Where to Ski And Snowboard - UK boarder attempts speed record

UK boarder attempts speed record

9th April 2013, by Abi Butcher

Jamie Barrow will snowboard down Montfort at speeds of 160kph (100mph)

UK snowboarder Jamie Barrow is hoping to reach speeds of 160kph (100mph) in an attempt to set the first British speed snowboarding record later this month.

On 19-20 April Jamie, a former British junior and youth snowboard champion will use the SpeedSki facilities in Verbier, Switzerland, to attempt an official British record. Though an unofficial record currently stands at 132km, no official record has yet ben set due to the risk of the challenge. He will wear body amour and a full-face helmet as he races down Mont Fort.

The 20-year-old is currently part of the British Snowboard Cross team, as well as a Sky Sports Living for Sport athlete mentor.

“The record attempt isn’t without risk and I have had to compromise between aerodynamics and safety to ensure I am wearing the right equipment to see me through unscathed,” said Jamie.

“The slope I will be using has a long flat run-off area at the bottom which should enable me to keep the snowboard under control and stay upright to the end.”

Jamie says he is confident of reaching 140-160kph – around 100 mph. The highest speed ever recorded by a snowboarder is 201.907kph (125.459mph) — a record set by Australian Darren Powell.

“Achieving that level of speed (160kph) would be a great benchmark record for Great Britain and hopefully one that will be challenged by other talented snowboarders in the country,” he added.

Jamie was British Youth Snowboard Cross champion in 2008 and British Junior Snowboard Cross Champion in 2009, 2010 and 2011.