After much preparation and training, Natalie departed from Stanley in North West Tasmania at 6:30am and kitesurfed solo and non-stop all the way across Bass Straight, landing at Venus Bay in Victoria at about 4:15pm.
Natalie broke the previous record for kitesurfing across Bass Strait, set by James Weight and Ben Morrison Jack in late 2009, by 2 hours completing the trip in around 9 hours 30 minutes.
Natalie is also the first female and solo kitesurfer to make the crossing. She was accompanied by a support boat for the trip.
The total distance covered was approximately 240km.
Natalie's track log; note detour when she sights land (Natalie Clarke)
Natalie made the crossing to raise funds for the Swim 4 All Foundation who are still accepting donations.
(Photo: Paul Cousins)
{Photo: Paul Cousins)
Crossing (Photo: Natalie Clarke)
Into the surf at Venus Bay (Photo: Natalie Clarke)
Arrived: on the beach at Venus Bay (Photo: Natalie Clarke)
Approaching Venus Bay beach (Photo: Paul Cousins)
Into the surf at Venus Bay (Photo: Natalie Clarke)
Arrived: on the beach at Venus Bay (Photo: Natalie Clarke)
5 comments:
Wow congrats to Natalie for this achievement.
Hey Pete, you are becoming the source of news. The site
http://www.surfertoday.com/kiteboarding/3162-natalie-clarke-kite-crosses-the-bass-strait-in-record-time
has quoted you ! It's amazing that there are no other news sources out there covering this story.
I have no idea why the main stream media seem to have ignored this achievement. Too busy looking at poodles and politicians perhaps?
Thanks heaps guys :)
Natalie
Natalie, count me in on your next adventure - I can help Paul and take some photos - and do some kiting too!
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