Austin Hair's head injury

DavidHair · Newbie Joined: 15 Apr 2003 Posts: 11 City: Tega Cay, SC

I have been asked about Austin’s head injury and have seen some questions about his riding after sustaining such an injury. In light of some recent accidents I thought it might be helpful to discuss and to accurately portray what happened.

Austin took a very hard fall on a Pete Rose at the end of his first pass during the quarter finals and was pulled onto the boat to be checked out. He was dazed but ok. He completed his run flawlessly and advanced to the semi finals on Sunday. This was 6pm. When he returned to the dock he had no memory of falling or his run. He kept repeating himself and had lost all short-term memory for the entire day. I got the medical crew to look at him and also Dr. Soven. He was diagnosed with a concussion and referred to a hospital. He also sustained neck and back injuries.

The hospital did a CAT scan and x-rays on his neck and back. All came back good. There was no swelling or hemorrhaging to the brain. His eyes were not dilated, no head aches or blurred vision and no nausea or problems with balance. The doctor said it was a concussion and to take it easy for two weeks. We got back to the room at 3am and had decided that he would not ride the next day.

I did a lot of research on the internet the next morning and spoke with several medical professionals. There are all types of concussions and the milder ones allow you to return to contact sports within 20 minutes. All his neurological signs were excellent and we performed some more test the next morning. He passed them with flying colors but he still thought he wouldn’t ride especially since his neck and back were so sore too. This was 10 am.

He decided he would at least go out and ride an easy pass. He had worked too hard and this was a huge opportunity for him. This was his first big Pro Tournament in the US and he had made it to the final 12 riders. He was the first rider off the dock and was scheduled to ride at 1:30 pm. After further consultation with medical professionals he decided to go out and ride his best (unbeknown to me). He killed his run and was very close to making it into finals. He ended up getting 2nd in the heat 5th place overall. He is taking this week off to recoup.

A couple of very important points need to be made. Austin made this decision based on all the medical evidence. All of the observable neurological indicators were excellent. This was balanced with the fact that this is his profession and career and not just a recreation. He is taking the week off to be safe before resuming training. Always take head injuries seriously. If you take a hit to the head get out of the water and see how you feel. If you have any doubt do not continue. Fellow riders and driver need to make sure of this also. Know the signs of a concussion. If exhibiting these signs you may need medical attention but you definitely need to not do anything to further harm yourself. Do not ride for two weeks. You will heal but another knock to the head shortly after incident can result in brain damage or even death.

Helmets. A helmet is a must if you are hitting obstacles but doesn’t protect you from concussions. Austin was wearing a helmet. The doctors will tell you they provide no to little protection from this kind of fall. They do protect you from hard objects such as your board, tree stumps or sliders. Hope this helps.

GatlinGun · Newbie Joined: 17 Oct 2006 Posts: 34 City: Bonneau

This is good to hear he has no brain injury.I have had brain injury about ten years ago and it change my life. Cool

Be Good

~Last Summer~ · Outlaw Joined: 10 Feb 2007 Posts: 205 City: Overland Park

DavidHair, Thanks for that insight and explanantion. I think this information is very valuable to all of us who ride as a recreation and not as a profession. Lately, there have been several posted incidents with riders getting injured so this information helps all of us out by knowing the safety precautions and protocol if someone does get a concussion. I think I speak for all when I say we REALLY appreciate your care and concern by posting these specific details. Thanks Again!

Josh R · Posted: May 02, 2007 9:32 am Post subject:

Good to hear Austin is ok. He's a good kid. Tell him Carnie from Australia says hi.

Epic · Addict Joined: 21 Aug 2005 Posts: 765

Great information. After reading some of the recent posts on injuries I've definately been more cautious after taking bad falls and watched riders a little more closely. This isn't on the same level as head injuries but last year after a failed back-roll attempt I caught my edge while still holding the handle and felt a pain in my side/stomach. It ached a littel bit but I went right back and did it again with the same result and tore my oblique. I could barely get in the boat and couldn't ride for month. Anytime I take a bad fall now I get in the boat, let someone else take a turn before I go again.
Not sure about the helmet information though. Since working on spins the last week or so I've been wearing a helmet and it definately hurts my head a lot less when I take a nice digger.

~Last Summer~ · Outlaw Joined: 10 Feb 2007 Posts: 205 City: Overland Park

Not sure what "type of fall" Austin had but there is no way a helmet wouldn't help reduce the severity of a concussion when you take a bad fall. Hitting an object like a slider is not much different than hitting the water at high speeds. It can't do anything but help IMO.

DavidHair · Newbie Joined: 15 Apr 2003 Posts: 11 City: Tega Cay, SC

I am not discouraging wearing helmets. This is just what the doctors have told us. A helmet will not be much help in prevent a concussion on fall like that on the water. Your brain is still being racked against the skull causing the trauma. It doesn't hurt either and definitely protects you from your board or other solid objects.

Dragonlady8 · Black Widow Joined: 27 Aug 2004 Posts: 9198

The only other issue to watch out for now is delayed bleeding.

h2oman · Newbie Joined: 21 Jan 2007 Posts: 46 City: Dallas

Thanks for sharing this with us. We all take risks when boarding. We need to know how to make sure we are managing the risk and making good decisions. Sometimes a hard fall is more serious than we realize.

FLWake · Soul Rider Joined: 21 Apr 2007 Posts: 274

Glad to hear he is OK. I caught a hard edge my first time at a cable park and got some nasty whiplash and concussion but decided to keep going because I did it on my second lap out. Luckily nothing happened, but reading stuff like this makes me more conscious of my injuries.

Commodore · Ladies Man Joined: 20 Jun 2005 Posts: 11636

David, thanks for the information. I am one to know when not to push it. I have had my fair share of medical injuries and learned long ago, never push it. This is a sport for most of us, don't be a hero and overdo it just to look cool. And if you're a driver, and you see someone get hurt bad, step up to the plate and deny them the ride. They may get mad, but you know it's the safest, it's your boat, you make the calls.

kdip · Posted: May 03, 2007 9:29 am Post subject:

Would a mouthguard help out in wakeboarding?

JeffR · Addict Joined: 07 Apr 2006 Posts: 608 City: Victoria, BC

kdip, you would look like a huge tool