Red Bull Athlete ‘Tom Bridge’ Kite Surfs from Resilient Lady
Red Bull athlete Tom Bridge jumped 129 feet from Resilient Lady’s Athletic Club, turning the ship into a kitesurfing playground and surprising sailors with the unique stunt.
On June 27th, 2024, British kitesurfer and Red Bull athlete Tom Bridge transformed Virgin Voyages’ Resilient Lady into a kitesurfing playground by jumping off the ship’s 16th deck, roughly 129 feet high, while anchored near the Greek island of Delos. This daring feat left sailors and crew members in awe as they witnessed the impressive display of skill and bravery.
Jumping Off the Athletic Club
Bridge’s jump took place at the back of The Athletic Club on Deck 16. Reflecting on the moment, Bridge said, “It was probably the most terrifying thing I’ve done with a kite. We’d been on the ship three times to scout it out, and each time we’d look over the edge and think, ‘Oh God, it’s high, isn’t it?’ When I finally had the kite in my hands and my feet in the straps, I didn’t look down – it was just go. The kite carried me, and next minute, I was on the water.”
Sailors and Crew Left Stunned
As Resilient Lady anchored in the stunning aquamarine waters of the Greek Isles, Bridge’s jump became a spectacle for travelers and crew alike. The athlete estimated that he traveled between 700 and 900 feet downwind before landing. “I was surprised by how long I stayed in the air—I wasn’t expecting to go that far,” Bridge remarked. “It was a brilliant experience; it feels amazing to have done it.”
A Lifelong Connection to Kitesurfing
At just 23 years old, Tom Bridge is no stranger to kitesurfing. Hailing from Exmouth, he shares a deep connection with the sport and Virgin Group Founder Sir Richard Branson, who also has a passion for kitesurfing. In 2013, Bridge and his family, along with Branson, participated in a Guinness World Record-breaking attempt for the largest parade of kitesurfers to complete a one-mile course. Bridge, then just 12 years old, was the youngest participant.
Branson’s Reaction
Speaking about Bridge’s latest accomplishment, Sir Richard Branson expressed his admiration: “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.”
Video
@redbulluk jumping off a 130ft cruise ship 🛳️😅 #redbull #givesyouwiiings #kitesurfing 🔗@Virgin Voyages ♬ original sound – Red Bull UK