Ex-Dunedin man sets world kitesurfing record

Former Dunedin man Louis Tapper has completed a month-long kitesurfing journey along Brazil's coastline, setting a world record in the process.

The 36-year-old, who is now based in Wellington, began his feat in Salvador 30 days ago and ended the 2000km trip at Sao Luis yesterday.

"I am pleased to finish and somewhat relieved. I am looking forward to do some stress-free kiting and waking up late," he said on his website.

"The last three days have been some of the most epic kiting of the whole trip ...

For the moment beer and food awaits!"Mr Tapper said his interest in the sea began under the late swimming coach Duncan Laing, and as a member of the St Clair Surf Life Saving Club.

He was involved in a range of adventure sports, including kitesurfing, which he took up three years ago.

In 2008, he kitesurfed across Cook Strait, and last year he completed the 260km journey from Auckland to the Bay of Islands.

The previous record for the longest distance covered by a kitesurfer was 1450km by Frenchman Eric Gramond in 2007.

 

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