Kiter Severely Injured, A Request For Help - Update 2.14.05

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It is premature to submit a complete summary at this time as people still need to be interviewed and information evaluated. Some of the currently available, PRELIMINARY information follows:


Claudio, at about 180 lbs. was out riding for about 15 to 20 minutes with a 12 m Inflatable kite around midday on New Years Eve. Wind was almost onshore at an average speed of about 20 mph and gusting between approximately 15 to 25 mph by one source. Wind speed observations are still being researched. He may have performed a small transition jump nearshore to change direction when he was caught by a gust and blown from the water while in mid air, on to shore. He fell on impact and tumbled forward apparently inducimg a kite loop that pulled him inland. As he moved futher inland the kite started to rise to the zenith. At about this time he came up to a dead tree, his kite lines may have been guided by the branches of this dead tree as he was pulled upward into the tree. He was momentarily caught in the tree with his kite flying overhead. Another kiteloop may have ensued launching him up through and out of the approximate 35 ft. high tree. He then passed behind cover of brush as he left the tree blocking the view of one observer. He was found shortly after this by another kiteboarder on the ground. Claudio may have moved following the impact, in the numbing shock of the accident, potentially aggravating his injuries. The entire accident was estimated to have happened within a 15 second interval. Emergency services were called and he was taken to a hospital. Additional details will be included in the summary once the available information has been collected and evaluated.

Remember in kiteboarding, distance is your friend. Many kiteboarders frequently ride near shore despite this simple fact. Sometimes bad things happen and a good buffer zone can be a God Sent in potentially sparing you from serious injury.

Claudio was severely injured for only doing what many other riders routinely do and may likely be seen doing at many launches next weekend. That doesn't make it advisable or safe however. This is a good time to reevaluate how you ride. More ideas along those lines appear HERE

Ideas about possible ways of avoiding this accident and several other recent severe kiteboarding accidents worldwide, appear at: HERE



Claudio was hospitalized with:

- Paralysis in both legs below the knee
- A broken back
- A skull fracture
- 6 broken ribs among other injuries.


He regained consciousness after about two weeks and had his respiration tube removed after about 18 days in hospital. He is currently speaking and had some sensation below his knee.


Your prayers, thoughts and donations for Claudio are sincerely appreciated. We are pulling for Claudio to have a complete recovery and restoration of his abillity to walk. Your support is very important in this process. Thank you.


Friends Of Claudio Silva