Well now that I have some spare time on my hands I have joined the Sea Breeze Social Network. Thanks for all the kind words and support from everyone. Now to set the record straight (and because I am an honest guy) I was not attempting a double forward loop or a single forward loop - but you would all know that. It was a straight forward jump of a wind wave. All I can remember is the board nose diving and then a loud crack as my left leg twisted in the foot strap. Then came the longest hour of my life as I drifted in Lauderdale Bay, with a wobbly left leg, me screaming in pain and no one within cooee. With the wind direction I was always going to be pushed towards the bottom end of the beach, but it took an eternity and luckily John Palmer was launching off for a kite sail. I was able to get his attention and relay what happened. He took off for the beach to call an ambulance. Thanks to John and his mates who got me out of the water and helped me whilst the ambulance arrived and looked after my gear – I owe you guys a few beers. Fast forward – I am now at home, have a metal rod, screws and plates holding my leg together. I broke my Fib and Tib and had a fracture in my ankle. The ambo guy was so excited when he saw the x –ray he just had to get a photo. I now have six weeks in plaster and a 3 month rehab - so I won't be sailing until next spring.
Now Anthony, you cannot take my wife out to tea, she has the hots for this young orthopaedic surgeon who looked after me – talk about taking advantage of a bloke when he's down. Catch you all soon – Dave (Cracker) Jack. That Cracker bit is my wife's doing
I got home from Cambridge Park about 12ish on Saturday and saw your van parked down in the car park......who would have thought....
Any sharks pay you a visit while you were floundering around in the water? Any blood?
Nice work Dave, best excuse for avoiding the Autum/winter crap sailing I've ever heard.
Cracker Jack?? Isnt that a reference to old people playing bowls????
No blood thankfully - all the meat was held in place by my wettie which is now in shreds - first the ambos and then the emergency guys - could not even get a springy out of it. Winter sailing - never enjoyed it but yes I now have a good excuse - I will probably end up with a big beer gut out of this.
This is an amazing and unnerving story. You've had a very nasty experience and possibly a lucky escape. It's hard to imagine how you managed to do so much damage to yourself from what sounds like a standard jump. All the best for your recovery and for next season.
Cracker you don't want to know what the surgeon was doing with Mrs Cracker when you were out to it on the table...........my mate was your anaesthetist
My question is if you broke your Tib, Fib and fractured your ankle....how high in the air were you >_> Either that or your last name is Porosis, first name Osteo
All jokes aside must have been a pretty scary swim in, hope your recovery goes well.
Cracker grab a beer and watch the footy...........just when you thought we would start being nice.............we can't we don't know how
Yeow, just saw the photos - hope it heals OK. Horrible situation to be in out in the water with a broken leg!! Thinking of getting a PLB for those situatiosn when things just go wrong!