Life as paddler stinks once in a while...

[the great gonzo]

Like for me right now , ran Beaver Creek in Marmora Ontario yesterday, was slightly right off THE line at the bridge drop, my bow got hung up on shore on river right. I flipped downstream and went over 2 ledges (in about 3 - 4 inches of water) upside down, with my left shoulder taking the majority of the hits .
Tried to roll in the pool above the next drop, , felt fairly intense pain in my left shoulder and no resistyance on the paddle whatsoever. Bailed out and made it to shore just in time to avoid the next drop.

Result: broken shoulder blade (will, according to the doctor, put me out for at least 6 weeks), cracked my composite helmet, broke my paddle and tore my drysuit ...

Thanks for the guys who were there to help me !

martin

[Sir Adam]

Glad to hear you're still alive and kicking, though slightly munched!

[Bruce Farrenkopf]

Martin,
Glad to hear you will live to boat again. That sounded like a thorough pounding. Hope you get back on the horse (Fink) soon.
Best Regards,
Bruce

[aldenb]

oh man martin, im really sorry to hear that. this year has really been one for injuries. of my paddling friends -- already this Spring one got stitches, one got a huge black eye, another popped out his shoulder again, and a woman from Vermont tragically drowned in a sieve this weekend. Glad to hear you're OK.

Be careful out there -- there is bad karma in the wind this year . . .
Alden

[Guest]

Repairing a ripped drysuit: $85.
Finding a new blade for the Werner carbon shaft: $160
Crack in the (indestructible) Galasport composite helmet: $250
Knowing that Martin Breau will eventually be back on the river with a huge smile on his face: Priceless

Martin, Since I know you, I took the liberty of trying to make you smile… Hope it lifted your spirits somewhat.
I'm really sorry to hear about the mishap. Hopefully things heal up fast. Glad you didn't swim the second drop.
Hang in there!

Glenn

[Paddle Power]

Glad to hear the your helmet and not your head took the hit. Thanks for keeping us informed. Time to start dreaming about what to do once you are back on the water and concentrate on a good recovery. Do push it till your fully recovered. Wish you good luck on the recovery.

[Cone Bone]

Ouch!

Glad you are on the mend. Good luck with your recovery.

[C1Dub]

Martin,

Ow, sounds ugly, hope you recover quickly.
Just so you know, you're not the only one sitting out for awhile, I'm having shoulder surgery in 2 weeks for a lingering injury from last fall. Mine didn't make an exciting story though.

Misery loves company, get well soon!

Natalie

[the great gonzo]

Thanks to all you guys for your support !

Natalie, I hope your surgery goes well and you recover quickly!

I actually consider myself lucky, I think considering what happened, the consequences could have been worse...
I learned a few things though, like consider the consequnces really well of any drop you run and, if you run shallow drops with sharp rocks, wear the best protection you can.
I tink I did a good job on head protection (Galasport extreme full cut composite helmet with a Cascade face cage), but I failed to adequately protect my upper body for the conditions I paddled in.
I will definitely get myself some body armour to protect my chest, back, shoulders and arms. I will also upgrade to th armoured creeking gloves. I realize that there is no absolute protection, but after this experience, I do definitely want to upgrade.
Do any of you guys wear body armour when creeking and, if yes, what?

martin

[aldenb]

yeah, i wear lacrosse elbow pads. those things are perfect

[the great gonzo]

Thanks Alden, I wear sometimes roller bladeing ellbow pads, but I was morre thinking about mountain bike or MX style protective suits.

martin

[Jan_dettmer]

Martin,

hope you recover soon!

I wear elbow pads like the ones Alden mentioned. They cover elbows and lower arm. I also bought the creeking gloves.
I am thinking of one of those shirts that combine Shoulder protectors and Arm protectors. The rest is covered in the PFD. I whacked my shoulder once and it sucked.

There is a PFD from Hydroscapes in Golden that has Body Armor for kidneys and neck and shoulders. It might be the best creeking PFD out there but is also expensive.

Cheers, Jan

[PAC]

Martin
Major bummer.....
Hope you heal quickly!
Helmets are cheap compared to the alternative - glad to hear you at least had enough protection for your head! Being positive about it!

[keez]

Martin,
Wishing you a speedy recovery. Regarding the body armour, you may want to consider rugby shoulder pads. They cover the upper portion of the chest and back, and may be less intrusive than the biking body armour I've seen some people wearing on the river.
BTW, I'll call you about your Atom next week.
Geoff

[Bernie]

Can be a detriment if overdone. It can in fact cause a capsize due to restriction. Some of the previous posts are right on with the head gear and elbow pads. One other item that I use is the Wavesport drytop that has removable elbow pads, and sewn in shoulder pads.
Good luck on your recovery.