Valentin Bontus floats to bronze: spectacular kitesurfing success!

Valentin Bontus floats to bronze: spectacular kitesurfing success!

Valentin Bontus demonstrated his impressive kitesurfing skills at the Trofeo Princesa Sofia off Mallorca. The athlete secured third place in the Formula Kite discipline and attracted a lot of attention during the competition with a spectacular take-off, comparable to an airplane. Fortunately, there were no injuries reported during this risky action crown.

Bontus, who in the future will work with a team that previously worked for ski star Marcel Hirscher, has established himself not only as an athlete, but also as a communicator. Away from the water, he gives lectures and keynotes for entrepreneurs and institutions in which he covers his path to Olympic victory as well as topics such as risk management and team development.

The risks of kitesurfing

Although kitesurfing is a fascinating sport, it involves significant risks. According to a study on sports medical aspects and injuries in kitesurfing, which covers 12 years of activity as part of the Surf World Cup in Podersdorf, the sporting experience covers both health risks and types of injuries. Online OUP documented that of the 418 treating physician consultations, 27% of the injuries affected the upper extremity, particularly the shoulder joint.

Important requirements for kite surfers are good balance, technical knowledge and swimming skills. Basic physical requirements, such as at least two pull-ups, are also necessary. Athletes not only have to familiarize themselves with their surfing area and the applicable sports rules, regular equipment checks and an understanding of safety release mechanisms are also essential.

The risks of injury are diverse. The lumbar spine in particular is exposed to high rotational and bending loads, and the potential for serious injuries should not be underestimated. Kitesurfers who perform the “handle pass” maneuver are at increased risk of shoulder injuries. Additionally, experts warn that strong gusts of wind and inexperienced kitesurfers can increase the risk of collisions.

Safety measures are crucial

An important safety precaution when kitesurfing is the use of a safety leash to ensure that athletes can quickly separate from the kite in an emergency. It is recommended that this be attached to the front of the trapeze. The study also shows that in 2005 there were an average of 6 to 12 deaths per 100,000 active kite surfers in the USA. For every death, there were approximately 100 to 1,000 non-fatal accidents, highlighting the danger behind the sport.

Using wind power, kitesurfing allows you to glide smoothly over the surface of the water. However, this sport requires a lot of space, which limits the availability of suitable areas in Central Europe. Using the equipment responsibly and observing safety measures are therefore crucial in order to be able to practice this exciting sport safely.