Awesome video, it shows the 2 ways we launch every day, most of us "experienced" at least - but I still meet many who have ridden for years, and dont know how to, so important to share over and over, thanks
Launching in the water is the last option - you risk getting lines tangled, can be dangerous or fatal, you will get a wet kite, which is a rare thing and should be avoided, and least but maybe most important, you will get seaweed ALL over everything if present, sometimes not possible to ride at all
Can not recommend this in any way, except if a rocky or treefilled beach so only last option if you want to get out.
Also great they show that the "old" method (#3) is never used anymore, too hard on the tube and a lot more risky - but in rare situations it might be necesssary (havent needed it ever myself though...)
If you use a linecam, launching from the water is a no-no, and having a helper only is also bad, sand in everything - a tethered launch is by far the best (slide launch not good either), and the only thing that can top is a tethered launch WITH a helper, maxes everything, least risk and camera wont be destroyed or compromised so useless takes with either sand or water.
Agree of course, that a helper is NOT the safest, not even if an experienced, as sometimes they let the kite go too early even if you are not ready or lines are tangled...
Usually the safe option if you know your helper well, but not always.
The best advantage of the tethered launch is, that you can use it for coming in when you are the last one, or if taking a break while the others are still out.
So IMO it can be used every day with advantages, even if you are not alone
At least how most of us do it here.
Peter