During the monumental season-opener swell at Teahupo’o, Tahiti over the weekend, British big-wave surfer Tom Lowe wiped out, hit the reef, and suffered serious injuries.
Lowe was airlifted to the hospital, where he remains in recovery following surgery and other medical treatments for his injuries, including broken bones and internal bleeding. And now, the 39-year-old surfer has shared an update regarding his status.
“As some of you already know, I hit the reef hard at Teahupo’o a few days back and sustained critical injuries,” Lowe wrote via Instagram.
“After surgery and a blood transfusion due to internal bleeding, a fractured scapula, and many broken ribs, I truly do feel lucky to have made it.
“I am so stoked that my pregnant wife and beautiful daughter arrived to Tahiti today to spend the next two weeks with me during recovery- big thanks to @sullyontv for flying them in!”
In response to Lowe’s injuries, and the resulting medical costs, which will not be covered by his insurance, fellow big-wave surfer Greg Long created a GoFundMe account to help with costs.
Long wrote:
“Unfortunately, Tom’s travel insurance will not cover his medical treatment, so we are seeking the kindness and generosity of Tom’s global surf family, friends and compassion of the community, to help assist with his ongoing medical expenses.”
He added:
“Anyone who has ever met Tom knows him as a humble, kind and talented surfer who is a dedicated family man to his wife Tess, daughter Tigerlilly and soon-to-be baby-on-the-way. Tom has a long road ahead, but true to his nature, he is positive, in a fighting spirit.”
And Lowe expressed his gratitude for the outpouring of support:
“It’s not in my nature to ask for handouts, but in this instance I don’t know what I would have done without it. I am completely overwhelmed and humbled by the generosity and kindness everyone has shown.”
Lowe is a certifiable charger – from Puerto Escondido to Nazaré to Teahupo’o to at home in the UK. And by all accounts, he’s solid human, husband, and father, too. It’s rad to see the surf community come together to support one of their own.
Check out (and donate to) Tom Lowe’s recovery fund here.
Teahupo’o, Tahiti Stats/Info
Wave Type: Lefthand slab
Season: Spring – Fall
Skill Level: Experts only
Ideal Swell Direction: South, Southwest
Access: By boat
Upcoming Events: Shiseido Tahiti Pro (August 11th-20th); Paris 2024 Olympics (July 26th-August 11th, 2024)
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