LONDON, UK (Team Geared Up) - It has been kayaked blind and windsurfed across but now Rupert and Al are kiting across the Irish Sea to raise money for the hospital that ‘put Al back together’ by kitesurfing across the Irish Sea.

In March 2006, Aberdovey kitesurfer Al Crisp broke his back following an accident which could easily have left him paralysed. He sustained 17 fractures in total, several to the spine, lumbar and thoracic, as well as two broken wrists, smashed heel and cracked ribs. He spent 2 months lying flat out in Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Spinal Injuries Unit and a further 6 weeks in a full body brace. Oooo!

Following months of recuperation and physiotherapy, Al is back on the water and training to complete a kitesurf passage from Ireland to home town of Aberdovey in Wales this September. A 1.5m plank, some canvas, lots of string and 90 miles!

The team set off from Arklow on Irleand’s east coast and will be sailing almost due east to Aberdovey in mid-Wales. The distance is approximately 90 miles and if the team average 10 knots (kitesufers are capable of speeds of up to 40 knots, but this will be in rough seas and for a extended period of time) this should take about 9 hours to complete.

You can join their facebook group or visit their website thecrossing.org.uk. Good luck to Al and his team on this tough endeavour.

-Robin-