*UPDATED 19/07/2107
Slater out for six months.
Kelly Slater will be out of the water for six months putting paid to his 2017 title run.
Kelly Slater has confirmed that his foot injury is pretty serious and will keep him out of the water for 4-6 months.
We didn’t want to report this yesterday, but with negative comments claiming the injury was ‘the end of his career’ we passed on the X rays from his Insta to Carve’s go to consultant Dave ‘the Wave’ Bracey for a second opinion on how bad the break was.
Dave doesn’t specialise in feet but confirmed “This is a type of so-called ‘Lisfranc’ injury, in which the forefoot breaks in several places across the middle part of the foot, as it buckles and dislocates upwards. It’s a severe injury – I’ve never heard of it from surfing before so it really shows the power of those barrels!
Metatarsals are numbered from 1 to 5 across the foot, with the one below the big toe being number 1. He’s got very obvious displaced fractures of 3 and 4. On their own these could heal up OK after 2-3 months with a good prognosis.
More insidious are other fractures at the bases of 1,2,3 & 4, which are what make this a so called ‘Lisfranc’ injury. It will be assessed by scans etc and importantly, exam under GA to asses stability. If the front of the foot can be wiggled up and down, it would need surgical stabilisation. Recovery could be very slow and residual arthritis in the area is a possibility.
These injuries are always treated by Orthopaedic Surgeons with a special interest in foot and ankle problems. Retirement?? Well, certainly off the tour this year, but knowing Kelly’s determination he fight back, grit his teeth and…?”
Kelly posted
“Was really looking forward to more of this today but going twice as fast. It just wasn’t to be. That’s alright. It will keep the fire burning to recreate the lines I missed my chance at. Thank you #JBay for all the great friends and memories. And a giant 🙏🏽 to everyone sending me well wishes.
The challenge will be healing with awareness, patience and good health. Hopefully I’ll have some tips to share from my process for any future mishaps you might have.
And a huge thanks to all my friends and acquaintances who assisted me yesterday. Not one of the better days in recent memory. It’s hard to believe I could do this just yesterday. I can’t even touch my foot right now. I’ll find out next week but prognosis is now looking like 4-6 months recovery. 😬💉🔪”
So career ending, we doubt it. Kelly was looking as on form as ever until the injury, and knowing his determination he will be back. So lucky for us we will probably get to see him surfing in 2018.
Get well soon Champ.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Well this sucks.
Kelly is out of J Bay after suffering a broken foot free surfing Boneyards. He pulled into barrel and got his foot bent backwards… Oucharoony! Not being one for doing anything half measure it looks as if he has done a proper job which will require surgery and at least six weeks out.
Get well soon champ!