Vertigo Horizon
by Brandon Forest
(Davis, CA)
What I was missing.
I've been bodyboarding since the first Boogie board came out. I've surfed boards, body-surfing and the ole rash mats for the '60's. I've recently purchased a Gath Surf helmet because my wife won't let me into the water again without one. Here's why.
Two months ago I drove down to Steamer's Lane in Santa Cruz. It was a happening day, with 4'-6' surf and some 8' outsiders. I had been in the water about 45 minutes and had already racked up 3 or 4 good waves. I was paddling out when an outside set came in. I knew I was going to have to take a couple on the head, but I didn't count on a guy on a board wiping out just in front of me.
I rolled under and tried to bring my sponge between me and the board, which worked for the most part. I warded off a direct blow, but I received a glancing blow to the side of my head. Instant vertigo. I was in the washing machine of an 8' wave, stunned from the blow, and 52 degree water in my inner ear. I tombstoned my sponge climbing the leash and struggled to get on my top of my board. I was close to the rocks by this time, so I knew I had to de-de out of there. I took two more on the head before clearing the impact zone, the whole time not know which way was up.
I had someone look me over to see if I was bleeding, which I wasn't and then booked on out of the water. I knew what had happened. I had ruptured my ear-drum from the impact. I checked that by trying to clear my ears, which made my left one whistle as the air leaked out. I didn't bother with the ER, and went and saw my family Doc the next day. She referred me to an ENT, who told me what I already knew. It was ruptured and would heal itself in a month. Tomorrow is my first day back in the water, this time with a helmet.
