55-Year-Old Kitesurfer Breaks Own World Record in France

At 55 years old, Rob Douglas just proved that some athletes only get faster with time.

The Martha's Vineyard waterman set a new world record for kitesurfing speed on July 1 in La Palme, France. Douglas averaged 42.75 knots, or just over 49 miles per hour, across a one-mile stretch of open water during the Prince of Speed competition.

It's his eighth world speed record in a sport he's pursued since 1987. But Douglas isn't slowing down anytime soon, and the reason has nothing to do with medals or records.

His 8-year-old son, Robert Douglas III, has fallen in love with kitesurfing too. "Being able to continue to compete and see him interested and getting him on his path has probably been the biggest joy I'm receiving," Douglas told reporters after his win.

The July morning in France delivered perfect conditions: strong winds and calm water creating what kitesurfers call "square conditions." Douglas nailed the record on his very first run of the day, which surprised even him.

"Usually it takes the first couple runs to get the feeling back," he said. "I thought it would come later in the day."

Douglas had actually considered stepping away from competition as he got older. Then he realized he was still having fun and feeling healthy, and more importantly, his son wanted to learn.

Now father and son share trips to France and sessions on the water back home. The elder Douglas prepares for record attempts with mountain biking and gym work, since Martha's Vineyard doesn't have the mile-long stretches of calm water needed for speed runs.

This marks Douglas' fourth record in the one-mile category, with previous wins in 2019, 2023, and 2025. Edgartown resident Bill Lynch has sponsored every one of Douglas' world speed-sailing attempts since 2008.

Why This Inspires

Douglas shows us that peak performance doesn't have an expiration date. His story reminds us that passion can fuel decades of excellence, and that the greatest victories often happen when we inspire the next generation to chase their own dreams.

At an age when many athletes retire, Douglas is still setting records and creating memories his son will carry forever. He's proof that staying in the game keeps us young, especially when we have someone special to share it with.

The Island waterman plans to keep competing as long as his body allows and his son stays excited about the sport they now share.