Serious injury to kite surfer

A 48-year-old Woy Woy resident was seriously injured after losing control while kite surfing at Ettalong Beach on December 7.

According to police, the man lost control of his kite, was lifted approximately 15 metres into the air and carried away from the beach towards bushes and the adjacent roadway.

Police said the kite surfer descended rapidly and was dragged through the bushes, struck a wire fence which he broke through and then struck and bent a street-sign pole.

The incident occurred at about 4.30pm.

Police said witnesses at the scene contacted the ambulance service after finding him unconscious.

After being treated at the scene, the injured man was airlifted by helicopter to Royal North Shore Hospital in Sydney.

The man was operated on for fractures to his face and a blood clot to his brain.

He also suffered fractures to his ribs and pelvis as a result of the incident.

After being placed in an induced coma the man remains in a serious condition.

Police said they were still continuing with their inquiries.

Press release, 7 Dec 2008 NSW Police Force