German champion has an accident off Zingst
Kite surfing has always been criticised by sailors in particular, as breakaway pilots have been known to wrap their lines around the masts of yachts. Now the negative image of the young sport has been fuelled.
At the weekend, German champion Silke Gorldt (26) had a fatal accident off the Baltic seaside resort of Zingst. Her kite became entangled with that of another surfer after a strong gust. The other surfer was able to free himself from his harness, but Silke Gorldt was dragged across the water on her harness by both kites and hurled against a row of wooden platforms on the beach at around 50 kilometres per hour. The politics student from Varel and World Championship bronze medallist succumbed to her injuries in the rescue helicopter.
