Video: The Teahupo'o Wave that Broke Ethan Ewing's Back

Ethan Ewing has pulled out of the upcoming Shiseido Pro Tahiti, due to injury.

As previously reported, the Australian surfer and current number two on the rankings took a wipeout during a warmup session at Teahupo’o, leading to the withdraw.

However, the injury severity was unknown; and the video wasn’t seen; watch below.

Per a report from The Sydney Morning Herald,

“Ethan Ewing’s world title tilt is in serious doubt after the No.2 ranked surfer fractured two vertebrae in his back after wiping out at Teahupo’o.

“Ewing fell during a practice session at Teahupo’o in solid, six-foot waves ahead of the upcoming Tahiti Pro, the last tour stop before next month’s finals at Trestles, California.

“The 24-year-old Queenslander was taken to shore after coming off at one of the world’s heaviest waves and taken to hospital on the island, where he was diagnosed with a fractured L3 and L4 vertebrae.”

Two fractured vertebrae…sheesh, sounds serious.

Also, from the video above, and roughly translated from Portuguese, there’s this report:

“Keale Lemos, our correspondent in Tahiti, who filmed the wave provided the following report:

“‘As you can see the wave wasn't one of the series. She was a middle schooler. The cow didn't get attention and we didn't notice any rescue either. Almost no one who was present knew about the accident until the news arrived a little later.’”

They also added:

“We hope Ethan Ewing recovers in time for the WSL finals to complete the show as there's no possibility of a substitution in the event that will decide the 2023 world champion.”

Ethan has secured a spot in the WSL Finals Day; it’s unclear if an injury replacement (i.e. the next surfer down on the rankings) is eligible to take his spot, if he doesn’t recover in time. Most sources say "no," meaning it would be a Final "Four" event.

What’s more, there’s controversy surrounding Ethan’s injury replacement. The spot has been taken by Mihimana Braye, the next highest Tahitian surfer on the Challenger Series rankings. But many surf fans think Eimeo Czermak should've got the spot after a runner-up finish in the trials event....especially with a perfect 10 in the heat.

Controversy continues on this weird, wild 2023 CT season...all the way to the end.

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