British dad becomes first person to kite-surf across English Channel

London, Sep. 25 (ANI): Andy Ward, a father of three, has become the first person ever to kite-surf across the English Channel.

Ward, 33, spent six chilly hours skimming 70 miles across the waves from the Channel Islands to his home port of Poole in Dorset.

The journey that began on Tuesday through the world's busiest shipping lane, could have ended right at the start when a lack of wind saw Ward stranded.

The hospital theatre co-ordinator, however, swapped his kite for a bigger one that could harness the wind to help him on his way.

"At one point I thought the whole thing would have to be abandoned and I had visions of all of us coming back totally disheartened, but we changed the route and started making headway," The Sun quoted him, as saying.

"There were two occasions when the kite hit the water and we were faffing about trying to get it relaunched. We thought it was all over... but we got there in the end," he added.

Ward, who set himself the challenge to raise money for the Special Boat Service Association, said he was "exhausted but exhilarated" afterwards.

"It was exhilarating out there, a real adrenaline rush. I'm so pleased, just chuffed to bits. There were a few difficulties as well," then paper quoted Ward, as saying.

"About two hours to go I could see land which was a brilliant sight and at that point I knew we were going to make it. I cannot thank everyone enough for their support," he added.

Andy's dad Tony said: "I am really proud - this is the culmination of eight months planning and training." (ANI)