COUNTY NEWS: Kitesurfer brings UK record to Sussex

A Sussex kitesurfer who was put in a medically-induced coma after a crash during a competition in February has set a new British record.
Lewis competing at Worthing yesterday. Picture: Eunice BerginLewis competing at Worthing yesterday. Picture: Eunice Bergin
Lewis competing at Worthing yesterday. Picture: Eunice Bergin

With winds gusting up to 45mph Lewis Crathern set a new British height record of 21.7 metres yesterday.

The previous record stood at 20 metres set by Patrick Thornycroft in Wales in 2014.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Lewis beat his own personal best of 21.4 metres set in Cape Town this year but he had never passed 20 metres in the UK.

“I’m happy to record the highest jump so far in the UK in Worthing.” said Lewis.

“I always said it would be done here, it’s just been a long time until the conditions have come together.

“I don’t even feel like I left 3rd gear yesterday so I still think I can bring the overall world record here as well.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Lewis was put in a medically-induced coma for six days after being knocked unconscious after a 20-metre fall into the water during a competition in South Africa earlier this year.

Read More
Read more about his injury and recovery here.

Ranked number two in the world, Lewis moves up to 6th in World Height Leaderboards with Nick Jacobsen’s 26.7 metre jump in Denmark still leading.

“I had a great year on tour but these height leaderboards are beginning to mean just as much to me,” Lewis added.

“Nick had an amazing jump in Denmark only a few months ago but if the weather goes berserk here in Worthing I reckon I can do him. The outright world record will come to Worthing, it’s a matter of time.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Don’t miss out on all the latest breaking news where you live.

Here are four ways you can be sure you’ll be amongst the first to know what’s going on.

1) Make our website your homepage

2) Like our Facebook page

3) Follow us on Twitter

4) Register with us by clicking on ‘sign in’ (top right corner). You can then receive our daily newsletter AND add your point of view to stories that you read here.

And do share with your family and friends - so they don’t miss out!

Always the first with your local news.

Be part of it.

Related topics: