THIS is the dramatic moment which left a champion kitesurfer seriously injured and lying in an induced coma.

Lewis Crathern, from Worthing, the man who jumped the Palace Pier and Worthing Pier on his kiteboard, remains in hospital after he was injured while taking part in the semi-finals of the Red Bull King of the Air competition at Big Bay in Blouberg, South Africa.

The four-time freestyle British champion went for a "megaloop" manoeuvre but came down hard when his kite stalled in the wind and he ended up freefalling 15 metres into the water.

Other competitors pulled the 31-year-old from the sea and he received treatment from the medics on the beach before being placed into a medically induced coma while they tackled the water on his lungs at the hospital in Cape Town.

Before the accident Mr Crathern had been in the top spot of the competition and his parents have flown out to South Africa to be at his bedside.

On Facebook, his mother Sandra said: "Praying Lewis comes out of his induced coma soon, it is tough seeing him like that as any mum can understand."

She added: "He is still in his induced coma but all his vitals are good and they will hopefully bring him out of it in the next few days, not liking the tubes everywhere though. Looking forward to seeing Lewis smiling at me again."

An online document for wellwishers to leave their kind words has been opened on the Facebook page of the charity event organiser Kite Surfing Armada.

Dan Charlish, director, said Mr Crathern's family were "feeling positive" and he encouraged people to send messages of support.

Mr Crathern is also the compere of the famed Worthing Birdman competition.

Organiser of the daredevil contest Sharon Clarke, from the Worthing Town Centre Initiative, told The Argus: "I have worked with him for five years and we were so sad to hear the news.

"Knowing Lewis he will be back on his feet in no time and we are sending all of our love."

She added: "He is someone who is so positive in the way he thinks and any problems he has he will make sure he fights through."

Mr Crathern also worked with Tony Price and Frazer Stewart at the Brighton Kitesurf and Sup Academy.

Mr Price said: "He is a personal friend to both of us and we wish him all the best and a speedy recovery.

He added: As long as he makes a full recovery he will be back on the water, which is what we all want to see. He is a local hero and does loads for the community and our sport."