The Associated Press

(December 23, 2002) — TORONTO — A wind-surfing Santa took a ride on the wet side Sunday when strong winds took him across the Niagara River -- and the Canadian border.

The United States Border Patrol promptly arrested the Canadian man in Buffalo.

For 18 years, fitness instructor John Fulton has donned a Santa suit to sail across the river at Christmas. He said he performs the annual stunt in support of the homeless.

Fulton usually departs from his home town of Fort Erie, Ont., and arrives back at shore on the Canadian side.

But stiff winds and currents pushed Fulton to the American side of the river and into the arms of border guards.

Fulton was taken into custody, and then shipped back to Canada without incident after he agreed to sign a form stating he had illegally entered the United States.