In this latest incredible stunt, British snowboarder Jamie Barrow followed his recent record-setting events by being towed by a plane!
He did it by snowboarding at a speed of 125 kph while being towed by an aircraft. This amazing feat was achieved in the stunning backdrop of Engadin near St.Moritz in Switzerland.
Ice was too unstable
The initial plan was to use the frozen lake of St. Moritz, but the ice was deemed too unstable by the authorities.
Barrow then moved the his attempt to a small airport in the picturesque Engadin valley.
After extensive negotiations and battling against strict Swiss regulations, the date was finally set for Saturday 31st January.
Filmed for the Discovery Channel
A luxurious and powerful PC12 aircraft was used to tow Jamie. It was piloted by by the charismatic Swiss pilot Duri Jos and filmed by the Discovery Channel.
Timing was crucial to allow other scheduled takeoffs and landings to take place.
The rope used to tow Jamie is the same as used in wakeboarding. With only a wooden handle to grasp onto, Jamie had to concentrate like never before.
After a few more final adjustments, Jamie gave the go ahead and the PC-12 started to accelerate rapidly down the runway, the rope tightened and Jamie sped down the snowy grass strip in a straight line.
‘Composed and in control’
Everyone held their breath as the aircraft powered down the runway knowing how easy it would be for Jamie to catch an edge or be pulled onto the tarmac.
They need not have worried as Jamie looked composed and in control throughout. When the aircraft had reached the designated marker, Barrow let go and skidded to a halt to wild celebrations.
On this third attempt, Barrow reached a speed of 125kph!
Massive congratulations to Jamie from the whole of the Chaletline team.