Race against the clock: Bob van de Burgt plans 24-hour windsurfing world record attempt

Dutchman Bob van de Burgt is facing an extreme challenge: the professional windsurfer wants to set a new 24-hour world record in long-distance windsurfing this summer. His goal is to cover at least 800 kilometres non-stop on the Grevelingen Sea - day and night, without interruption. With this extraordinary sporting achievement, van de Burgt not only wants to test his own limits, but above all raise awareness of children with muscle diseases and collect donations for them. The extreme athlete is thus continuing his series of charity campaigns, having already caused a stir in 2024 with an almost 400-kilometre crossing of the North Sea.

The next level of challenge

While van de Burgt's North Sea crossing in 2024 was primarily a battle against the elements and required perfect timing, the new record attempt is a pure test of endurance. The 24 hours of continuous windsurfing will demand everything from the athlete. The attempt cannot take place on a random day - the organisers are working with a "wind window" that will be open in calendar weeks 24 and 25, with 11 and 12 June being the ideal dates. Weeks 26 and 27 are planned as backup dates. Precise planning is crucial to ensure optimal conditions for the record attempt.

Support for a good cause

With his record attempt, Bob van de Burgt is supporting the foundation "Spieren voor Spieren" (Muscles for Muscles), which is dedicated to the fight against muscle diseases in children. The money raised through fundraising activities is used quickly and effectively to speed up diagnosis and improve treatment for children with muscle diseases. The foundation follows the motto "Healthy muscles support sick muscles" and is supported by numerous active and former top athletes who actively contribute to its mission.

A race against time

At the centre of the campaign is Lucas, the eleven-year-old ambassador of the challenge. Lucas lives with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, a progressive muscle disease that causes his muscles to become weaker and weaker over time and eventually lose their function. In the absence of effective treatment or medication, Lucas' muscles are slowly running out of time. His mum Debby puts it in a nutshell: "As time goes on, Lucas falls further and further behind." It's literally a race against time - fitting for the title of the challenge "Race Against Time".

Strong partners for a strong message

The main sponsor Howden plays a crucial role in making this challenge possible. The company ensures that the record attempt can take place and that funds can be raised for the good cause. This support allows Bob van de Burgt to concentrate fully on the sporting challenge and at the same time generate maximum awareness for the cause. The partnership between the extreme athlete, the sponsor and the charity organisation shows how sport can serve as a platform to draw attention to important social issues and provide concrete help.

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