UK surf legend undergoes brain surgery

February 11, 2011 | Surfing
Bluepool: a surf paradise | Photo: Linda Bailey

Peter Jones, an UK surf legend, has undergone emergency brain surgery after suffering a surf accident in Bluepool, Llangennith.

The former European surfing champion had a bone stuck in the temporal lobe, causing immense pain. Jones was catching waves with his son James when the accident occurred.

"It was a horrible accident. I had to go and pull him out. He was conscious after he came round and he managed to walk to the helicopter, but he wouldn't let them cut off his wetsuit, at the hospital, and he was trying to lift himself out of bed last night", James told 'This is South Wales'.

Still, it is not known how bad Peter is going through. The former Welsh, British and European surf champion is one of the biggest promoters of surfing in the region of Gower and has 40 years of sport experience.

Peter Jones conquered the Welsh Open Surfing title for eight times and a European crown in 1977. The 60-year-old wave rider is currently running a surf shop in Llangennith, by the beach.

The 60-year-old was taken first for emergency treatment at Morriston Hospital, before being transferred to Cardiff. Meanwhile, he is expected to recover in a Cardiff hospital.

"Dad's in good shape and I think that probably helped. I think what he is most unhappy about is being told he can't drive or go surfing again for at least three months".

The Swansea Coastguard, the Rhossili and Mumbles cliff rescue teams and the Wales Air Ambulance were called to help Jones in the beach, where he was diagnosed having bad head injuries.

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