Running the free world? Enough of that

In this recent but undated photo made available by Virgin.com, former US President Barack Obama prepares to kitesurf during his stay on Moskito Island, British Virgin Islands. Photos / AP

Richard Branson has described hosting the Obamas for their post-presidency holiday in the British Virgin Islands as "an honour".

The billionaire entrepreneur revealed how he challenged former US President Barack Obama to a watersports challenge after Obama revealed he had not been allowed to indulge in his passion for surfing since he was elected into the White House in 2008.

Branson wrote: "One of the first stories Barack told me when he and Michelle arrived on Moskito Island was how, just before he became President, he had been surfing on a dangerous break in Hawaii.

"When he came in from an exhilarating session, the new head of his security team turned to him and said: 'This will be the last time you surf for eight years'.

"For the next eight years he didn't have the chance to surf, enjoy watersports or do many of the things he loved."

From the pictures and video, it appears the former President had a whale of a time.

Obama had never kitesurfed before his holiday, so the Virgin boss taught him how.
While the former president got his sea legs, Branson learned how to foil board.
Then, the two engaged in a friendly competition.

"We were neck and neck until the last run on the last day, when I got up on the foilboard and screamed along for over 50m, three feet above the water," Branson said.

"I was feeling very pleased with myself, only to look over and see Barack go 100m on his kiteboard! I had to doff my cap to him and celebrate his victory."

Former US President Barack Obama prepares to kitesurf during his stay on Moskito Island, British Virgin Islands.

Former US President Barack Obama had never kitesurfed before his holiday.

Sir Richard Branson, founder of the Virgin Group, hosted Obama's stay.