Dispatches are trickling in from Tahiti, regarding Tom Lowe and a serious wipeout yesterday at Teahupo’o.
The British-born big wave surfer reportedly went down on a wave, took a few more on the head, and was found unconscious by fellow chargers present. Newport Beach local Sage Burke and Tahitian Vetea David performed lifesaving measures right there in the lagoon via jet ski to get him breathing again; from there, he was transferred to the hospital.
Now, per reports, Lowe is recovering in a Papeete hospital, and is on the mend following yet another near-death experience at the End of the Road – the second in two consecutive seasons.
Last year, Lowe had another vicious wipeout at the very same spot. During a massive swell at Chopes on April 28th, 2024, Lowe paddled into a wave, got pitched on the take-off, and was catapulted head-first into the reef. As a result, he suffered a punctured lung and multiple broken bones.
Related: Surfer Tom Lowe Hospitalized After Near-Death Wipeout in Tahiti
With all the commotion of the swell, and one side of his body badly mangled, Lowe managed to doggy-paddle his way to shore during the incident. He was later air-lifted to the hospital for surgeries and monitoring. Now, just 14 months later, another harrowing injury for the affable Englishman.
“This was the heaviest situation I’ve ever been in by far,” Lowe said about the 2024 Chopes incident. “I’ve never nearly died like that, not to that level. This was as real as it’s ever been.”
As for the most recent injury, this is a developing story; more updates to come. In the meantime, our thoughts go out to Tom and his family for a smooth recovery.