ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — A kiteboarder slammed into the St. Pete Pier on Friday amid gusty winds across the area.
St. Pete Fire Rescue said it happened at about 11:15 a.m. They shared video of the incident that was captured by a bystander. The crash was followed by gasps and shouts by witnesses.
Parademics arrived and stabilized the kiteboarder, who was taken to Orlando Health Bayfront in St. Petersburg. The 38-year-old man is expected to be OK, Spectrum News learned.
Spectrum Bay News 9 Chief Meteorologist Mike Clay said the St. Pete weather station was gusting to 41 mph around noon but had dropped to about 9 mph by 1:15 p.m.
Authorities said anyone taking part in water sports should take note of weather conditions.
“Just make sure that you do take the proper precautions,” said Capt. Garth Swingle of St. Pete Fire Rescue. “Don’t be too risky, take unnecessary risks. Really look at those experts, the weather experts to guide you in if you should be doing this activity.”
St. Pete Fire Rescue released video via an “unnamed bystander.”
Spectrum News Staff
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