Overview
Sir Richard Branson is a British entrepreneur, billionaire, and founder of the Virgin Group. Beyond his business success, he is globally renowned as an avid adventurer and a passionate kiteboarder. Based on his private Necker Island in the Caribbean, he has consistently pushed the limits of age through numerous kiteboarding challenges.
“Kite surfing is a great way of keeping fit. Kiting is great because you’re bouncing over the waves and you’re surfing the waves. I do quite long kite surfs—50 miles in a day.”
— Richard Branson
How He Acquired Necker Island
He purchased Necker Island in 1978 at the age of 28. It began when he pretended to be interested in buying an island to get a free trip to the Virgin Islands to impress his future wife, Joan. The asking price was $6 million, but Branson made a massively low-ball offer of $100,000 and was swiftly evicted from the island. However, about a year later, the owner desperately needed short-term cash and accepted a revised offer of $180,000. The purchase came with a strict condition: he had to build a resort on the island within four years—a promise he successfully fulfilled.
Career & Sponsorship
While not a professional team rider for any specific kite brand, he has championed the Virgin brand worldwide while using kiteboarding as a symbol of his lifestyle and PR efforts. His endeavors on the water perfectly encapsulate his risk-taking and adventurous spirit in business, continually inspiring people around the globe.
Personality & Friendships
His network spans from political leaders to top athletes. In 2017, he famously invited Barack Obama to Necker Island shortly after his presidency ended. The two engaged in a friendly competition: Obama learning to kiteboard versus Branson learning to hydrofoil. Obama ultimately won by successfully riding for 100 meters on his final day.
Branson also maintains close friendships with professional kiteboarders. He works closely with Susi Mai, who co-founded “MaiTai Global,” a networking community for tech entrepreneurs and kiteboarders that frequently hosts events on Necker Island. He is also good friends with extreme kiteboarder Nick Jacobsen. When Nick performed an insane stunt jumping off the roof of the Great House on Necker Island with his kite, Branson enthusiastically supported and cheered him on.
Quotes & Anecdotes
In 2012, at the age of 61, he successfully crossed the English Channel on a kiteboard, setting a Guinness World Record for the oldest person to do so. Battling 40mph winds and massive swells, he reached France in 3 hours and 45 minutes. He has also held records such as having the most people riding on a single kiteboard.
In 2017, when the devastating Category 5 Hurricane Irma took a direct hit on Necker Island, Branson refused to evacuate. Instead, he and his team rode out the catastrophic storm inside his concrete wine cellar. Everyone survived uninjured, an incredible testament to his bold and unwavering spirit.
🔗 Related Link: https://www.virgin.com/branson-family/richard-branson
Search Aliases: Sir Richard Branson, SirRichardBranson