Kitesurfing champion, out of coma, talks to ITV after horrific competition crash

A kitesurfer who was seriously injured in a competition has spoken about his near-fatal accident to ITV Meridian.

Lewis Crathern, a former freestyle British champion, was in a medically induced coma for several days during treatment in South Africa.

He was injured while competing in the semi-finals of the Red Bull King of the Air competition at Big Bay in Blouberg, South Africa on Sunday. He swallowed a large amount of water after plummeting into surf.

The 31-year-old from Sussex attempted a massive kite loop at the start of the second semi-final - but the kite stalled and he slammed into the sea on his back.

When Lewis was fit enough to be brought out of the coma by medics, he posted a message of thanks to his Facebook account.