Kiter from Kiel seriously injured: Sudden wind brings tragedy to the beach!

Kiter from Kiel seriously injured: Sudden wind brings tragedy to the beach!

On June 27, 2025, a tragic accident occurred at the Gollendorf surfing beach on Fehmarn in which a 56-year-old kiter from Kiel was seriously injured. The man, supported by his 53-year-old wife, wanted to get out of the water with the kite when suddenly a strong gust of wind hit the kite's glider. As a result, he was lifted into the air and thrown onto the stony embankment. The impact resulted in life-threatening head injuries, which is why the kiter had to be immediately flown to hospital in a rescue helicopter. His wife suffered shock during the incident and was treated by emergency services, the Lübeck Police Department reported in a statement. The speaker, Svenja Pries, pointed out how unexpected such accidents can happen and advised to be particularly careful when kitesurfing. The entire situation leaves an uneasy feeling, especially among the other surfers on site.

Wind and weather are crucial when kitesurfing, and this situation once again highlights how important it is to pay attention to safety aspects. When choosing a school or course, you should rely on experienced staff. A one-off crash course over an afternoon is often not enough to acquire the necessary knowledge that can bring the kiter to safety on the water surface. The lessons should include both theoretical content such as safety rules, weather knowledge and choosing the right equipment, as well as practical exercises in which the equipment is thoroughly checked and dry runs with stunt kites are carried out.

Important safety measures when kitesurfing

Kitesurfing is not only an exciting sport, but also involves risks. With solid training, it is important that the trainers are there to support the newcomers and not just give tips from afar. Beginners should plan between two and five days to get a feel for the forces involved in kitesurfing. It is particularly important to prepare the equipment before each attempt. In this regard, it is reassuring to know that organizations like Sea Rescue are committed to safety on the water and provide helpful information.

The incident at the Gollendorf surfing beach is an urgent appeal to all water sports enthusiasts to take safety instructions seriously and to prepare comprehensively for the kitesurfing adventure. Solid teaching and the right equipment can save lives at the crucial moment. In addition, kiters should always be aware of the conditions in the water and be prepared to overcome unexpected challenges.

If you have any questions or would like to find out more, you can contact the Lübeck Police Department directly. You can reach the press office on 49 (0) 451/131-2004.

For more information about safety guidelines for kitesurfing, read Seenotretter.de.

You can find more details about the accident in the reporting from LN Online and the Press portal.