Here is the interview from the Brazilian surfing Web Site WAVES. You can check a video at http://waves.terra.com.br/surf/noticia/nocaute-em-jaws/5096
Only four days after facing the historic paddling swell in Jaws, Yuri Soledade returned to the peak and this time he wasn’t unharmed. In waves over 15 feet, Yuri failed to control the drop and hit his chin on the board. The consequences could have been worse, but the injuries were pretty serious.
How were the waves that day and how the accident happened?
It happened on January 8th. The waves were perfect for paddling, with sets from 13 to 16 feet and some even higher. When we reached the peak, there was only the local crowd. My Brazilian friends Lapo Coutinho and Tiago Candelot went with me and, as we only had my two boards, we decided to take turns with a jet-ski. As the sea rose, we realized how essential the jet was as we were the only guys who had it. Tiago saved several people before my injury. The waves were almost half the size of the 4 days before, so I wasn’t concerned about the waves. However, after falling in a drop, I hit on the board.
We went went straight to the hospital. At the time, I thought there were only a cut, the pain was very strong, though. Actually, I knew something was wrong. When we took radiography, there was no expert on duty, and I got the fracture confirmation only the next day. I got nine points in the jaw, two fractures on it, and a tooth extracted. I can say that God helped me, since the doctors couldn’t believe that I didn’t passed out right away. It could have been much worse. After three days, I was being operated, whith a tooth pulled out, and with iron plates inside my jaw.
Don’t you think that surfers came very close to the limit in paddling?
Actually, we are reaching the limit. I think those were the biggest waves ever surfed in paddling. Even with the world's best surfers in the water, there were few who paddled for the sets, and several waves passed without anyone on it. Jaws is the most dangerous and difficult wave due the conditions, as both wind and wave speed are absurd. Several surfers went out and couldn’t even catch a wave.
Was there any outlined scheme for the rescue that day?
We are still failing at this point. We had some jets on the right, but almost no one on the left. The day before we thought about hiring someone to do the rescue of the Mad Dogs, but as I lent my jet-ski to the photographer Fred Pompermayer, there was no rescue for us. After that swell, people were talking a lot about the lack of competent people to do rescue, but thank God nothing happened. Another important point is the new clothing being developed. Surely, something should be mandatory. Most people already have those clothes, and I heard it helps psychologically. I don’t have one, but I do have some ideas that I want to develop along with my new sponsor, Mormaii, and hope to get it soon for next season.
What you have to do for recovering?
Now I have four weeks doing anything. I have my mouth locked and I can eat only liquid things. In three days I've lost two pounds and by the end of this period I will have lost 10 to 12 pounds. Beyond the food issue, the harder to me is being unable to talk. It will be a long process, but I'm already thinking about the end of the season. I hope to be a 100% recovered in early March.
Any tips to those who think about paddling in Jaws some day?
Get a lot of training, go slowly without skipping steps. Have the right equipment and listen to the more experienced. Best regards to all and thanks for the good wishes.
(Interview by Bruno Lemos from WAVES web site)
Yuri, we admire your attitude and we hope you have a quick healing process. You rule bro! We are looking forward to see you next season. Here is a new batch to help you smile again! Best wishes from KEAHANA team.
