Too many mistakes to list

[or6]

I think you're all (aprt from bigtone) a little hard on the kid. He's what...16? He finished his movie saying: know your limits, and pull your quick release". He's learned that, at least.

There were plenty mistakes to learn from, that's for sure. He's lucky to have gotten away with some scratches.

[Havre]

Why didn't you pull your chicken loop?

I didn't think about it because I have never had to pull it before.

You mean you panicked you froze up?

No I've never pulled it before.

* * *

He's lucky he's not dead. Didn't seem like he learned anything either.

Haha. Yeah.

He might have been a bit more rattled than he wants to admit on YouTube. So his attempt to justify his behaviour ends up being a bit ridiculous.

Generally speaking I think it is a good thing that kids got that feeling of being invincible and that they try to explore limits. Most of us live long enough without that feeling and maybe having lost that curiosity. That was taking it a step too far though - and I got the same feeling like you - I don't think they necessarily learned much (even if that might be because they are filming it - trying to uphold some sort of image).

[naishdude]

wrong conditions
wrong place
wrong kite
wrong handling
wrong person on the bar

good he survived, hopefully he learned his lesson and is not amongst the RIP kiters...
"kiters" like this kid, ruins the image of the sport if something serious would have happened.

do not challenge ur angels, you do not have many in ur life, take this sport seriously its NOT a beachtoy
dude

[1234567Simon]

I am wondering why they did not „hot-launch“ the kite...

[nothing2seehere]

I'm not afraid to admit that 'there but for the lack of cameras - go I'. Yep I did that kind of stupid stuff at that age - probably more dangerous actually (who amongst us didn't have firework fights as a youth?). Its just it wasn't on film.

Even when I was a bit older we used to go windsurfing in storm conditions (used to have to wedge the board and the rig under the car to stop it blowing away). I think the strongest wind was maybe 60 mph gusts (the nearest weather station was 85mph but that was certainly stronger) and it was hilarious - because you were out there with your mates.

I think its best not to forget how well you used to 'bounce' as a teenager back when you thought you were invincible. I think the biggest mistake was deciding to publish it.

[Herman]

I will treat the OP’s question seriously although I understand why many have not:

Some of the biggest lessons to learn imho:

You can cope safely with much more wind afloat than you can on land. Therefore if you are pushing your wind strength limits you want easy access and exit to and from the water.

When launching in strong with an assistant you want instant control. Therefore you should be slightly pushing the assistant before release. In this case the kite was released while flapping - the pilot had no control and should have immediately run upwind with the intention of gaining control and keeping the kite low. DO NOT FLY THE KITE UP OVER YOUR HEAD. The lad would then of had a chance to feel that the kite was too big and return it to the assistant even if on the drag.

PS I suspect having no control at release spooked the kid in the high wind and he stopped thinking clearly from that point.

I could go on.......but I don’t understand what seems to be the modern perspective!!

PPS If you know you are pushing your limits brief your assistants about the abort/contingency plans. Inspect and exercise all safety releases just prior to going for the launch and do not be rushed by anyone.

[Exal]

How the kite behaved reminds me a lot about my first experience with a 5 strut in really powered conditions. I landed the kite straight away and checked if something was connected wrong, disconnected my lines and checked if they are uneven - which was not the case. The kite just needed more of a firm hand. The kid was really lucky and probably learned his lesson and to be honest, go to any crowded spot when it is 20-30 knots and you'll see dumber things happen ...

[cdbxyz]

standard yellow Cabrinha noob

[mr_daruman]

Saw a big yellow Cabrihna kite. Paused the video, got the popcorn! Wasn't disappointed.

[Herman]

Not sure that is standard, I have seen them come in much bigger sizes!