Lewis Crathern: our Big Air specialist is finally out of coma

After spending a week in a medically induced coma and fighting for life, Lewis Crathern is finally awake.

The 31-year-old kiteboarder suffered a huge wipeout during the Red Bull King of the Air in Cape Town, South Africa.

Crathern free-fell nearly 20 meters (65 feet) and crashed into the water.

His heat opponents immediately rushed for help, and the British Big Air specialist was transported to the hospital soon after.

Doctors found a lot of water in his lungs, so they made the decision to put him in a coma.

"Overwhelmed by all the positivity in my crash at KOTA. For those who are interested, I went for the first double mega loop... Late flip! I'll get it one day. Thanks for all your kind messages. They really keep me going!" wrote Lewis Crathern.

The kitesurfer from Worthing, England, is expected to make a full recovery in the upcoming weeks. Lewis has already started walking with the help of family, friends, and hospital staff.

An induced coma, also known as barbiturate coma, is a temporary and reversible state of coma brought on by a controlled dose of drugs to protect the brain after an injury.

Top Stories

After a four-year wait for the perfect storm, one of the fiercest kitesurfing events in the world has been contested once again in the Netherlands.

Kiteboarding will make its Olympic debut in Paris 2024. Here is everything you must know about the event and the qualified athletes.

Legendary British kiteboarding brand Flexifoil is for sale.

In an electrifying display of kiteboarding prowess, 19-year-old Italian Andrea Principi has been crowned the champion of the prestigious Red Bull King of the Air competition, held in Cape Town, South Africa.