In a groundbreaking feat of aerial innovation, Dutch kiteboarder Lasse Walker has achieved a world-first by jumping over an in-flight airplane. The historic stunt unfolded at Dolphin Beach in Cape Town, South Africa, where Walker soared 15 meters above the water—and above the plane piloted by Polish aerobatic ace Luke Czepiela.
This extraordinary moment represents more than just a fusion of kiteboarding and aviation; it is the culmination of over two years of meticulous planning, practice, and trust between Walker and Czepiela.
A Flawless Execution
“We’ve been communicating with each other and had the perfect kicker and timing. Luke was flying low, I jumped over, did the loop with my kite, and looked straight down into the cockpit. Everything came together.”
Walker, a renowned big-air kiteboarder, emphasized the precise coordination required to achieve this stunt:
Czepiela piloted a CubCrafters Carbon Cub EX plane, skillfully maintaining a low altitude and reduced speed by flying into a headwind.
“You’re flying a plane, trying not to stall it. The aircraft is not very maneuverable. And then I look to the front, and there’s a dude on the water with a kite above him. He pulls and flies over the plane. It was very surreal.”
He described the surreal nature of the event:
The Preparation
This jaw-dropping achievement required extensive preparation:
- Walker’s Training: The 29-year-old kiteboarder meticulously collected data on over 1,000 practice jumps to ensure consistent height and precision.
- Czepiela’s Practice: The 41-year-old pilot mastered hovering at minimal speeds, pushing the limits of his plane’s capabilities without stalling.
Walker’s jump peaked at 15 meters above sea level, while Czepiela flew at a speed of 35 knots with a ground speed of just 7 knots.
A Historic Collaboration
Walker and Czepiela first connected in 2021 during an Inflight Interviews episode. Their shared passion for pushing boundaries led to the idea of this ambitious project.
“Over the last few years, we’ve been preparing for this project, and I needed to be able to jump over Luke consistently. We’ve hit a record, and I’m super proud of it.”
Walker, who has previously jumped over container ships, piers, and even a whale, expressed his pride:
“It has never been done before, and I am not aware of anyone flying an aircraft like this while a kiteboarder jumps over it. We’ve set a record, and it’s a proud moment for both of us.”
For Czepiela, the accomplishment was equally monumental:
The Aircraft Behind the Stunt
Czepiela’s plane, the CubCrafters Carbon Cub EX, is a light yet powerful aircraft ideal for low-speed maneuvering. Key specifications:
- Length: 6.93 m
- Wingspan: 10.44 m
- Height: 2.82 m
- Wing Area: 15.97 m²
Legacy in the Making
This world-first stunt has further solidified Walker and Czepiela’s reputation as pioneers in their respective fields. From Walker’s iconic appearances at Red Bull Megaloop and King of the Air to Czepiela’s record-breaking 2023 landing on the Burj Al Arab helipad in Dubai, both athletes continue to push the boundaries of human capability.
As this awe-inspiring feat continues to captivate audiences worldwide, one thing is clear: the skies are no longer the limit.
Watch the breathtaking moment unfold here.
