http://www.news.com.au/story/0,27574,24774052-421,00.html

Unfortunatly.... More Bad publicity....

Kitesufter dragged into sign on NSW Central Coast

December 09, 2008 01:01pm

A KITESURFER is in a serious condition after being carried overland for up to 60m before slamming head-first into a"No Standing" sign.
The 48-year-old man was preparing to enter the water at Ettalong Beach, on the NSW Central Coast, on Saturday when a strong gust of wind caught his kite, launching him 15m into the air.

When lifesavers found him, he appeared to have "peeled off half his face" after smashing into the sign.

He is still in a serious condition at Royal North Shore Hospital with fractures to his face and a blood clot in his brain.

He also fractured ribs and his pelvis.

Bernie O'Keeffe, who was on patrol for the Ocean Beach Surf Life Saving Club at the time of the accident, said "blood was everywhere" when he arrived at the scene.

"(The sign) just carved him up," Mr O'Keeffe said.

"He was just extremely lucky to survive."

He said the man was launched into the air when a southerly wind came through.

The man fell from the sky and hit a fence before he was pulled upwards a second time.

The man's friend waved down lifesavers after seeing the accident.

Scott Hannell, president of the lifesaving club, said the gust had carried the man about 60m from where he was setting up at the beach.

"He was moving," Mr Hannell said.

"And he came to a sudden halt."

NSW Police said the man was unconscious when help arrived.

"It is believed that he lost control of the kite, was lifted approximately 15m into the air and carried away from the beach towards bushes and the adjacent roadway," police said.

"The 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."

When teaching I always say launch your kite unhooked when the winds are dodgy....

I hope he pulls through ok.