The Bognor Birdman started in 1971 as the International Bird-Man Rally in nearby Selsey, West Sussex. The competition invloves running off the end of a pier and attempting to 'fly' the furthest distance. There was an intial prize of £1000 (later £3000) for anyone who could travel beyond 50 yards.
In 1978 the growing competition moved to the larger Bognor Regis resort, which also has a higher pier. By 1983 the competition had attracted European teams and the attention of the BBC.
In 1984 Harold Zimmer (Germany) flew 57.8 metres to claim the top prize, which then stood at £10,000. By 1990 the record was 71 metres, the prize distance had been increased to 100 metres and the prize money was £25,000.
In 1992 the current record was set by Dave Bradshaw with 89.2 metres.
See also: Flugtag
