Historic Gulfstream Crossing
An Epic Adventure across the Atlantic Ocean
The Gulfstream Crossing
December 16, 2017
On December 16th, 2017, a new chapter in kiteboarding history was written.
Nick Ziegler, Rich Gardner, and Damien LeRoy became the first riders to cross the Gulfstream on hydrofoils, kiteboarding from Pompano Beach, Florida, to Bimini in the Bahamas — a distance of over 63 miles across the Atlantic Ocean.
At the time, the challenge had never been attempted on hydrofoil boards.
The day began with uncertainty. A small cold front was approaching South Florida, and the timing of its arrival would determine everything. The marine forecast called for 10–15 knot winds and light swell, but when the riders launched at 12:24 PM, the wind barely registered 5 mph.
Keeping a kite in the sky was a challenge.
But the team committed.
Riding 15m Cabrinha Contra kites, the three riders lifted onto their hydrofoils and began the long journey across the Gulfstream.
What followed was more than four hours of endurance and focus.
They battled:
• Marginal winds
• Sudden gusts
• Cramps and fatigue
• Massive cargo ships crossing their path
• Floating seaweed fields
• And the constant reminder that beneath them was the deep Atlantic Ocean.
Many doubted they would make it a mile.
Instead, they crossed the entire Gulfstream.
At 4:41 PM, after 4 hours and 17 minutes on the water, the three riders reached landfall at Bimini Sands Resort in the Bahamas, completing the 63.4 mile crossing successfully.
Exhausted, relieved, and fully stoked.
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Words from the Riders
Rich Gardner
“I am getting too old for breaking Guinness records! I started cramping on the first dive of the kite!”
Nick Ziegler
“I wanted to prove that when you combine determination, pride, and hard work, you can accomplish anything you set your mind to.”
Damien LeRoy
“Time is precious. Live now, because tomorrow may never come. Believe in yourself and anything becomes possible.”
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The Crossing
Date
December 16, 2017
Launch Location
NE 16th Street
Pompano Beach, Florida
Landing Location
Bimini Sands Resort & Marina
Bimini, Bahamas
Distance
63.4 Miles
Total Time
4 Hours 17 Minutes
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Riders
Nick Ziegler
Rich Gardner
Damien LeRoy
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Support Team
Antonio Marques — Marketing / Drone
David Daniels — Photography
Chelsea Mercedes — Logistics
Keith Willard — Captain
Mike Meskauskas — GPS / Transportation
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Sponsors & Support
Contractors Painting & Waterproofing Inc
BbTALKIN USA
PKS Distribution
Bimini Sands Resort & Marina
Ziegler Builders Inc
Mr. Pasta Catering
Lift Foils
and the incredible support crew who made the crossing possible.
