By Zamira Rahim
Former President Barack Obama is having the time of his life on vacation. As Washington grapples with President Donald Trump, the former Commander in Chief has been learning how to kitesurf with Richard Branson. The Obamas have been enjoying their time off on Necker Island, the Virgin founder’s luxury island in the Caribbean, according to Branson’s blog.
![](https://api.time.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/obama-virgin-islands1.jpg?quality=75&w=2400)
Branson writes that Obama could “relax” as he learned to kitesurf on the island while Branson himself learned to foilboard. The former president beat his host in a battle to see who could be the first to master their sport.
![](https://api.time.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/obama-virgin-islands4.jpg?quality=75&w=2400)
Obama had earlier been pictured strolling on a beach on Necker, wearing a backwards facing baseball cap.
![](https://api.time.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/obama-virgin-islands5.jpg?quality=75&w=2400)
More Must-Reads from TIME
- Breaking Down the 2024 Election Calendar
- How Nayib Bukele’s ‘Iron Fist’ Has Transformed El Salvador
- What if Ultra-Processed Foods Aren’t as Bad as You Think?
- How Ukraine Beat Russia in the Battle of the Black Sea
- Long COVID Looks Different in Kids
- How Project 2025 Would Jeopardize Americans’ Health
- What a $129 Frying Pan Says About America’s Eating Habits
- The 32 Most Anticipated Books of Fall 2024
Write to Zamira Rahim at zamira.rahim@time.com