4 lessons to take away from watching this one :
1. Know your ability and don't launch or ride in conditions far beyond what you can handle
2. Poor launch spot to go over-powered, no downwind safety margin with the trees & vehicle right down-wind of the launch spot - unobstructed distance downwind is your friend
3. Keep the kite low and out to the water side - that kite-at-zenith clip is like cocking a loaded gun and sticking the barrel in your mouth
4. Release to leash when you lose control - fighting to regain control is pulling the trigger of that loaded gun
Bet his kite buddies felt like crap for letting it happen. Wonder if any of them :
- suggested a smaller kite would be the call
- recommended launching 2 or 3 kite-line lengths farther upwind of the trees and vehicle
- told him to keep it low and out over the water, not up at zenith while on land
- offered to hold his harness for the launch, so they would have been there to shout release-it when he lost control
Better to be safe and go kiting than be driving your friend to the hospital and feeling partly responsible.