Benj-ls out for awhile!

[benjl]

I finally got to try out my board again in solid west coast 3-5ft waves the other day. Seemed super fast and loose, seems to carve a wider arc than my other boards but still a good learning curve for the board works and sticks.
I've now used it in 1ft clean to 3ft wind swept and 4ft fast and heavy close out waves. Proving to be an all round board so far given the quite low volume! I wish the rails had been a touch thinner and more refined but I'm really enjoying it.

So the day after this test, I went to a badminton training and on my third game of singles managed to snap my archiles tendon! Heard a loud pop and collapsed on the ground!

I guess my next board review will be in about 6-9months?

I've been told I'll be in crutches for 3-5 months and then rehab after that.
Considering I normally train for kickboxing, surfing, gym and mountain biking between 4-6 times a week this is going to really test me!

Keep up the good posts so I'll have stuff to read

[BaNZ]

Holy xxxxx! I didn't know you can snap your tendon from playing badminton. I better stop playing it. I'm super unfit and there are times when I felt like I've stressed my tendons too much.

Get well soon and it must have hurt like hell!

[drowningbitbybit]

Bugger

That just shows how dangerous these extreme sports like badminton are.

[BoMan]

Sorry to hear it.

I was out for a month with a bad back from bending over to pick up a paperclip!
I hate gettting old but can still do it....at a s-l-o-w-e-r pace.

[Big H]

Terrible! I broke my ankle when I was in my early 30s; never has been the same again. Do what you can fitness wise in your down time, but coming back from this will mean alot of physical therapy and mobility development. Gotta be killing you as active as you were.

[oldmansurfer]

I would need to see a psychiatrist if that happened to me. Surfing is my therapy. My condolences .....what a freaking bummer

[IanCaio]

Damn Benjl, sorry to hear it..

I wish you a fast and full recovery!

[dtc]

Mate of mine did it falling down a cliff (long story) but he is back skiing and hiking now, although it took about 1.5 years sorry to say. The hard thing after the initial angst is to not just give up and become sedentary and risk adverse forever. I suspect you aren't much risk of that but I've seen it happen from other long term injuries

Stick around here (this forum), it might keep up your focus on getting back to it and provide some vicarious stoke; and of course you have a lot to contribute. And we can help you buy a 'getting back into it' longboard in about 7 months time....by which time you will be super fit from all the swimming rehab

Nice broooom broooom cover on the doctors table

[billie_morini]

Cheese Whiz, Benji!!
This is the worst news in a really shitty week.
You take care of that, do what the doktor says, and make sure you are well healed before embarking on adventure.

[benjl]

Thanks guys!

2 days in and I'm slowing getting used to the crutches and what I can / can't do (basically everything) haha.
Going to be a very long, slow and depressing journey but hoping to build
My mind in the process.

I'm due to see a specialist this Thursday so will probably find out then whether I need surgery or what the course of treatment will be.

Still just feels like I'm having a rest weekend and will be back to training again on Monday so it will probably sink in a bit more tomorrow!

[jaffa1949]

Heal the heel, sorry to hear it but do take the full recommended time and follow the full physiotherapy instructions.
Do allied fitness stuff on the rest surfing parts. Swim and keep up the upper body, therabands and get the physio to design a program for you. Ouch on your behalf!

[RinkyDink]

Sorry to hear about your injury. Hang in there. Just remember that at the end of your recovery you'll be paddling out again.

[Tudeo]

Considering I normally train for kickboxing, surfing, gym and mountain biking between 4-6 times a week this is going to really test me!

It's gonna be a test for sure, 6-9 Months looks like a very long time when you think about it. But if you find something to keep busy and put your attention in, it will be behind you before you know it, and telling us about new surfboards

[surf patrol]

Oh no, all the best for a quick and complete recovery

[billie_morini]

How's Benji doing? Been thinking about you, Bro!
The photo you posted is dismal. But, you will recover and you will surf again!

[benjl]

So it's been a month today since my accident, can't say it's been fun or fast but a month none the less.
It's been interesting to learn all the things that you take for granted being Able-bodied. Even the smallest things such as picking things up or holding them (when both arms are occupied holding crutches).

I'm now in a fibreglass cast which is a massive improvement to weight and mobility. I still can't allow any weight on it which is challenging to keep it off
The ground all the time!
I've got this for another 3 weeks before
Getting a moon-boot for a month and then starting rehab and orthotics.

I had initially asked for a black cast and while it was being put on the nurse said that people with brighter casts tended to heal faster so hence why I have a half bright orange cast- she said it was the first one she'd ever done!

I was also determined to keep up exercise of some sorts and have managed a couple of gym sessions! It's fascinating how many people look at me funny until they see what I'm capable of on one leg!! Surprisingly
I can still bench press more than what I could with only one leg on the ground as an anchor than I could when I was going regularly and full-bodied a month ago!

[benjl]

Pics after 2 weeks

[benjl]

So it's now been 3.5months since snapping my achillies and it's been a testing time!
As of 2 weeks ago, I am now out of the moonboot and learning how to walk (hobble) again. The rehab was going well and we made it a goal to get back in the water by dec / Jan.
The Physio said I could go back to the gym, cycle (even a normal bike on the road!) and row / do upper body weights etc. My left leg and both quads have withered away while I've put on a bit in the upper body haha.
Had a slight set back on Friday while walking and thought i had done a mini tear again so hoping it hasn't set me back much.

In the meanwhile, I have had my board back at the shop for the last 2.5 months examining why the glassing had softened and cracked already. They said it probably hadn't cured properly when they gave it to me and repaired it / left it in the hot box for about a month. They also said if it gets worse over the summer they'll just make me another one for free which is great service!

Shaka!

[billie_morini]

Benji,
thank you for sharing this positive update. Coincidental timing, too, because I was thinking about you early this morning. And, here you are! You sure got busted up good. But, you are smart to follow the "rules" for proper healing. A set-back could be devastating.

If it's any consolation, poor health is keeping me out of the sea. It's been a tough year for some of us. Even my beloved Roxy Ridgeback got a severe (neck) injury a few months ago. She's mending very well and taking 2 mile daily walks now.
billie

[Big H]

Here's to hoping for health improvements for the both of you!