I remembered seeing that video. I have had my Spark since 2017 and have never tried the hand gestures, probably because I purchased the controller shortly after getting my Spark.
Chris
Had mine since 2018 and like you I have never tried it. Having chopped, well cut deeply, into my thumb when I made a Horlicks of a palm landing I have passed that manoeuvre to my RC! Brilliant though and I might give it a go sometime.
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Ha ha, I've never tried the hand gestures either, guess I just love flying it too much using the finer controls.
Edit - Added a poll re hand gesture flight, please contribute your input 
I got mine 2nd hand, son stopped flying the Spark as often, had his P3 as well, so I got it to keep it flying / in good order.
As I already had the M1P and was of course used to controller flying.
Wasn't aware they originally came with or without a controller, interesting !
Have the gesture controls changed at all ?
I was always hesitant to try it thinking it was too dangerous, but seeing the video it's quite simple.
Want to be careful with waving it away without rear sensors, but as long as you know how far it'll go for sure, and aware of it, all ok I guess.
Hand gesture flight is good for selfies though, so not my thing . . . but curious to give it a go sometime when the situation is right.
