39% of you are right.

Don't read if you've got a weak stomach.


The first thing Josh broke during his back loops attempts was.......drum rollllll.....

.... himself.

Let me give you a bit of advice - in attempting loops of any sort - most times, it's best to hold on.

Tight.

The day started out GREAT - powered up 4.2 at the Hatch. Not too crowded, good buddies on the water, lotsa fun. I was trying back loops, and .... sort-of flakas. (I hestitate to even call them attempts. They were ugly. )

Anyways, third sesh, I went for BIG backloop on my first run. At the peak of my jump, I wussed out and kicked off the board - and kicked my fin.

Hard.

Thanks to Chris B., who forwarded this to me AS I was typing this post. Not sure if this is the one, but that's probably what it looked like. Looking at my left leg, there's a good chance this was it.


I knew it was a good hit, but waterstarted and sailed away, waiting to see if it the pain would ease. It did, but I saw a spot of blood, so I figured I'd better go in. When I pulled up the wetsuit, it was immediately clear I'd need stitches... a buddy offered to de-rig my gear and bring it home, I was going to drive myself to the hospital.



First pic - at the hospital, pre cleaning. I left my wetsuit on for compression, and the doctor said that was the perfect thing to do.



Second pic - Novocaine, and cleaned up quite a bit. You could see the sheath covering the bone.


Third Pic - Doc D, a kiter and windsurfer, sewing me up. He was friendly and chatty, and didn't mind me taking pictures. They asked me what the pain was like, I said "Meh. Two out of ten." This would greatly change in a few hours.





Four and Five - stitched up. Off the water for about 10-14 days. The cut was in a good spot, so no limited mobility. I can ride a bike in a couple days, says Doc. He gave me a scrip for vicodin, which I didn't fill.

Fast forward a few hours - HOLY CRAP! My legs feels like it's in a vise, with a fire brand where the stitches are. Killin' me. I got Tyson to haul me to the Rx for pain pills, where I limped into the pharmacy and a friendly technician hurried my drugs along.

Now I'm sitting here watching the Olympic ceremony (Go Nancy!) and don't plan on moving much.

Well, Stu and Andy, I can now sympathize with you guys - I am going to be off the water for two weeks in the middle of peak season. Had a coast trip planned in a few days to meet up with the Starboard dudes for some SUP and some sailing, definitely out now. And the next two days of wind.


Ugh.