A SURFBOARD rider in his 50s was rescued by helicopter late yesterday from the southern end of North Stradbroke Island after being knocked out when hit in the head by a surfboard.
The RACQ LifeFlight Rescue helicopter landed after dark on the beach, to come to the aid of a surfer, injured in the Jumpinpin Channel on the southern tip of North Stradbroke.
Gold and Sunshine Coast beaches have been enjoying a good-sized swell over past weeks.
It is believed the man was in the water when he was hit on the back of the head by a surfboard and knocked out.
Other surfers managed to take him ashore at the southern end of North Stradbroke Island and called for help.
An RACQ spokesperson said the Sunshine Coast-based RACQ LifeFlight Rescue helicopter fle to the site about 4.30pm
The pilot landed the aircraft on the beach, delivering a doctor and Queensland Ambulance Service paramedic, before taking off and hovering nearby, while the patient was being treated.
The sun had set by the time he was stabilised.
The chopper then landed again, to collect him and the medical crew.
The injured surfer, in his 50s, was flown to Gold Coast University Hospital in a stable condition.
