Tom Bridge, a British kitesurfer and Red Bull athlete, made a daring jump from the Resilient Lady, a Virgin Voyages cruise ship, on 25 September.
The ship was anchored in the Greek Isles. Bridge jumped from Deck 16, which is about 129 feet high, turning the ship into a kitesurfing venue.
After the jump, Bridge said it was “probably the most terrifying thing” he has done with a kite. He managed to travel about 700 to 900 feet downwind after landing.
“We’d been on the ship to recce three times and had lots of looks over the edge. And every time we’ve gone ‘Oh God, it’s high, isn’t it?’ Then, honestly, when I had the kite in my hands, and I put my feet in the straps, I didn’t look down. It was just ‘go.’ It just carried me, and next minute we’re on the water.”
Tom Bridge, Red Bull athlete
Tom Bridge is from Exmouth and has a strong background in kitesurfing.
In 2013, he joined a Guinness World Record event with Virgin Group Founder Richard Branson. They set a record for the largest group of kitesurfers completing a one-mile course. Bridge was only 12 years old at the time, making him the youngest participant.
“You’ve got to be both incredibly skilled, and have a lot of nerve to attempt such a boost – what an amazing achievement! I love kitesurfing at my home on Necker Island, so Tom successfully jumping from deck 16 of Resilient Lady is an epic achievement.”
Sir Richard Branson
The event was, of course, pre-agreed with the cruise line – guests aren’t allowed to kitesurf from the deck of a cruise ship whenever they want to!
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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.
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