Head injuries, in surfing, have been a hot topic of late. This past winter, there was a slew of high-profile surfers who hit their heads, suffered concussions, and nearly lost their lives…particularly at Pipeline. Koa Rothman and Kai Lenny, to name a few.
And the head injury discourse continues on, with the latest being Ross Williams – former World Championship Tour surfer turned coach to the likes of John John Florence – with a social media post discussing his numerous injuries and how he’s dealing with ‘em.
Williams wrote:
“Over the last five or six years, I’ve had a couple pretty serious concussions. Two of them were at my favorite surf spot, Haleiwa. (Shout out to my boy Kawika for pulling me out of the water. I was out by myself. The waves were 10 to 12 feet, pretty maxed out Haleiwa. Good thing he was there as I was unconscious for a couple seconds.) It’s easy to underestimate a head injury. There’s lots of serious side effects that can sneak up on you.”
As for his treatment for said concussions, Williams is utilizing Wave Neuroscience, a cutting-edge head injury operation utilizing futuristic, brainwave-stimulating headgear. (See above.) Other advocates of Wave Neuro tech include big-wave charger Shane Dorian, who, according to the Wave Neuroscience site, “Shane noticed significantly improved mental clarity and focus, a major energy increase throughout the day, and noticed a positive impact in his overall performance as an athlete.”
Related: More Surfers Are Wearing Helmets At Pipe Than Ever, It Took 30 Years To Get Here
Williams elaborated on his experience with the headgear:
“With their help we’ve had great therapy and guidance. This at home Sonal machine really helps maintain our therapy as well. The main thing is to get an EEG and ask for help from your doctor. Don’t neglect any type head injury. We really appreciate their help and want to share our gratitude.”
When it comes to treatment and protection for head injuries in surfing, it’s clear that the surface is just being scratched. More and more helmets are being seen in heavy lineups – like 22.22% of surfers on opening day of the 2024 Pipe Pro – and new post-concussion treatments are emerging. But again, this is only the beginning; more to come for sure.
Related: 22.22% of Surfers Wore Helmets on Opening Day of the Pipe Pro
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