council (WSSRC) and the International Sailing Federation (ISAF), so all records can be officially validated. 




The current record for kite speed is 50.98 knots, set in 2009 by Alex Caizergues, but the 'Outright' record (for the fastest wind powered vessel) is currently just edged by l'Hydroptere, the French trimaran, at 51.36 knots.  Hopes are high that this could be the year for kiters though, and several riders have their eyes on that record....