Prince of Speed: Heidi Ulrich breaks speed surfing world record again
Heidi Ulrich has done it again. The Swiss speed surfer set the world record in speed surfing over the nautical mile (1.852 km) for the sixth time on Monday in La Palme, France. With an impressive average speed of 73.41 km/h, the 41-year-old from Uri beat her own record of 71.19 km/h by a significant margin. "I'm super happy and proud of what I've achieved," explains Ulrich after her latest triumph.
Perfect conditions at the end
La Palme on the Mediterranean coast of southern France is considered one of the two predestined places in the world for absolute top speed surfing, alongside the artificial channel in Lüderitz, Namibia. The conditions for Ulrich's record-breaking run could hardly have been better. On the last day of the multi-week event, wind gusts of up to 90 kilometres per hour prevailed - the perfect basis for top speeds on the water. Speed surfing on the Nautical Mile is anything but just surfing straight ahead and keeping it tight. Heidi wears a 20-kilogram lead waistcoat during the competitions. "Otherwise I would take off due to the wind force," explains the world record holder. Goggles and a helmet are also mandatory for Heidi.
Looking ahead: Namibia in our sights
For Heidi Ulrich, the record over the nautical mile is just a milestone in 2025. Her next big goal is to recapture the world record over the classic speed record distance of 500 metres - the supreme discipline in speed surfing. In 2024, Jenna Gibson from the UK broke Ulrich's world record in Lüderitz with a speed of 88.95 km/h. However, the Swiss athlete did not compete in Namibia in 2024. In November 2025, however, she will be back in Namibia to take part in the four-week "Speed Challenge". The canal in the barren desert there is prepared anew every year and offers ideal conditions for top speeds.
To be prepared for the challenges ahead, Ulrich invests a lot of time and energy in her training. Her training ground is practically right on her doorstep on Lake Uri. "The conditions on Lake Uri are often very good. I spend almost every minute of my free time on the water," reports the 41-year-old speed specialist. In addition to water training, she also does trail running and climbing to further improve her physical and mental fitness.
Unbroken ambition despite numerous successes
Despite her impressive successes and numerous records, Heidi Ulrich does not feel satiated. "My thirst is not quenched. I'm still highly motivated," emphasises the athlete. With this unbroken ambition, she is already looking forward to the challenge in Namibia. There, Ulrich wants to prove once again that she is the fastest woman on the water. In view of her previous performances and her intensive preparation, it would come as no surprise if the speed specialist were to set the next record there too. A direct clash between Jenna Gibson and Heidi Ulrich in Namibia to crown the Queen of Speed would be exciting
Moldenhauer sets German record
Heidi Ulrich was not the only one to set new records at the Prince of Speed. Thomas Moldenhauer set a new German record over the nautical mile with 41.13 knots (76.17 km/h). Frenchman Cedric Bordes set the second-fastest time ever on the Mile, 43.97 knots (81.43 km/h). Only his compatriot Antoine Albeau was ever faster at 44.12 knots.
More about the speed world records
