An experienced pilot suffered a deflation just off launch resulting in a stable lumbar injury and a broken elbow. The conditions were strong. Pilots are reminded to be diligent about keeping the glider pressurized after launch. Talk to your instructor about taking a wrap on the brakes first before getting comfortable in the harness as many deflations after launch happen before the wrap is taken and while a pilot is transitioning into normal - comfortable position in the harness.
Update to original post: reporters indicate the pilot was in sink after launch, already situated in the harness with appropriate wraps on the brakes etc. He then hit what most refer to as a dust devil. A strong and turbulent thermal. He suffered an assymetric deflation and subsequently may have over braked the open side of the glider e.g. over reacted.
It is difficult for pilots to know if they are more prone to over reacting or under reacting. This is usually revealed during over the water maneuvers training.
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