Body-boarder is flown to hospital

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www.sunsetsurfers.co.uk
Body-boarder is flown to hospital
A man has been flown to hospital after being rescued while body-boarding in the sea off north Devon.
The man was at Croyde when he got into difficulty during the afternoon. A coastguard team was dispatched and a helicopter scrambled from RMB Chivenor.

The man was pulled from the water and helped by ambulance paramedics.

The helicopter landed on the beach and took him to North Devon District Hospital in Barnstaple, where his condition is described as serious.

'Extremely rough'

The man had got into difficulties at about 1300 BST on Sunday while about 20m (66ft) offshore. He was caught up in a large sea swell and lost his surf board which was later washed ashore.

The casualty was pulled ashore by other surfers and members of the Croyde Coastguard Rescue Team before being airlifted.

Coastguards said conditions at Croyde were very bad, including heavy rain and poor visibility.

Swansea Coastguard watch manager Steve Jones said: "At this time of year there are no lifeguards at Croyde beach. The sea today was extremely rough with 8ft to10ft swells and storm-force winds.

"Whilst this might be exciting for surfing, the conditions are not favourable and the coastguard strongly advises surfers to be extremely cautious when considering surfing in these circumstances."

Scary

If you ever do break a leggy it can be a freaky experience trying to *swim* in. Especailly if you're wearing a thick winter suit, I've even read an article ages ago about a surfer who actually couldn't swim but could still surf! Now thats extreme...

Moral of the story

If you cant swim it dont surf it. Never paddle out if you wouldnt be capable of swimming in without your board, winter rubber or not. I have lost my board many time in various places, the 1st time i snapped a board it scared me so much having to swim through 6-8ft sucky setts i took it more seriously. Nearly drownding tends to make you think a bit. Since that i got myself into shape and spent the flatter days doing a bit of sea swimming.

The better waterman, the better equiped you are to cope with this.

Practice and experience is key!