United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

I went body boarding on Sunday. The Surf was 3 to 4 foot with an occassional 5 foot set. It had been a few years since I had been in the ocean. Prior to my accident, I was an avid surfer. I was getting ansy sitting around the house on a hot summer day, so I went to the beach, strapped my bpi arm inside my wetsuit and charged the surf. The water was warm. On the first wave, I wiped bad and get tossed around like I was in a washing Machine. The arm stayed secure in my wetsuit, so I had no fear about tweaking it. The next wave was awesome. It was one of the bigger sets. The feeling that I had dropping in and cutting across the wave brought me back to the days before my accident. I knew then that I had to post this experience on the board. I had no pain just pure delight. It was such a liberating feeling to be back in the water and going crazy. To those pondering what activities that they can do with their BPI arm, you will never know what you are capable of until you take a chance and just go for it.

-Rich

Congratulations for getting out there! Something tells me this is just the beginning for you. Keep us posted!

Ellen

Hey Rich that's EXCELLENT news dude!! I took up (tried) skiing and windsurfing after the bike crash, looking to replace that rush.. and being on the water (very luckily can move my injured arm and hand) on the windsurf board, know what you mean about no pain, too busy ENJOYING and i think being on the water is healing more than physically, you will know exactly what that means.
Check out;

http://tbpiukgroup.homestead.com/Community.html

for shots of guys n gals getting on with challenging sports/activities after injury.. Rob the skater in those photos (where are you Rob?) inspired one of the guys to try snowboarding.. can you get any pics of you on the ocean? 5 foot waves with one arm to bail you out of trouble? respect!
You got me fired up now, was supposed to be painting the kitchen this afternoon, now im going to

www.roho.co.uk

and blaming you for whatever gets spent!! ;O)

Let me know how you go long time no type,
Dave (tarmacsurfer@aol.com)

oops the 2nd link didn't work, try again....

http://www.roho.co.uk/