Laura Enever Suffers “Serious Fin Chop” in Waimea Wipeout (Video)

Originally posted on SURFER | By Dashel Pierson | Last updated Dec 25, 2024 4:01 PM ET

The Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational, commonly referred to as the most prestigious surfing contest in the world, went down on Sunday, December 22nd at Waimea Bay on the North Shore of Oahu, with waves hitting the requisite 40 feet (and then some) for just the 11th time in history.

It was a whirlwind day of memorable rides, angry and oversized waves, glory, wipeouts, successful rides, harrowing airdrops, incorrectly confident tourists viewing on the sand, and more. And throughout all that action, there were many storylines that played out throughout the day. So many, in fact, that it’s like a Christmas advent calendar, requiring days to unpack all the treats.

For instance, there was Laura Enever’s wipeout and subsequent trip to the hospital. Now, still recovering in the hospital, the Guinness World Record holding surfer, has given an update on her status and told the story of what happened. Laura took to social media to tell the tale:

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A post shared by LAURA ENEVER (@lauraenever)

“I’ve had nonstop kind messages of love & support. I thought I would jump on an update. I’m still in hospital recovering from a serious fin chop to my upper leg. A freak accident that happened when I was on the sand after I surfed. The board hit me unexpectedly and awkwardly and the fin pretty much went all the way into my leg.

“A scary situation as we thought my main artery had been damaged. I was rushed to hospital for surgery where I found out I was millimeters away. I was crushed my day ended the way it did but I mostly feel lucky & thankful it wasn’t worse and I’m just soooo grateful to everyone who helped me on the beach and in the hospital. It truly was the BEST morning of my life being a part of the EDDIE & I can’t wait to watch the replay of the day and watch everyone send it. Mostly rattled I had to get my Eddie rashie cut off. [Laughing emoji.]”

In addition to the update, and photos from her hospital bed, Laura shared a ride of hers from The Eddie – she stomps a very steep drop, steadies herself at the bottom, before being swallowed by a mountain of water. Just one of many legendary rides from surfing’s most iconic competition.

Here’s to a speedy recovery for Laura.

This article first appeared on SURFER and was syndicated with permission.

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