Ethan Ewing Talks Back-Breaking Wipeout: "I'm super devastated."
Ethan Ewing is on the mend.
The currently ranked world number two surfer on the Championship Tour suffered a serious wipeout during a warmup session at Teahupo’o, ahead of the Tahiti Pro.
And now, Ewing has sent a message to his followers regarding the injury.
Captioning the post, EE wrote:
“I hit the reef really hard at teahupoo the other morning fracturing bones in my lower back. The wipeout was a huge shock and I’m super devastated that I’ve withdrawn from the Tahiti Pro but also grateful that I wasn’t more seriously hurt. So many people helped me that day but I especially want to say a massive thank you to @tahuraihenry for helping me out of the impact zone and getting me safely to the beach. Also, Vairao Firefighters for the transport, the Papeete hospital staff for their care and professionalism.”
Ewing broke his L3 and L4 vertebrae from the wipeout. He withdrew from the Shiseido Tahiti Pro, and he’ll be replaced by Mihimana Braye, the next highest Tahitian surfer on the Challenger Series rankings – although many felt that the spot should’ve gone to Eimeo Czermak, runner-up in the trials event, who nabbed a perfect 10 in the heat.
But…them’s the rules.
As for the WSL Finals Day at Lower Trestles, which will go down September 8th-16th, it’s not looking good for Ewing to be fully healed by then. Yeah, back injuries such as this take time to heal. He’s already secured a spot in the Final Five, however, there will be no replacements there, so…this year will be a Final “Four” perhaps?
On Ethan’s post, many surfers chimed in with support:
“Heal up strong mate. Sending lots of positive vibes” – Mick Fanning
“we are all so devastated for you and thankful things weren’t worse. Heal up 🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤 i’m so sorry” – Laura Enever
“I’m so sorry man! Wish you speedy recovery” – Jadson Andre
“Get well soon mate hope your back for Trestles. If not get strong for next year and MF it all the way to a WT” – Jake Paterson
It’s a huge bummer for Ethan to go down right before the final (official) event of the year, and before his shot at a World Title. Here’s to a speedy recovery for the Aussie.
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