Just saw that someone drowned at Croatan yesterday... http://hamptonroads.com/2011/08/surfer-drowns-croatan-beach-late-thursday Stay safe out there everyone.
RIP dude. I was at Croatan yesterday before this though. The water current was pulling hard yesterday. Also the water the was freezing
While it is indeed sad and unfortunate, surfing beyond your ability level is not always the problem. He could have just fallen in like EVERYONE does and hit a really shallow sandbar on his head.
I think that there are more surfing accidents (and even fatalities) in smaller surf than in big stuff - maybe newbies haven't learned how to protect themselves (head, neck, etc.) when they fall in shallow water - I've been surfing a loooong time, and I really hurt my rotator cuff a few years ago (playing around, being stoopid and getting careless) in, like, 3-foot surf! man, my shoulder was smashed into the sand, and i saw stars! it took a year before my shoulder finally got back to being totally pain free!
I went against my word and surfed Croatan this afternoon. The current was strong and the waves had some punch. Total kookville though, amazingly no one was running into each other.
Sandbridge was ok on Thursday evening, some rides but long waits; not many out there, wow was that water cold: numb toes in an hour. Props to the dudes who were bare-backin' it. Water temps improved big-time today. This morning in the 25th St area was excellent. Powerful sideshore pushing north, but waves that we've been waiting all summer for with no / little wind. Had to be in the right place 'cause of the fast hurricane push on the swell. Lotta whoopin from guys as they had some great, fun, lengthy rides on Irene.
i was at croatan for this thursday evening.... def brought me down to earth in the middle of a fun little session with a friend i just happened to walk by after drifting down and saw his face looked directly into his lifeless eyes.... i had to walk away and just sit down and gather myself... worst part is not being able to help.. we all think we are invincible when we are out...its heartbreaking this man is a newlywed with a newborn child.... may he rest in peace.
****! bro. That is heavy as sh(*. Sorry you had to see that. More sorry for this kid and his family... My assumption is that there was typical midatlantic shorebreak neck trauma involved..... Try not to dwell on it though bro.... its like seeing a car accident.... just say a prayer to whichever god you believe in and try and clear your head.... I am sure they already will, but on monday, it would be nice for all the VB guys to paddle out and do a circle to honor one of our fallen brothers.. Its just the right thing to do... even if you dont know the guy.
Celebrate his life! I dont want a funeral, I want a celebration of my life, the things Ive done, where Ive been, my accomplishments, no matter what age. He died doing what he loves, may he rest in piece. Everyone stay safe.
Via con dios! In addition, I heard a kook weather girl on The Weather Channel say that there have been multiple surfers that "lost their lives due to Irene." Can anyone verify that there have been multiple deaths or is she just contributing to the hype?
