The close-knit paragliding community was hoping Mr Smith would recover, but understood it was too soon for medical experts to make a prognosis on whether he would walk again, Wanaka Paragliding Festival media spokesman Peter Groves said, when contacted by the Otago Daily
Times yesterday.
Mr Groves said he understood Mr Smith had damaged some vertebrae and would be immobilised while the injuries were being assessed.
"The local paragliders of Wanaka are understandably pretty concerned. "He has done a lot for us and the sport in the Wanaka area. "He deals with the landowners and attends meetings on our behalf with the Wanaka Airport Users Group. "We've all got our fingers crossed for the best outcome for him,'' Mr Groves said.
Mr Smith works for the Wanaka branch of Clark Fortune McDonald and has been on the organising committee of the Wanaka Paragliding Festival for the past two years.
He is also a member of the national paragliding competition committee. The Australian-born planner is an experienced pilot who learned to fly in Australia.
He moved from Sydney in 2003 to Lake Hawea, where he lives with his wife, Kate.
He was initially flown by helicopter to Dunedin Hospital after the accident and transferred soon after to Christchurch.
Mr Groves said the New Zealand Hang Gliders and Paragliders Association would prepare an incident report.
He said he understood the accident had occurred as Mr Smith prepared to land in clear, sunny conditions.
The Wanaka paragliders were all good friends and would be offering Mr and Mrs Smith their support.
"It is very early stages for Quentin... "We hope the [specialists] can work their magic,'' Mr Groves said.
