We're here for you! not just the surfing. Man if you reviewed fantasy books with the same passion you have for catching a wave, I bet you a lot of us would be here for that and enjoy it!!! Take your time to heal fully, we'll still be here!! (There's a lot of content you can do that won't injure you more!)

Hi Nate. Retired nurse from Maui Memorial here. When you started showing the footage of your back exercises, not gonna lie, I gasped. Then I remembered how quickly athletes like you heal, but still, don’t take it to the limit too quickly. It’s like you said about getting amped and just wanting to take that next wave. Sometimes, it’s good to wait.

Normally- Surfer talks about wave and injury: yawn. Nate breaks it down - absolutely hooked for the full 25 mins. All your fans have been through something that helps them relate to your recovery Nate. We all love you and are relieved you are recovering well. You're going to come back faster & stronger. Glad to hear you have realised how important your diet is 🤣 You're a recovery monster just like you are on the waves. That 25ft barrel at Jaws wasn't ready for you yet. Thank you for all your incredible content. Love to you and Mahina 🙌🤙✨️🫶

Compression fracture in my back, One Doctor told me around 50% of people die from trauma to the brain stem from this type of injury. In my case very traumatic with injury to disc and nerves, I learned to live with it but never fully recovered. You're one of my favourite Celebrities, Nate, I love your positive attitude, your openness and honesty, and your courage and mental fortitude. Along with all that fierceness, being a ferocious animal in giant waves, you still have such a gentle humility and a sweet loving nature. You're a good style of a human being, and long may you continue to inspire others.

I've broken my back three times: once playing rugby, once surfing, and once snowboarding. They were each very different and the treatment was different. My best advice is: don't rush it. Your bones take as long as they take to heal. Back injuries last for the rest of your life so let them get better in the short term so they are better in the long term.

As a trauma doc and bodysurfer, I CAN confirm that your muscle fitness held EVERYTHING in place. Someone w/o it could have had movement after a compression fracture and the trauma of getting held down could have been devastating. Keep doing what feels good for you--YOU know your body better than anyone:) Also, if you still have pain, the salmon based calcium nasal spray for osteoporosis is really good for PAIN too and no one really knows WHY;)

Missed you at the Shootout and the Eddie! Get healthy and get back in there Nate!

Stoked to see you healing and making progress! I’ve had a couple of serious back injuries and they can really wreck your life if you don’t take the recovery process seriously.

Wow. As a dude from 🇨🇦 whose never stood on a surfboard I really appreciate this breakdown, to understand and get a feeling for it 👍

An incredible description. You took us with you on that ride. The video graphically and brilliantly captured the whole moments with such clarity, a viewer's body and mind able to sympathetically experience what you did, without the realness and pain. Take it easy on the exercises, give your system time to really heal.

impressively lucid and detailed breakdown. glad you're on a quick mend. rewarding to know all that (day to day) time and effort we put into staying fit and healthy pays off MOST when shit goes dangerously sideways.

Hey Nate Praise God you are okay and your injury isn’t as bad as it could be. I’m an intermediate California surfer now living in Idaho. I watch your KZfaq all the time. It’s always super motivating and fun! I love the humor that’s always in your videos. My wife is from Maui and used to be close neighbors to Kai Lenny in Sprecks. I love your guys humor so much I think we could be boys if we ever met. Anyways glad you’re okay and your injury is not super major! God is good and glad you’re on the mend! Can’t wait to see new content 🤙🏼

Man, you are one lucky bloke Nathan, your fitness at the time of your injury definitely contributed to both at that moment and your recovery. Good to see you back up and training so hard. I wasn’t so lucky, C3 fracture, two blown discs and now am fused from C4 to C7, no more Surfing as at each end of the fusion is now the two hinge points to my neck. Not whining, but it’s how you deal with it mentally is the biggest hurdle. GO CHARGE MATE!!!!

Nate . . . you were and still are my fitness hero. I can totally see how all the insane fitness workouts you do protected you. It motivates me to keep on doing my toned-down version of your workouts (I'm way older). Wishing you good, swift healing, although it's clear that's already happening. Best to you, man.

Take your time bro...Untempered ambition is always a negative, but extremely hard to recognize...Your young, there's no hurry....None....Good luck...

Truly one of the great surfing insights we’ve ever seen. The analysis of what happened, where your thinking was at, the aftermath, your recovery program. This is invaluable information that might help us find some inner strength.

Thanks for sharing an indepth very thoughtful description of what happened and especially your thought process through it all up to now. Tons of respect for you … despite not being able to surf The Eddie, Backdoor & many epic Winter days … you are always there supporting everyone else anyways. Thankfully you are on the home stretch with so much more to look forward to … with all the best!

Totally relate to the recovery and grind process. The dedication to push to the boundaries of your sport is what drives us. As the only one-lunged, one-leged surfer, every bit of my training is geared to push the sport of adaptive surfing forward. Hope to see you out on the water soon!

this detailed explanation is intense. much respect to you Nathan and speedy recovery!

Healing is part of the journey of life. Wishing you a speedy recovery.

So glad the bone is almost totally healed! And that you listened to the pain in your body. Love the surf videos, especially the POV, feels like I’m out there!

It's rare I watch a full KZfaq video, but I was hooked in. Your channel has some of my favourite content at the moment .speedy recovery from Ireland 🇮🇪 🤙

Wow that was well done. Thanks for taking us through the moment and aftermath. Keep the stoke up… nearly back at it. That first paddle will be soooo sweet

I love surfing. I am NOT a big wave surfer. I’ve surfed for thirty years and never been barreled; I wish I had the athletic ability to do it now and I really admire your surfing Nathan. Breaking your back at Jaws is the most Gnarls Fucking Barkley surfing shit ever hit then you go and recover in such an inspirational way. Guys like you and Koa are true athletes. Stay stoked.

Nathan… glad to see your alive and enjoying the wave story. My broken back was from an auto accident 11 years ago. After my therapist told me (90 days in) that he didn’t want to hear about surf, waves, or any other b.s. in his office anymore.. I decided to listen as he explained it takes 1.5 to 2 years to recover IF…. Yes IF…. I DID EVERYTHING HE TOLD ME TO DO…. For recovery and followed the plan. I nodded… ok … got it! And a year and a half later… I was in the water enjoying the sunset… grateful my back had recovered… and totally at peace wether I got a wave or not! My decision to follow direction got me back in the water for another day…✨🙏✨

Glad you are in your feet, good luck with recovery

simply, elite athlete. In tune with your body, your ability and mostly attitude. found this inspirational.

Wow. As someone that has had a back injury, this is great to hear. Glad you're better.

Broke my t7 vertebre kayaking off a waterfall 15 years ago, compression fracture. Healed up perfectly. You'll be good, good luck with the healing Nathan

I’m so glad you’re recovering so quickly. That’s awesome.

Favorite surf channel, period. Thank you for the eloquent review of what happened. Always engaged by your storytelling. Be safe and stay strong!

Natural Story Teller . Incredible content . Thank you Nathan for sharing

Fascinating recount of how much decision making goes into this critical 10 seconds. We are all praying for a speedy recovery for you!

3 spinal fusions from a fractured vertebrae with 2 herniated disks and finally back into the water.. its.. been a journey. I wish ya a good recovery man, dont push yourself too hard in recovery. I learned that lesson the hard way and set myself back two years.

Man I've watched this three time now. That shot of the second wave hitting you is just blood curdling. And the commentary is very evocative, my favourite of your videos so far. I screwed my neck on something about a quarter that size. I'm trying my best to strengthen it but I don't know if surfing's in my future. Hearing you so passionate about getting back out makes me feel better about when I did it. You gotta push yourself. I never got barrelled at jaws, but even just catching some mediocre waves, I wouldn't swap it for a twisty neck.

Damn thats crazy, the way you tell the story made me feel like I was the one getting destroyed by the waves. You are a beast man, phisicaly and mentaly, the ammount of things you have in your mind at the same time and the quick decision making when surfing big waves is insane. Wish you a speedy recovery dude.

I did 10% compression fractures of t11&12 landing on sand bar In only 3ft surf. I can’t imagine what 25ft jaws could do. Glad to see you’re recovering so fast. Took me over a year to heal, taking it passively. 🤙🏼

Just tore my mcl surfing at logs the other day and this is keeping me motivated to go beast mode on recovery and get ready for summer season. Thanks for sharing you story, hope you can still get some late winter swells.

Always helpful to see how elite pros overcome obstacles. It’s motivating, thank you.

Nathan , I had 2 vertebrae compression fractures in 1990 spring. I surfed all that summer at Kalpana before Madame Pele covered Kalapana. I remember that I started surfing again about 2 weeks after the injury. But it was only South Shore summer waves, but I recovered great. Bless you, heal fast .

Dude, I'm so thankful you're alright. Got beat up yes but you're still here with us. Those waves didn't look like they were breaking properly. Just one of those screwed-up days out there on the water, but for real though I'm glad you're alright though. We don't need another ANDY IRONS incident. R.I.P. TO THAT LEGEND OF A SURFER. MY ALL-TIME FAVORITE DUDE. KEEP R.I.P. ANDY!!!!

Stoked you´re okey Nate, such an inspiration. Due to all your workout you didn,t have more serious problems. Legend!

Wish you a speedy recovery Nate. Nice breakdown of injury and recovery.

So stoked to see how high your spirits are after something like this. You are a true inspiration Nate

That was surprisingly captivating. I enjoy the surfing but I love your wholesome positive attitude even more.

Fantastic presentation! What a story!! Very well done. Thank you, Nathan. I am very sorry for your suffering from this injury; and, I wish you complete speedy recovery and restrengthening restoration!

Good luck with your recovery. I compression fractured T1-T5 (cycling accident) took me a year to recover. You are way ahead of the curve. Stay strong. fight On!

You guys have next level determination & courage to do what you do...much respect.

Glad you're okay! Sounds super scary, I have so much respect for what you do man

3 back surgeries later and still going strong at 60...biggest secret is KEEP MOVING. You nailed it. Push for recovery, work out hard as long as it doesn't hurt, focus on the limbs you can move, keep the core solid. Awesome breakdown of your breakdown. Keep on entertaining us w/ your awesomeness!

6 weeks is incredible outlook for breaking your back dude. What a story I was on the edge of my seat as always watching your vids.

Speedy recovery champ! Soooooo heavy Nate, thanks for the breakdown, great detail on the thought process of the whole ordeal. Your wisdom and information will be helpful for many on how to deal with a serious situation. Many mahalo's team Florence

Great video, appreciate how you're sharing your thought and process in the most honest way. Especially in regards to the mental challenges an injury always brings

You're a complete stud Our thoughts and prayers are with you my friend Looking forward to your next video Nuff Said 👍🤙

Such a great review. That was incredible with the best commentary to go along with the footage. Very sorry that happened to you but thank you for being open to sharing your experience in depth with the viewers.

Nate I'm just glad you are still with us. It will be a short time out in an incredible journey. I know you have been on the sidelines of some crazy days on the North Shore but hang in there. Please go slow. Back injuries can quickly go south. I know you want to get back into it but you cant rush the healing of the disks

honestly, the most interesting surfing channel in youtube. everything I wanted to know, all the details and everything...this guy seems to be such a nice person.

I can empathize Broke my back last Feb falling down a flight of hardwood stairs. T7 shattered Your description took me back to it. So visceral. Such trauma. I don’t know about you but the fact that we’re both here says a lot. Keep going 🤙🏼

Amazing recap Nathan so happy to hear you're healing and feeling good. You guys are all amazing and we thank you for allowing us to join you on your adrenaline rush surf adventures. The cliff is as close to Pe'ahi as I'll ever get at 54. 🤙🤙

Nathan, from spain, have a speedy recovery, and come back stronger 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪

Best wishes for a speedy recovery. Sometimes even the very best get worked too badly. Full English breakfasts, strong Indian tea and lots of rich, traditional vittles are what you need.

Glad you made it! Continued recovery, thanks for your insight into those huge waves!

Your mind and being is great bro… never be afraid to speak it please… this man doesnt say anything he doesnt think about tirelessly i promise you.

Glad to see you almost recovered thank you for sharing your rehab as well, the continued lifting maybe sent nutrients to the injury and facilitated a quicker healing process going to use that (hopefully will never need it) ....exercise unless its painful approach Blessings!

Amazing story. Thats great you didn't have a terrible injury. I hope you can get back to your kick ass surfing as soon as possible Nathan. Take care of yourself.

As always, great information. What you have explained here can be applied to any endeavor. Thanks for sharing!

Up front and straight, learn from the best! Best on your recovery!

Stoked for you that you are almost fully recovered mate! Next to diet and exercises, don't underestimate the importance of a positive and constructive mindset like you have. Have also gone through some injuries, can relate 100%. Looking forward to see your surfing vids again soon!

Dude, wow, totally incredible awareness of self and surroundings. Heal then surf.

I'm so happy to hear your doing well bro. Love watching you push yourself! Want to see you getting barrelled into your old age 🤙

Great perspective. Very informative.

Thanks for sharing the story of your experience. So well explained. Healing and blessings to you 🙏 Godspeed!

What an inspiration you are man. Take a good recovery. Thanks for your effort in bring content to your channel. Hope you create a good team to proccess all the clips that you should have. And create more content, concentrate in your surfing. Keep pushing the limits 🔥

Stoked you are healing so well🤙Keep up the great work🙏

Praying for your healing bro!! So inspirational to hear your determination!! Solid work!!! 🙌🏼🤙🏼🤙🏼

Very raw , great update you'll be back stronger than ever, take care thanks for sharing 👍

Have a speedy recovery and look forward to seeing you back out in the surf, best wishes bro

Yessir motivated and grateful for the time and thought you put into the videos. Thank you

Nate awesome update thank you for the time you are on the way to becoming a true pioneer of surfing around the world way to stay focused on what's important like staying strong for the long haul

Enjoy your vids... hope you heal fast! Also want to add a big thank you for sharing and for the inspiration as I had surgery on my neck and now post op need to strengthen etc so it’s inspiring to see what your doing to heal…. I need to do same thing!

Your channel is great and you seem like a good dude, best of luck in recovery. Listen to the doctors!

I'm glad I'm not the only one who understands hard water. Speedy recovery

Great video and info Nathan! Bummer about the broken back but glad you made it through and are recovering so well and strong. I'm a retired surfer but have been enjoying your vids this past year. They're really great and you are a brave and fearless person and surfer!

This is such a fantastic video and so detailed, well done brother. Speedy recovery

Nate. Your story was captivating. Glad you’re healing fast and keep up the quality content.

Nathan you are such a Turk! (old sobay slang for major dude)...Way too much fun and vicarious stoke following you and the wife around. Keep this going, you are a genuine guy..

God bless you and that it wasn’t worse. You really took a tumble. 😯 I broke my L1 vertebrae I know that pain. I fell 8 feet landed on my back. I was a fitness instructor at the time a runner and personal trainer. I couldn’t. Do anything for 6 months and had to wear a brace. When I was cleared I started back slowly working my core doing more extension squats and ran a 5k warrior dash 2 years later You are incredible to be doing what your doing only 4 weeks out. Be wise to make sure the bones heal properly and I would avoid any rotations. I am back as a PT and hope one day to teach kick boxing again it was Oct 2009 when I last taught it before I broke my back.

Great analysis and explanation to us mortals who never saw that view before.

Man your injury definitely put a huge damper on everybody’s winter! Just glad you’re ok and that you got the best news you could’ve regarding a broken back! It was weird because like you said 5 days went by and you seemed to be doing fine. But that just goes to show how well you take care of yourself that an injury like that almost didn’t even phase you! Lol Wishing you a speedy recovery! You’ll be back at it before you know it buddy! Hang in there!Also, for anybody that has trouble sleeping, try putting on a guided sleep meditation! Has done wonders for me! There are so many good ones on you tube! Have a great day my peeps! 😎🤙 Stay Gnarly!

Well described, hung on every word, positive dude and inspirational to a lot. You deserve the accolades you receive. No need to tell you to keep ur chin up. Look forward to next video.

Such a perfect description of a trained mind, involved in an insane life and death situation, compared to the mental processes the untrained.

Best of luck to you! Broke my L-5 on a board too and made a full recovery back to the water, hope the same goes for you ! This is one of the hardest youtube channels out there. God speed !

You are an amazing story teller, Nathan

Your a lucky dude, I'm happy that your recovering! 👍👊 I broke my neck surfing 25 years ago and I've been a Quadriplegic since 🧑‍🦽

I didn't realize so much went into the safety aspect on multiple levels. Good to see you are recovering well. Eat enough and hydrate!

Damn, wish you a speedy recovery. I once had a phat fall at a local shorebreak and broke my neck, extremely lucky to still be able to surf

Thanks for sharing! Love your positive mindset!! I'm sure you'll be back stronger!!

So that's what happened, you are one super gnarley surfer, you survived. Smart great water support crew and equipment. Hope you heal well and get back to it! The spine, spinal cord are so crucial to your life and health, take care, take it easy. Hopefully full recovery. I've had injuries that did their damage and no matter how much I've tried to recover from just ended up leaving permanent loss in ability, strength , feel, coordination. But Hell yeah!, Thank God! Heal up and get back to it, your gifted with talent. I'm a old school Boog from Hawaii but my max back in the day was maybe 10 ft Hawaiian. I prefer the smaller stuff. I admit and know my limits. Thanks for sharing your tales from the tube, most of us will never ride waves of that magnitude, Mana. Big respect, Aloha and Mahalo.

Get well soon, bro. Can't imagine such unreal conditions, risks.. You're a legend.

incredible story and very well articulated...