What is SkySurfing? Athlete Sean MacCormac Demonstrates — In Prada

“This project brings a dream to life,” said two-time X Games medalist Sean MacCormac. He had just landed atop the San Francisco Bay Bridge, completing a journey that began more than 1,600 metres above — with jump from a helicopter.

A professional Red Bull athlete, MacCormac was uniquely equipped for the adventure. “In my profession, I have the benefit of seeing some of the world’s most amazing architecture from different perspectives, and I’ve often found myself daydreaming about what might be possible,” he said. On August 23rd, MacCormac’s daydreams — plus 18 months of preparation — made him the first person to skysurf the San Francisco Bay Bridge. Sliding along steel and concrete cables, the athlete came full circle.

“Skysurfing,” for the uninitiated, is an extreme adaptation of skydiving. Strapped to a specialized skyboard (the avian equivalent of a surfboard), athletes start with a jump; then, during free-fall, they engage in a series of daring aerobatics. Mimicking the motions of a surfer, divers control the board to appear as though they’re riding waves of air. To capture the stunt, another skydiver accompanies with a camera in tow. In other words, skysurfing is exactly what it sounds like.

Ahead of the dive, MacCormac connected with Linea Rossa — Prada’s technical sportswear collection — and the Luna Rossa team. Together, they crafted a custom high-tech board: layers of carbon fibre reinforce a honeycomb core, providing expert reactivity throughout the descent. This being Prada, the skyboard doesn’t skimp on style; its sleek surface is covered bold graphics. Suited in an aerodynamic ensemble of high-performance accessories and garments — all courtesy of Prada Linea Rossa — MacCormac defined “extreme sports” by demonstration.

Prada characterized MacCormac’s feat as proof that “even the most extreme challenges are overcome-able.” The Italian fashion house credits its engineering prowess to events like America’s Cup, where designers developed their technical skills by crafting high-level sportswear for the Luna Rossa team.

“It’s incredible being part of the full team effort to make this project a reality,” MacCormac said. “From the collaboration with Prada Linea Rossa and board design with the Luna Rossa team to the countless hours of training, repetition and preparation that made us ready for this moment.”

To learn more about Linea Rossa, visit Prada online.

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