Wipeouts

Whether its struggling for a breath, finding which way is up after being thrown around ‘rag-doll’ style, trying not to think about the massive gashes of reef jam on your arms, legs face or feet, or praying for mercy as you fall to the bottom of a massive heaving slab of death not knowing if your going to be impaled on your fins;  wipeouts can be a life affirming experience.

Part of the challenge of surfing is experiencing this, living and laughing through gritted teeth as you share the war stories with your mates, besties, buddies or whoever you’re with.

The feeling of destroying big gnarly waves is something we all love, defying the odds and emerging with a sense of victory or sheer joy, though these beautiful monsters deserve respect, and lots of it. A lapse in concentration, a moment of hesitation or lack of commitment can land you in hot water very, very quickly. The consequences…….well you will rapidly find out as most of us have.

The awe inspiring perfection that is Teahupoo with it’s lip thicker than a double-decker bus, and a pit that defies the laws of physics is one of those places that beckons surfers from around the globe to take a ride if they dare. It’s curiosity that killed the cat, this being the case, how curious are you, did mother nature throw you a curve ball, or slip one in when you weren’t looking.

Check out video of Raimana Van Bastolaer, tahitian surfing legend, in one of his worst wipeouts ever at the infamous break Teahupoo, Tahiti, French Polynesia.

 
Epic Surf  invites you to share your gnarliest, goriest, scariest, freakiest wipeout tales. Use the Contact form and we’ll get in touch with you to get your bits on the site.

You can also head over to the forums, create groups and start discussions.

via: ripittube    the telegraph

Raimana Van Bastolaer, Teahupoo, Wipeout