A kitesurfer from Exmouth and Red Bull athlete, Tom Bridge jumped from the 16th deck of Virgin Voyages’ ‘Resilient Lady’ – some 129ft high.

The ship was anchored off the Greek island of Delos and holidaymakers were left 'stunned' as Tom attempted the jump.

Mr Bridge said: “It was probably the most terrifying thing I’ve done with a kite. 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.”

@redbulluk taking kitesurfing to new heights 🛳️ #redbull #givesyouwiiings #kitesurfing #kitesurf 🔗 @Virgin Voyages ♬ original sound - Red Bull UK

 

 

The ship was on its tour of the aquamarine waters of the Greek Islands, with Sailors and Crew enjoying the unique opportunity to witness the precision, skill and daring involved in the jump.

“It surprised me just how long I stayed in the air – I wasn’t expecting to go that far,” said Bridge, estimating he travelled downwind around 200-300 metres to land. “It was a brilliant experience; it feels amazing to have done it.”

Originally from Exmouth, 23-year-old Bridge has a longstanding family connection to kitesurfing, and to the founder of Virgin Group, Sir Richard Branson. Well-known for his love of the sport, in 2013, Branson and hundreds of kitesurfers broke a Guinness World Record for the largest parade of kitesurfers to complete a one-mile course. This included Tom and his family; at just 12 years of age, Tom was the youngest rider on the attempt.