At just 23, kitesurfer Tom Bridge has already built an impressive resume filled with tricks, titles, and trophies. As the former Pro Men Freestyle champion at the British Kitesurfing Championships, Bridge continues to push his limits. In 2017, he became the first to land a Triple Half Cab, and in 2020, he braved 150kph winds during Storm Ciara near his home in Exmouth, Devon. This summer, he reached new heights—literally—by kitesurfing off the 16th deck of the cruise ship *Resilient Lady*, about 50m above the water, marking a world-first for elevated takeoffs in the sport.
Bridge’s mother, five-time kitesurfing world champion Steph Bridge, and Virgin founder Richard Branson helped facilitate the record-breaking stunt while anchored near Delos, Greece. With 2,600 guests on board and a narrow time window, the challenge was immense, involving risks like wind shadows and a potential 30m drop into the ocean. However, Bridge successfully launched himself from the 17th deck, soaring over 300m in 40 seconds before landing smoothly on the water.
Bridge believes in constantly pushing boundaries, warning against stagnation. Planning was key to his success, having scouted the cruise ship over a year and a half before the attempt. Now, he looks forward to even greater challenges, with plans to kitesurf around the UK next. “It was amazing to accomplish something so ambitious,” Bridge says. “You only get one shot at some things, and we nailed it.”
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